Reserve parking spaces and parking meters with temporary street occupancy permits

Steps to getting a temporary street occupancy permit

Note You will not receive a refund for your temporary street occupancy permit if a car is parked in your permitted parking spot before signs are installed or if the signs are stolen or vandalized. If a car is in your permitted parking spot before the signs are up, it won't be towed.

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  Step 1: Review requirements for waste and storage containers/bins

  Placing a bin/container where parking regulations have been temporarily suspended

  • Additional fees are generally required
  • You may be required to get a street occupancy permit if the bin/container is on the street or in a special zone (Staff will advise of and prepare this additional permit for you to coincide with your temporary street occupancy permit.)

  Placing a bin/container in front of your own home where no parking regulation exists

  • Request permission up to 2 days without any fee being charged (You must receive a permit granting such permission before placing the bin.)

  Securing the space by temporarily suspending parking regulations when parking is at a premium in your neighbourhood

  • Purchase a permit
  • No fee will be assessed for the bin placement if the street use is no more than 2 days
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  Step 2: Gather information

  Get location information

  • Location you need to reserve parking spaces (specific address or hundred block)
  • Existing parking regulations at the location
    • Any parking meters? Record the 6-digit meter identification numbers (not the 5-digit pay-by-phone numbers)
      Find parking meters External website, opens in new tab
    • Any parking restrictions? Record any restrictions for time-limited parking, permit parking, and zones for certain vehicles and activities.
      Find residential permit zones
  • Extent of street use needed (parking lane only, travel lane, or more). Are sidewalk, bike lanes, or rush-hour lanes required for your activity, do you require use of the rear lane?

  Gather information on why you need the permit

  • Date, time, and duration of your work
  • Details about your work

  Get a traffic management plan

  Some uses of public property may require a submission of a traffic management plan.

  Get insurance

  Applications for temporary street occupancy permits must be accompanied by either: 

  • Commercial General Liability Insurance Certificate PDF file (270 KB) or,
  • Wrap-up Liability Insurance Certificate PDF file (293 KB)

  Exception for residents: If you’re moving in or out of an address as a resident, with or without a bin or container, you do not need to provide insurance. This requirement applies only to businesses.

  Information icon  The certificate names the City of Vancouver. 

  Information icon  Businesses and contractors must provide the insurance certificate before a temporary street occupancy permit is issued.

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  Step 3: Apply for permit

  Simple applications are generally approved right away. 

  Online

  1. Gather required information and insurance certificates (refer to step 2)

  2. Apply for your permit by registering for an account and submit your application online.

  Apply for permit

  ​Note Apply and pay for your permit in advance. We require a minimum of 7 to 10 business days from the time payment is received to process and issue the requested permit. This is to make sure the temporary occupancy permit can be enforced and allow for scheduling and installation of temporary signage.

  Having issues paying for your permit online? Email engineering.clientservices@vancouver.ca for support.

  In person

  Email engineering.clientservices@vancouver.ca to book your appointment.