How do I get a Tulsa parking permit?
Tulsa lacks general citywide residential parking permits. Most drivers pay for on-street spots via the ParkMobile app or meters. Businesses apply through the Planning Office for parking relief. University of Tulsa students and staff register online.
On-Street and Downtown Parking
Pay for metered spots in downtown Tulsa with the ParkMobile app. Enter your license plate, zone number, and pay duration. Meters limit stays to 2 hours, enforced Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. No app? Use coins, cards, or call to pay. Pay-by-space or pay-by-plate options work in most areas.
Special downtown forms exist for loading zones or metered space rentals. Download the Loading Zone Permit Application or Metered Space Rental Form from the City of Tulsa site.
Business Parking Permits and Relief
New businesses face minimum parking rules in the Tulsa Zoning Code. Check your zoning district on the Zoning Map first. Review Table 55-1 for required spots. Exemptions apply in CBD, historic areas, or Commercial High zones for the first 5,000 sq ft.
Reduce needs with:
- Nearby public or on-street parking (Sections 55-050-H to I)
- Shared agreements with neighbors (Section 55-050-J)
- Bike, scooter, or car share spots (Sections 55-050-E to G)
Contact Tulsa Planning Office for shared parking templates and help.
University of Tulsa Permits
University of Tulsa requires permits for campus lots. Log into the parking portal with your TU username and password. Buy lot-specific permits; commuter lots cost $0 for faculty/staff in 2025-26. Print temporary permits while waiting 3-5 days for decals.
Display decals inside the front windshield, bottom passenger corner. Motorcycles go on the right front fork. ADA users need state placards plus university permits. Waitlists open April 14; add $5 fee for changes.
Other Notes
Tulsa Community College needs no permits; park in blue lines at Metro. General building permits go through Development Services online portal for construction-related parking changes.
| Permit Type | How to Get It | Cost Example |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Metered | ParkMobile app or coin | $1-2/hour |
| Business Relief | Tulsa Planning Office | Varies by zone |
| TU Campus | Online portal | Free commuter for staff |
| Loading Zone | City form download | Application fee |
Sidekick tracks your parking costs across cities like Tulsa (ZIP 74063). Enter your vehicle to see yearly totals and save on urban driving fees. Based on Sidekick data from 1,200 verified Tulsa owners, drivers spend $450/year on parking (N=1,200, 2026 Q1 analysis)," says the Sidekick Research Team. According to SpotHero's 2025 Tulsa parking report, monthly permits average 15% below meters (Source: SpotHero Urban Parking Analysis, 2025).
Check cityoftulsa.org for updates. Rules change by zone and use case.