Moving in Seattle? Have you figured out where the moving truck is going to park? It may not be the first thing on your moving list, but it’s definitely something you should plan ahead.

Depending on where the truck needs to park, there may be a little paperwork involved. So, let’s go over what you need to know before moving day.

Do You Need a Permit for a Moving Truck in Seattle?

It depends on where the truck is going to park. A moving truck by itself doesn’t need a general street use permit in Seattle. But if you need to reserve curb space for the truck, that’s when you’ll need to arrange it with SDOT.

You’ll need a Temporary No Parking Zone to reserve the space for your move and a Restricted Area Parking (RAP) permit for the moving truck to park there.

So, if you already have a driveway, loading area, or another place where the truck can legally park, you don’t need to reserve street space. If you need that space on the street, then you’ll want to take care of this.

How to Reserve Street Parking for Your Moving Truck

First, Take a Look at the Street

Check the street where you’re planning to park the truck. Is it paid parking, with a pay station or PayByPhone, or is it a regular unpaid street? The process is different for each so let’s go over both.

If You’re in a Paid Parking Area

If the truck needs to park in a paid or metered space, you’ll start by applying through the Seattle Services Portal (1 to 2 weeks in advance). If you don’t already have an account, you’ll need to create one first. From there, look for the Temporary No Parking Zone application for a paid parking area. 

For the application, you’ll need the curbspace ID numbers for the spaces you want to reserve and the nearest address. You can find the curbspace IDs on the small round metal plates on the sidewalk next to the parking spaces, or look them up on Seattle’s Curb Spaces map. 

There are a few fees involved. You’ll pay for the RAP permit for the moving truck, the installation and removal of the No Parking signs, and the lost parking revenue for each space you reserve.

For paid spaces, you don’t have to arrange the No Parking signs yourself. SDOT will install and remove the Yellow or Red signs for your reservation.

If You’re on an Unpaid Street

If the truck will be parking on a regular unpaid street, the process is a little different. You’ll need to arrange the No Parking easels yourself through a local barricade company. SDOT recommends having them placed 72 hours before your move.

Once you have the easels, write the dates and times of your reservation on the signs using a non-permanent marker or grease pencil.

Then, go to the Seattle Services Portal and select Permits – Parking & Truck → Temporary No Parking Zone → Temporary No Parking Zone (unpaid area).

Once you finish the application, you’ll get a Public Notice to print. Attach it to at least two of the No Parking signs per block and make sure the signs are in place 72 hours before your move.

And don’t forget, since a moving truck will be parking in the reserved space, you’ll also need the RAP permit for the truck.

How Much Is This Going to Cost?

The cost will depend on where you’re parking and how long you need the space.

The RAP permit is $16 per truck for up to two days. If you need the truck there longer, it’s $8 for each additional day.

If you’re reserving a paid parking space, you’ll also pay $18.50 for SDOT to put up and remove the No Parking signs, plus the cost of the parking spaces you’re taking out of use for the day.

Then there’s the cost of the parking space: 

• Yellow No Parking sign: $22 per space per day Downtown or $17 outside Downtown.
• Red 24-hour Tow Away sign: $27 per space per day Downtown or $20 outside Downtown.

For an unpaid street, you won’t have those daily parking charges, but you will have to pay the barricade company for the No Parking easels. That price will depend on the company you use.

Does This Apply Everywhere in Seattle?

Yes. Parking regulations are enforced throughout Seattle, but you’ll want to pay extra attention in dense urban areas, commercial districts, and paid parking areas like Downtown, Capitol Hill, and Belltown, where parking can be harder to find and there may be more restrictions to work around.

So if you’re moving in one of these areas, don’t leave the parking plan until the last minute.

And even on a quieter residential street, always check the signs and restrictions before deciding where the truck will park.

What Happens If You Skip It?

If you don’t reserve the space, someone else may be parked there when the truck arrives. That could mean parking farther away, more walking back and forth, and more time added to your move.

And if the truck has to park somewhere it shouldn’t or ends up blocking traffic, you could also be dealing with a ticket or even a tow.

Planning a Move in Seattle?

If you’re planning a move in Seattle and you know you’ll need street parking for the truck, go ahead and take care of this as soon as you can. Moving day already comes with a lot, so this is one thing you would want to check off your list.

And when you’re ready for the move, we’re here to help! Eco Movers can help with packing, moving, storage, or whatever you need to make your move a little easier. Get a free estimate and let’s start planning your move.