Helpful Info 

Reserving Moving Truck Parking in Portland

A Customer's Guide when Preparing to Move with a Truck

If you're moving and need to park your moving truck or POD in a high-traffic area, navigating the city's complex parking process and making a reservation can be confusing. Here are some tips to help you through the process. Parking mishaps can result in wasted time, money, and inconveniences, such as the unavailability of parking spaces and the need to walk long distances to load a moving truck or van. Don't let a lousy parking day ruin your move! Because let's face it, you've got bigger things to stress about, like figuring out how to fit your entire life into a few boxes and not breaking your favorite lamp.

Do I need to reserve parking for my moving truck? 

First of all, ask your moving company if they have obtained a temporary no-parking zone permit, reserved a metered parking spot through the Parking Kitty app, or if this is a service the moving company provides. This added value service by your moving company is worth considering the price. 

In the city of Portland and surrounding areas, customers may be charged parking fees by moving companies if they require temporary no-parking zone permits or need to reserve a metered parking spot via the Parking Kitty app to park their moving truck or van. The cost of the permit or reservation may be included in the overall cost of the move, or the moving company may charge a separate fee for parking. It's important to discuss any parking fees with the moving company upfront and clarify what they will cover and how they will be charged to avoid any confusion or unexpected expenses.

How do I know which option I need to choose to reserve a parking spot? 

The answer to this question largely depends on whether or not you are located within a metered parking zone area.

Do you want to skip the headache and let us handle the local bureaucracy of reserving a parking spot for you? If yes, use or form to request assistance: Fill out Form >

First of all, ask your moving company if they have obtained a temporary no-parking zone permit, reserved a metered parking spot through the Parking Kitty app, or if this is a service the moving company provides. This added value service by your moving company is worth considering the price. 

In the city of Portland and surrounding areas, customers may be charged parking fees by moving companies if they require temporary no-parking zone permits or need to reserve a metered parking spot via the Parking Kitty app to park their moving truck or van. The cost of the permit or reservation may be included in the overall cost of the move, or the moving company may charge a separate fee for parking. It's important to discuss any parking fees with the moving company upfront and clarify what they will cover and how they will be charged to avoid any confusion or unexpected expenses.

How do I know which option I need to choose to reserve a parking spot? 

The answer to this question largely depends on whether or not you are located within a metered parking zone area.

Metered Parking 

You can use the map below. If you are in the shaded areas, you most likely have metered parking which you should use Parking Kitty to reserve your moving truck parking conveniently.  In a metered parking area, it's crucial to take measures to protect your spot from others who may try to take it.

One way to do this is to reserve the spot using Parking Kitty (see info below) and then block it with objects such as cones, trash cans, or another vehicle. You could also hire someone to keep an eye on the spot until the truck arrives. However, keep in mind that people may still park in the spot despite these efforts, so having a backup plan is important.

If you need a detailed view of public parking options near your desired location or want to know which ones apply, you can use the PBOT map feature. The map (shown below) provides precise information on the site of parking meters and areas. Do I need assistance with parking during my move?

The need for a parking reservation depends on whether you want your moving truck to park on the sidewalk or in the middle of the street of downtown Portland like it's a monster truck rally!  But in all seriousness, yes, you should reserve parking for your moving truck if you are in high traffic to avoid any unnecessary stress and chaos on a moving day. In a metered parking area, it's crucial to take measures to protect your spot from others who may try to take it.

One way to do this is to reserve the spot using Parking Kitty and then block it with objects such as cones, trash cans, or another vehicle. You could also hire someone to keep an eye on the spot until the truck arrives. However, keep in mind that people may still park in the spot despite these efforts, so having a backup plan is important.

If you are concerned that the moving truck or van may be blocked or towed, you can contact the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) at (503) 823-5185 and ask for information about parking regulations and enforcement in the area. You can also call PBOT Parking Enforcement at (503) 823-5195 to report any parking violations or issues.

App to Use: Parking Kitty

This app is incredibly convenient and easy to use. 

