Resident permit FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Answers to commonly asked questions about residential parking permits.
How does Council define a permanent resident?
Permanent resident refers to anyone who owns or rents a home (house or unit) in the City of Sydney. It also includes resident owners, resident managers or resident caretakers who live in pubs, small hotels, hostels or backpacker hotels.
Boarding houses are eligible for up to two resident parking permits and priority is given to the resident owner, resident caretaker or resident manager.
It does not include non-resident landlords, hotel or hostel guests, or occupants of serviced apartments..
What does Council mean by residential property?
A residential property has been approved for residential use – as opposed to commercial, industrial or any other use - by Council. If a property or part of a property is used for residential purposes but is not approved as such, owners should apply for it by lodging a Change in Category of Land form.
Which vehicles can have a permit?
When Council refers to vehicles, we usually mean cars and motorcycles. Vehicles that aren’t eligible include boats, caravans, trucks, buses, tractors and other trailers and heavy vehicles (over 3 tonnes Gross Vehicle Mass). Such vehicles must observe on-street parking restrictions.
What if my residence has on-site parking but I can’t use it?
You can’t apply for a permit just because you find parking in your on-site parking space too difficult. For example if your car is too big for the spot or for any other, similar reason. However, if your household has one on-site parking space and two vehicles, you may be eligible for a permit – as long as both cars are registered at the same address.
My household is eligible for two permits – can they be in different names and for different vehicles?
Yes, although a higher fee applies when a second permit is issued to a household, whether the first permit is in the same name or a different one.
I’m moving in to the City, can I get a permit before I change my address details over?
Yes, a temporary parking permit may be issued to tenants or owners of eligible properties. Contact the City for more information on 02 9265 9333.
What documents do I need to submit with my application?
You will need two forms of proof of residency as well as a current NSW Vehicle Registration Certificate. All documents must be in your name and show the same address in the City of Sydney. If you have one on-site parking space in use by another vehicle registered to your address, you must also submit its Vehicle Registration Certificate. You can scan and email your documents with your application form or send copies by post. Don’t send original documents.
How long does the permit last?
Permits last for 12 months. See how to apply for details on renewing a permit.
Can I transfer my permit between vehicles?
No – a permit is not transferable. It must be permanently fixed to the vehicle. On cars and small vans, it should go on the left-hand side of the windscreen, ideally near the vehicle’s registration sticker. Thus you can’t apply for a permit if:
- You bring a different vehicle home from work every night
- You drive a vehicle that is on permanent or long-term loan to you but is registered in a friend or relative’s name.
The only way to apply for a permit for a different vehicle is to cancel the original permit so a new permit can be issued.
What if my vehicle is registered interstate?
If your vehicle is registered interstate (and you can produce the original registration certificate or a photocopy or faxed copy), Council will issue you with a temporary resident parking permit valid for three (3) months. By law, if you have moved from interstate you must change your driver’s licence and vehicle registration over with the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority within 3 months. The City will renew your permit once you’ve changed to the NSW system.
If the vehicle registered interstate is a company car, then an annual permit may be issued if your application includes a letter (on company letterhead), stating that you normally use the vehicle and that it is registered interstate in the company name. The letter must be signed by an appropriate officer of the company.
Can I get a replacement permit?
Yes. You can apply for a replacement permit if your original permit is lost, stolen, destroyed or damaged. Contact the City on 02 9265 9333 for more information.
Are permits available for temporary replacement vehicles?
If your vehicle is damaged or stolen, the City will issue an interim permit for up to 3 months for a replacement vehicle. Contact the City on 02 9265 9333 for more information.
What if I've purchased a new car?
If a brand new vehicle has been purchased, and you have a current permit, the City will swap your permit over to the new car free of charge. Discounts on permits apply to greener, cleaner cars.
Can business and resident parking permits be issued to the same property?
Yes. If the property is a residence with a registered business operating from that property, the occupants are eligible to apply for a resident parking permit. Also, if there is a vehicle registered in the business name at the same address then a business permit may be issued to that vehicle subject to meeting the normal eligibility criteria.
Can I cancel my permit and get a refund?
If a permit is cancelled and returned (for example, because you sell your car or move) at least three months before it is due to expire, the City will refund 50% of the applicable price. Refunds will be made in 10 working days by cheque or direct deposit only.
Last updated: Monday, 29 April 2013