Parking Permits

Parking permits are ideal for drivers who need a place to routinely park in the downtown and Fairhaven business districts. Parking spots are available for much less than the daily meter rate. 

New Parking Permit Software on July 1, 2024

We are making changes to our parking permit software to streamline the management of permits. The software will come with a new look, updated interface, autopay features, and will make it easier for customers to make changes to their own accounts. Starting July 1, all current permit holders will need to create a new account in the new system.

Staff monitor the use of the City’s off and on street parking permitted lots. If some lots are underutilized while others are exceeding target occupancy rates, prices will be updated to reflect demand. For example, there was a significant waiting list at the Railroad Garage and at the Central Lot in December 2022. To employ best parking management strategies of maintaining industry standard occupancy rates at 85%, we adjusted the pricing models for these locations.

The City had underutilization in several other permit locations. We seek to increase occupancy in those areas to support the use of the facility for intended purposes and increase available parking spaces on the downtown streets.

Learn more by watching the recorded December 12, 2022 City Council meeting and viewing the supporting documents (Agenda Bill 23571).

Downtown Permit Locations and Rates

Map of downtown Bellingham with red lines showing where paid parking is and squares to indicate where permit lots are.
Click on the map to open a PDF version.

Current rates for off-street permit parking (please note these rates changed in February 2023, see Parking Permit Price Changes above):

LocationMonthly Rate
Commercial Street Garage (1300 Commercial St)
* Permit required 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday		Floors 2-5: $30
Mezzanine (alley access): $95
Railroad Avenue Garage (1215 Railroad Ave)
* Permit required 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday		Floor 2: $80
Street level: $105
Depot Market Lot/South Lot (1100 Railroad Ave)
* Permit required 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday
This lot may be closed during events, including the Saturday Farmers Market when in session.		$65
Central Avenue Lot (West of Prospect St)
* Permit required 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday		$75

Rates for on-street permit parking:

LocationMonthly Rate
North Railroad Lot (1500 block Railroad Ave)
* Permit required at all times		$25

Fairhaven Permit Locations and Rates

Map of Fairhaven with red lines along the blocks between approximately 8th Street, Mckenzie Ave, Finnegan Way, and 13th Street. One permit parking area on McKenzie Ave.
Click on the map to open a PDF version.

Rates for on-street permit parking:

LocationMonthly Rate
McKenzie Avenue Lot (1000 block McKenzie Ave)
* Permit required 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday		$65

Apply for a New Parking Permit or Update an Existing Permit

  • In Person: Visit the Finanace Department at City Hall (210 Lottie Street).
    • Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
  • Online: Apply via our Online Customer Portal.

For addtional information, please read the City’s Parking Permit Terms and Conditions.

Residential Parking Permits

A residential parking zone has been established for certain streets within Bellingham city limits. To find out if your street is included in any of the zones, review the residential parking zone section​ ​of the Municipal Code for a list of the streets and rules governing the residential parking zones within the City. Residential Parking Permits are provided at no cost to residents within the parking zones.

Commercial Parking Permits​

The City of Bellingham offers Commercial Parking Permits (formerly “Mechanics Vehicle Permits”). This allows in-home healthcare providers, contractors, and other tradespeople who frequently work downtown or Fairhaven to park without paying meter or pay station fees while performing work. 

  • Cost: $250 per year per permit. Rate covers January through December and is not prorated. Can submit one application for multiple permits.
  • Permit can be shared by vehicles with the same company signage. Signage is to be permanent.
  • Virtual permits are used, meaning hangtags are not needed. Vehicle license plates are scanned to confirm permits.
  • Terms of use are on the permit application.
  • Purchase a permit via the online customer portal.

Low-Income Discount Permit Parking

The City of Bellingham offers an 80% reduction for full-time residents of subsidized low-income housing located within a parking management zone that is eligible for the utility discount established in BMC 15.04.070(C), subject to a limit of one discounted permit per household per permit period.

To apply for the low-income discount permit parking, fill out the application below, then select the discount permit registration location being applied for and attach the application along with proof of city residency.

Discount Permit Registration Locations

Questions? 

Contact City of Bellingham Parking Services at (360) 778-7780 or parking@cob.org. We are located in the Finance Office of City Hall at 210 Lottie Street. 

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