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How to Get a Temporary No Parking Permit in San Francisco

If you’re planning a move in San Francisco, securing a Temporary No Parking Permit is essential to reserve curb space for your moving truck. This permit ensures that your moving vehicle has the necessary space, helping to avoid parking violations and facilitating a smoother move. In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from when you need one to how to apply. If you book a move with CareMore Moving & Storage we will be happy to order your parking permits for a small fee.

Do All Moves Need a Temporary No Parking Permit?

Not every move requires a temporary no parking permit—but in San Francisco, it’s often the smartest choice.

You might not need a permit if

You’re saving spots with personal vehicles and can find legal parking
You’re moving a short distance with minimal items
You have private parking or a driveway.
The street is wide enough to double park and still allows cars to pass safely.

Still not sure? When in doubt, call 311 or talk to your moving company—they’ll advise based on your move details. You can also give CareMore Moving a call on 415-822-8547 and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

🚚 Why You May Need a Temporary No Parking Permit

San Francisco’s dense neighborhoods and limited street parking can make moving challenging. A Temporary No Parking Permit allows you to reserve specific parking spaces, ensuring that your moving truck can park close to your residence. This is particularly important in areas with high parking demand or restricted parking zones, bus lines, bike lanes or tight streets where double parking is not an option.

📝 How to Apply for a Temporary No Parking Permit

1. Plan Ahead

Apply for your permit at least 5 business days before your move. Note that weekends, holidays, and the application day itself do not count toward this timeframe. It’s advisable to allow 7–10 days to ensure timely processing.

2. Gather Required Information

When applying, be prepared to provide:

Addresses: Both the origin and destination addresses if you’re moving within San Francisco.
Dates and Times: The specific dates and times you need the parking restrictions.
Length of Space Needed: Estimate the number of feet required for your moving truck, including space for loading ramps. For a 26ft moving truck you typically need around 40-50ft of space to ensure ease of parking etc.
Meter Numbers: If the reserved space includes metered parking, note the meter numbers as they will be asked for during the application process.

3. Submit Your Application

Apply in person at 1508 Bancroft Avenue or by calling 311. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:30 PM.

4. Pay the Applicable Fees

Permit fees vary based on the number of signs and the length of curb space reserved but typically average around $280 per location. As of July 1, 2025, the fee for metered locations is an additional $18.00 per meter per day (sfmta.com). Additional fees may apply for late applications or changes to the permit.

5. Posting the Signs

After approval, you will receive an email confirmation and the City will post your signs.

72 hours in advance for unmetered areas
24 hours in advance for metered spaces

💡 Tips for a Smooth Moving Day

Double Permits: If you’re moving from one San Francisco location to another, you may need permits for both addresses.
Avoid Peak Hours: Schedule your move during off-peak hours to minimize traffic and parking challenges.
Communicate with Movers: Inform your moving company about the reserved parking to coordinate logistics effectively.
Monitor the Area: Keep an eye on the reserved space to ensure unauthorized vehicles do not occupy it. If people do, call 311 and have them towed before the moving truck arrives.