To get a residential parking permit in West Chester, you need to live in a designated permit area and submit proof of ownership and residency.
What You'll Need
Here's what the Parking Services Department requires:
- Valid Pennsylvania driver's license registered to your property address
- Copy of your deed or property tax bill
- Valid vehicle registration
- Application fee (amount set by Borough Council)
If you rent instead of own, your landlord must register the vehicle with your signed lease, and they must have an active rental license with you listed as a current tenant.
How to Apply
Visit west-chester.com and click on "Parking Appeals, Payments, Permits," then select "Permit Application." You can also contact the Parking Services Department at 610-692-7574.
All permits are nontransferable and virtual. They're tied to your license plate, so if you change vehicles, you'll need to purchase a new permit and deactivate the old one.
Check if Your Street Qualifies
Not every street in West Chester requires a permit. Designated areas have specific parking restrictions and times (for example, Area A operates 5 PM to 6 AM). Check the Residential Parking Permit Map on the West Chester website to see if your block is in a permit zone.
Special Cases
Military personnel on active duty can qualify by showing military ID, two proof-of-residency documents, a driver's license, vehicle registration, and the application fee.
If you're renting student housing, the maximum number of permits allowed is based on your unit's total tenants minus designated off-street parking spaces.
Property managers can get one hangtag permit per rental property for maintenance and service visits, but this cannot be used for daily parking by residents.
Keep your documents updated. For renters, permits now expire when your lease expires, and the Borough will verify your rental license and tenant status before approving your application.