Residential Parking

If you live within the following time-restricted parking zones, you may apply for an unrestricted parking permit. Businesses within these zones are eligible to receive 'special' permits.

Available permits
LocationCycleMap
6 Street SW

2 years

Expires May 2026

Moose Recreation Center map (PDF)
10 Street NE

2 years

Expires May 2026

Hockey Hounds map (PDF)
Downtown residential area

2 years

Expires Feb 2026

Downtown parking map (PDF)
Hospital residential area

2 years

Expires Sep 2025

Hospital residential parking map (PDF)

Apply for permit

Frequently asked questions

Why are time restrictions applied in these areas?

These areas have high demand for on-street parking. Time restrictions promote turnover, making it easier to find a spot to park at all hours of the day. A Residential Parking Permit allows you to park in these zones with no time restriction.

How do I know if I'm in a Residential Permitted Zone?

You will see street signs that indicate a time duration for on-street parking followed by “Except Permit Holder."

What types of parking permits are available?

There are three types of parking permits available within Residential Permitted Zones:

  • Residential: for residents with vehicles registered to an address within the zone. These permits display the license plate number of the vehicle to which they are assigned.
  • Visitor: for guests of residents who reside within the zone. These permits are not vehicle specific.
  • Special: for businesses or other unique circumstances within the zone. Special permits may be provided for company vehicles, short-term rental vehicles, vehicles of students, dual residents, or caregivers.

How many permits can I get?

Residents are eligible for:

  • One residential permit per vehicle registered to the address within the Residential Permitted Zone
  • One visitor permit per address

Businesses are eligible for up to two special permits.

How much do the permits cost?

Currently, there is no fee for parking permits.

How long are permits valid?

All permits have a two-year cycle, with the expiry date printed on the front of each permit. You must reapply when your permit expires.

How do I apply for a permit?

There are two options available when applying for a parking permit.

Complete the application form online and attach the required documentation. Once your application is approved, we will contact you to arrange the pickup of your permit(s).

Apply for permit

Call to make an appointment, or walk in to apply in person at 188 Kipling Street SE. We are open to the public

  • Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Friday, 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

What documentation is required?

The following documentation is required:

  • Valid photo identification
  • Proof of address within the Residential Permitted Zone
  • Plus additional documentation depending on the type of permit below

We will accept original documents, copies, or electronic images of the required documentation.

Residential Permits

  • Valid driver's license
  • Valid vehicle registration that is registered to an address within the Residential Permitted Zone

Visitor Permits

If you are applying for a visitor permit but do not have a registered vehicle, you must provide valid photo identification, as well as one of the following documents showing your name and address within the Residential Permitted Zone:

  • Valid driver's license
  • Recent (within the last six months) utility statement
  • Valid lease agreement

If you are applying for a visitor pass in addition to residential permits, no further documentation is required.


Special Permits

Special permits are issued on a case by case basis. If you believe you qualify for a special permit, please contact us. Examples of the documentation required for different circumstances are below:

Businesses

Businesses within the Residential Permitted Zone must provide proof of address to claim up to two special permits. Accepted proof of address documents include:

  • Recent (within the last six months) utility statement
  • Current lease agreement
  • Current insurance documentation
Company vehicles 

If you have a company vehicle or often bring a company vehicle to your house, you can apply for a special permit. All of the following documentation is required:

  • Valid driver's license with an address located within the Residential Permitted Zone
  • Valid vehicle registration showing company name
  • A letter from the company authorizing the applicant to use the vehicle
Students 

Students can apply for a special permit if their vehicle is not currently registered to the address where they live. Students must supply all of the following documentation with their application:

  • Valid driver's license
  • Valid vehicle registration in the applicant's name or parent's name
  • One of the following documents showing the applicant's name and address within the Residential Permitted Zone: recent (within the last six months) utility statement or valid lease agreement

What happens if I move or change my license plate?

If you move from the area, you must return your permit(s) to the Municipal Works Department.

If you change license plates, you must reapply for a new permit and return the existing permit before a new permit can be issued.

What happens if my permits are lost, stolen or damaged?

Lost or stolen visitor permits will not be replaced until the next cycle (after the expiry date of the current permit). For all other lost or stolen permits, please contact the Municipal Works Department.

We will replace damaged permits if you can surrender the damaged permit.

How are permit zones enforced?

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) enforces all permit zones and will ticket vehicles when they:

  • Do not display valid permits
  • Display a permit that does not match the vehicle's license plate
  • Violate posted time restrictions (unpermitted vehicles)

If you receive a ticket and have questions, please contact the Medicine Hat Police Services at 403-529-8481.