The Alexandria City Council will consider substantial increases to residential parking permit fees at its upcoming April 8 legislative meeting. The proposed ordinance would amend the city code to raise fees across all permit categories, with the most significant increases targeting households with multiple vehicles.
The ordinance, scheduled for introduction and first reading, would modify Section 5-8-77 of the city code governing parking permits in residential districts. If approved, the changes would take effect following a second reading and enactment planned for April 30.
Under the proposal, the annual fee for a first vehicle permit would increase from $40 to $55, representing a 37.5% increase. Second vehicle permits would rise from $50 to $75, a 50% jump. The most substantial increase affects additional vehicles and special permits, which would climb from $150 to $250, a 66.7% increase.
The fee hikes would apply to all residential parking permits, including those issued to in-home childcare and healthcare providers, and would increase from $150 to $250.
According to city documents, the cost to implement these changes is described as “nominal,” primarily involving staff time associated with billing adjustments. No additional funding is required for implementation.
The proposed ordinance comes after several years without fee increases. A historical chart included with the council documents shows that residential parking permit fees have remained unchanged since at least 2015.
A comparison with neighboring jurisdictions reveals that Alexandria’s current fees are generally lower than those in similar areas. Arlington charges $40 for a first vehicle permit, $55 for a second, and $65 for a third vehicle. Washington, D.C. charges $50 for a first vehicle, $75 for a second, and $100 for a third.
Annapolis, Maryland, has a two-tier system based on whether households have off-street parking available. For households without off-street parking, Annapolis charges $55 for a first vehicle, $75 for a second, $150 for a third, and $275 for a fourth. Households with off-street parking pay higher rates: $75 for a first vehicle, $100 for a second, $200 for a third, and $350 for a fourth.
If approved, Alexandria’s new fee structure would raise the city’s rates slightly above Arlington’s but generally in line with or slightly below those in Washington, D.C., and Annapolis.
The ordinance change is supported by City Manager James F. Paragon, and several city officials, including Deputy City Manager Emily A. Baker, City Attorney Cheran Ivery, Assistant City Attorney Lindsay Dubin, and Transportation & Environmental Services Director Adriana Castañeda. According to a memo, the Traffic and Parking Board reviewed the proposed permit fee increase at their meeting on March 24, 2025, and voted 7-0 to recommend that the Council approve the amendment to increase the fees. In addition, “they noted the fees could be increased further to be more representative of the value of the parking space and recommended reviewing increases to the permit fees more frequently”.
Alexandria’s residential permit parking program covers multiple districts throughout the city. According to the City, these districts are designed to protect residential neighborhoods from parking congestion caused by nearby commercial areas, metro stations, or other high-traffic generators.
The permit system allows residents to park beyond posted time limits in their designated districts. Permits are issued to residents who can provide proof of residence and vehicle registration, along with confirmation that all personal property taxes on the vehicle have been paid to the city.
In addition to standard residential permits, the city issues visitor permits valid for up to 30 days, guest permits for specific dates, and business permits for people doing business with residents or property owners in permit districts.
The proposed ordinance maintains these permit categories and their eligibility requirements while only adjusting the fee structure.
Following the introduction and first reading on April 8, the ordinance will proceed to a public hearing scheduled for April 22, followed by a second reading and final passage on April 30.
Residents who wish to provide feedback on the proposed fee increases can attend the public hearing or contact their City Council representatives before the final vote.
If approved on the proposed schedule, the new fees would take effect shortly after the April 30 final passage, impacting residents when they next renew their parking permits.
