Since the start of the Residential Parking Permit (RPP) Program RPP customers have been required to apply for permits in person. This has included filling out paper forms, providing copies of documents, standing in long renewal lines, and making yourself available during City Hall business hours. We understand that this is clumsy, time-consuming, and inconvenient. For many years, customers have been asking for the RPP Program to be available online. It is time we transitioned to a better way.

Online permitting allows for contactless application, payment, and permit management activities. Eliminating person-to-person contact improves safety during the pandemic. It also eliminates the need to travel to City Hall. This supports the City’s Climate Smart San José greenhouse gas reduction goals.

Virtual permits mean no more lost permit fees and no more getting cited because you forgot to display your permit. Virtual permits will also help cut down on permit abuse, including fake permits and the unauthorized resale or transfer of permits. This helps ensure the RPP Program remains effective and parking is available to our customers. Eliminating hang tags reduces plastic waste. And it prevents air pollution related to shipping and mailing these tags.

Lastly, the addition of this new technology helps staff better manage the RPP Program. Modernizing the way the program works behind the scenes and in the field will help us better serve our RPP neighborhoods.

No, the system is in the early stages of implementation. Additional features and enhancements are on the horizon. In the meantime, we welcome feedback about the process and new software. We have already made changes based on your feedback. We will continue to use your comments to make adjustments, so residents can enjoy a smooth and easy transition to online permitting. Please email your comments and feedback to us at RPPfeedback@sanjoseca.gov.

If you are interested in helping us test the user experience, as we prepare to bring additional features online, including a smart phone app, please email us at RPPfeedback@sanjoseca.gov.

Your vehicle license plate will now replace your hang tag or sticker. Customers will provide their vehicle license plate information when registering and purchasing permits online. The new parking permit software will generate an electronic permit linked to the registered vehicle’s license plate number. When license plates are scanned by Parking Compliance Officers, the numbers and letters on your vehicle’s license plate are automatically referenced against the parking permit database. If the license plate is not connected to a valid virtual permit, the vehicle will be subject to a parking citation. There is no need to request enforcement of your neighborhood RPP zone. Parking Compliance Officers will patrol RPP zones after they are reactivated, ensuring that those parking within the zone have permits.

The RPP Program is being gradually phased back in. The first phase included the following zones:

• S.U.N.
• University

Registration for Phase 2 zones is now active. Flyers are being distributed in Phase 2 zones as a reminder to register for a permit. Hard enforcement will begin on Friday, April 1, 2022 in the following zones:

• Autumn/Montgomery
• Cahill Park
• College Park
• Delmas Park
• Garden/Alameda
• Horace Mann
• Parkside
• St. Leo's

Phase 3 has been activated and includes the following zones. Instructions on how to register for, purchase, and manage your residential permit were mailed to all eligible addresses on Monday, February 28, 2022:

• Berryessa
• Cadillac
• Century/Winchester
• Civic Center
• Eden
• Hoffman
• Lynhaven
• Market/Almaden
• Santana
• Sherman Oaks
• Via Monte
• West Berryessa

Announcements and updates about the RPP Program will be made on our RPP webpage. Visit this page to stay up-to-date with RPP zone reactivations. We will also share updates on DOT’s Facebook, Nextdoor, and Twitter accounts. Additionally, as each RPP zone is reactivated, a notice will be mailed directly to eligible addresses providing instructions on how to register for, purchase, and manage your residential permit(s).

Notices will be mailed to all eligible addresses within each RPP zones and should therefore, reach all eligible individuals. If you are renting or are a tenant in the S.U.N. or Horace Mann RPP zones, you will need to submit a completed Tenant Verification Form when applying for a permit. This form can be found on our RPP webpage.

RPP permits are no longer being processed and issued in person at City Hall.

When it is your turn, the permit process will take place in two steps:

1. Register for an RPP account using an active email and a unique password. Be sure to use an email that you have regular access to as future RPP information, updates, and communications will be sent to you by email. Only one online account can be set up per RPP address. You will need to upload copies of the following documents during the process:

a. A valid ID or Driver’s License

b. A rental/lease agreement, mortgage statement, current property tax bill, or most recent utility bill

c. If you are a renter within the S.U.N. zone, a completed Tenant Verification Form is required. You can find this form on our RPP webpage.

These documents are needed to help determine your eligibility for a new parking permit. After you register for an account, your uploaded information will be reviewed and verified. Once your account is approved, a confirmation email explaining how to purchase a permit and manage your account will be sent within three to five (3 to 5) business days.