Download the App for Apple Here 
Download the App for Android. Here

Parking Kitty allows you to pay for and secure a metered parking spot in advance in the City of Portland. This feature is called "Park Now" and allows you to pay for parking ahead of time using the Parking Kitty app, which will reserve the parking spot for you during the specified period. It is important to note that while this feature can help ensure that you have a parking spot available when you need it, it does not guarantee that the spot will be available when you arrive. Other drivers may still park in the spot before your reservation begins.

If you can't find a metered parking spot near your destination for the moving truck, a "(TSUP) 7-Day Non-Metered Parking Reservation Permit" is your next best option. While it may cost more, securing the spot is often more effective.

If you are concerned that the moving truck or van may be blocked or towed, you can contact the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) at (503) 823-5185 and ask for information about parking regulations and enforcement in the area. You can also call PBOT Parking Enforcement at (503) 823-5195 to report any parking violations or issues.

Non-metered Parking

This permit (TSUP Permit) is issued by the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT). The permit allows an individual or a moving company to reserve a non-metered on-street parking space for one or up to seven consecutive days. This permit is typically used for moving trucks, vans, or other vehicles that require ample space for loading and unloading. The permit is valid only for the specific location and time listed on the permit and does not guarantee the availability of parking spaces. It is important to note that this permit cannot be used in restricted parking zones, such as No Parking (all hours or limited hours), Pay To Park, Transit, and others Car Share zones.

Permit Terms and Conditions:

This permit authorizes you to reserve legal parking spaces outside of the Metered Parking District. However, this permit is not valid in restricted parking zones such as No Parking (all hours or limited hours), Pay To Park, Transit, and Car Share. Signs (shown below) such as Car Share Prohibited-Time Parking and Pay To Park will indicate areas where the customer shall not use this permit.

We recommend going to the website www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation for the most up-to-date information on the terms of this application, but here is a brief list of terms and conditions provided by the city to keep in mind: 

“This permit applies for on-street parking reservations for activities such as moving, utility work, property maintenance, construction, and event loading/unloading.”

“You can reserve parking using this permit for storage containers, trucks, vans, materials, and equipment, but not for any passenger vehicles or SUVs.”

“The permit fee is non-refundable and allows you to reserve up to 100 feet of parking for a maximum of 7 consecutive days. If you require additional space or time, apply for a Simple Temporary Street Use Permit instead.”

When reserving a parking spot that isn't metered, either you or the moving company may be required to provide your address verification, typically with a utility bill and your driver's license information. This information will be used to apply online with the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT).

It's important to keep in mind that if you opt for a moving company and acquire a permit for a temporary no-parking zone, make sure to verify that the assigned location has been appropriately marked with signs indicating the temporary restriction and the reason for it.

What are the costs of a “Non-metered Parking”, and how do I apply?

The permit fee is typically $30 - $70 (not including processing fees) for truck parking (last updated 03/02/2023). The price increases for every 20 ft you add to the application.  For up-to-date pricing, please be sure to visit the PBOT website. 

After submitting your application, a confirmation email will be sent to you with a link to an online invoice. Once the invoice has been paid, a link will be provided to a webpage containing the PERMIT ID CARD, which should be placed on the dashboard of your moving truck. I f you reserved a POD or other shipping container you can attach this note to the side of the box. The city will also provide NO PARKING SIGNS, which you will need to print in color and display yourself.

To ensure that the parking permit is displayed correctly in the city of Portland, it is essential to follow these steps:

• You will be emailed parking reservation signs with your permit. You are responsible for printing and placing these signs on barricades at the curb in advance of the permit dates. 

• Print the NO PARKING SIGNS provided in color on a standard 8.5 x 11-inch paper.

• We recommend Laminating the signs or cover them with clear tape to protect them from rain and damage.

• You are responsible for providing the barricades. The barricades must be placed in such a manner as to be visible and readable from the street. American Barricade Co. www.ambarr.com. You can also attach the signs to where the parking space will be reserved using string, rope, or tape.

ASSISTANCE REQUESTS

Do you want to skip the headache and let us handle the local bureaucracy of reserving a parking spot for you?   If yes, use or form to request assistance:  Fill out Form >