2. After receiving a confirmation email, log back on to sanjose.getapermit.net to purchase permits. You will need to upload a current vehicle registration for each non-guest permit purchased. Guest permits will NOT require vehicle registrations to be uploaded.

The online process will be quicker and easier for most residents. However, we understand that not everyone has access to reliable internet. Or, some may not be comfortable using online systems. We will ensure that residents receive the assistance they need. If you cannot register for your RPP permit online, please contact us at (844) 357-4995. Assistance is available Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Interpretation services are also available in Spanish and Vietnamese at this number.

The new system accepts online payments made with debit and credit cards. Additionally, after completing the permit ordering process online you can mail a check to:

San José Permit Processing
PO Box 1023
San José, CA 95103-1023

IMPORTANT: Please be sure to note your name and full RPP address on the check.

Cash payments can be made at:

210 N. Fourth Street, Suite 150
San José, CA 95112

Our office is open Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Because of COVID restrictions, we strongly encourage you to pay online or mail payments at this time.

No, vehicles displaying a valid disabled placard or license plate can park in an RPP zone without a residential parking permit.

Our new system allows you to add guest license plates to your account quickly and easily. Once you have purchased your guest permits (if applicable), log into your online account on your computer, laptop, tablet or smart phone. Or call (844) 357-4995 during business hours to add your visitor’s license plate information.

The system allows you to enter guest license plates in advance of their visit, or in real time as they arrive at your home. Guest license plates can be saved within your account. This gives you the ability to assign and reassign guest permits in a few quick clicks.

Yes, public utility and commercial vehicles actively providing or performing services or making a pickup or delivery (i.e. plumber, cable/internet, FedEx/UPS/USPS, etc.) are not required to have a parking permit when parked within a RPP zone. In addition, any emergency vehicle (police, fire, ambulance), or E-plated vehicles engaged in work or providing services are able to temporarily park without a permit in a RPP zone.

If a service provider is using their personal vehicle when providing services at your home, they will need a virtual guest permit. We are currently exploring ways to improve and make the virtual guest permit process even more convenient. We will announce any additional features and options, as they become available.

Enforcement will return in each zone as they are reactivated. Specific information on the start of enforcement will be included in the letters mailed to addresses located in RPP zones. Parking Compliance Officers will place reminder notices on vehicles and issue warnings before hard enforcement begins. In addition, announcements and updates will be made through DOT’s Facebook, Nextdoor, and Twitter accounts.

Register for and purchase your permits as soon as possible. When registering your license plate, make sure you add the correct license plate, make, and color of your vehicle. When registering your guests, you will only need to enter the state and license plate number of their vehicle. Changes to your account can be made in real time. This ensures that Parking Compliance Officers have the most up-to-date information when enforcing.

Individuals can add or remove vehicles on their RPP account at any time. This includes temporarily assigning loaner vehicles, rental cars, or a guest permit.

• Log into your RPP account at sanjose.getapermit.net and click on the “Permits” tab.
• Locate the “Generate QR Code” button.
• Click the “Generate QR Code” button. When selected, a new window will open with an image of a QR code.
• Print the code or save it as a PDF that can then be emailed.
• Make the printed QR code available to your guests to use when they come to visit, or email it to them in advance.
• To use, scan the QR code using a mobile device camera, click “Change Guest”, and enter a vehicle license plate when prompted. Then, click “Submit”. A message confirming the license plate change will be displayed. Click “Yes” to confirm the change and assign the guest permit.

The QR code generated from your account will provide open access to assign and reassign all of your virtual guest permits. Be sure to keep your QR code secure, as it can be used by anyone that may have it. If you have more than one guest permit and do not wish all of them to be accessible through the QR code, you do have the option to lock permits.

How to lock a guest permit:

• To lock a virtual guest permit and prevent it from being accessible through the QR code, click on the “Lock Permit” button next to the specific permit you wish to lock.
• The button’s color will change from blue to grey and the button will now read “Unlock Permit”. Once this step is complete, the Guest Permit will not be accessible through the QR code.
• The permit will still be active in the system and available for use. However, any changes to the license plate it is assigned to must be made through your customer account at sanjose.getapermit.net.

How to unlock a guest permit:

• To unlock a virtual guest permit, click on the “Unlock Permit” button next to the specific permit you wish to unlock.
• The button’s color will change from grey to blue and the button will now read “Lock Permit”. Once this step is complete, the Guest Permit will now be accessible through the QR code.