Updated: May 27, 2025
Getting ready to move in Houston? Whether you're heading to a high-rise in Downtown or settling into a small house in Montrose, parking is one thing that’s easy to miss — and in many areas, you’ll need a permit for your moving truck. Without one, you could end up with a ticket, your truck towed, or upset neighbors due to blocked driveways or limited street access.
This guide is for Houston renters and homeowners who want their move to go smoothly and follow local rules. We’ll explain when you need a permit, how to get one, and what to expect on moving day.
As a local Houston moving company with years of experience across Houston, we’ve helped thousands of people avoid move-day problems by following the City of Houston Parking Management guidelines. If you're trying to figure out how to get a parking permit for moving in Houston, this guide will help.
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Do You Need a Parking Permit for Your Move in Houston?
If you plan to park a moving truck on a public street in Houston — especially in busy or restricted areas — you’ll likely need a permit. The City of Houston asks for temporary permits if your move affects the street, a metered space, or causes safety issues.
Here’s when you’ll usually need a parking permit in Houston:
- Blocking a lane of traffic or a sidewalk during your move
- Parking in metered or time-limited zones (often in Downtown, Midtown, and Montrose)
- Using street parking near apartments, townhomes, or houses without driveways
- Leaving a moving truck overnight on a public street
- Setting up cones or signs to hold a parking space (this needs city approval)
In quieter residential areas, like parts of West University or Oak Forest, you might not need a permit if your truck fits fully in your driveway and doesn’t get in the way of traffic. But in busier neighborhoods like Downtown, the Heights, or the Museum District, rules are tighter and tickets are more common.
👉 Tip from experience: We’ve seen people get ticketed or even towed in Midtown just for parking in a metered spot without a permit — fines can go over $250.
The office that handles this is the City of Houston Parking Management Division. They manage all short-term use of public streets for moves or construction. You can check current rules or apply for a permit online or by calling 832-393-8690.
Types of Parking Permits for Moving in Houston
If you're considering moving in Houston, it's worth understanding in advance what kind of parking permit you may need - it depends on the location and specifics of the move. The Houston Parking Management Department issues several types of permits that allow you to officially occupy a portion of a street or temporarily restrict access to it. Below are the most common options:
1. Right-of-Way (ROW) Permits
If your move involves blocking a sidewalk, bike lane, or part of a street, the City of Houston requires a Right-of-Way Use Permit.
- Often required for high-density neighborhoods such as Downtown, Midtown, or the Heights.
- Generally coordinated with the Houston Public Works Department.
- Additional review may be required depending on location and duration of work.
2. Commercial Vehicle Parking Permits
Businesses or large-scale moves involving oversized commercial trucks may require a special commercial vehicle parking permit, especially if you are parking for more than a few hours.
- Useful for long distance moves to Houston using interstate movers.
- Covers certain size/weight restrictions and extended use.
- Often used in tandem with TNP for curbside entry.
How to Get a Moving Parking Permit in Houston
If you're planning a move and need to block off part of a public street in Houston, you'll need to get a moving parking permit — especially in busy neighborhoods like Downtown or Montrose. The steps are straightforward, but it's a good idea to apply early so you don't run into delays or fines on moving day.
Start by figuring out which permit you need:
- Most home moves that use street parking require Temporary No Parking Signs.
- If your move affects a sidewalk, traffic lane, or any public access area, you may need a Right-of-Way Permit instead.
- If you're using large or oversized vehicles for a business move, you might need a different commercial permit.
- If you’re not sure which one fits, the City of Houston Parking Management Division can help point you in the right direction.
After that, gather the details for your application. You’ll need to provide:
- the move’s address,
- date and time,
- type of moving truck,
- and where you plan to park it.
It’s also a good idea to include contact info for the person in charge during the move. Including a photo of the parking area can make it easier to process your request.
You can submit your application through the City of Houston’s online parking permit system or visit the Parking Management Office in person. If your move could affect traffic or people walking nearby, you may also need a sign-off from Houston Public Works. The fee for a moving permit in Houston is usually between $25 and $75, depending on how long you’ll need the space and where it is. You can pay by credit card online or at the city office.
Most permits are reviewed and approved in one to three business days. Still, we suggest applying at least five business days ahead of your move to leave room for any issues. After your permit is approved, the city will give you directions on when and where to place your signs. In most cases, you’ll need to put them up 24 to 48 hours before the move so neighbors have advance notice.
Costs and Payment Options
The price of a moving permit in Houston depends on the type you need and the area where the move will happen. For most home moves, a Temporary No Parking Sign usually costs between $25 and $75. If your move affects a metered spot, a busy street, or needs a Right-of-Way Permit, the cost may go up—especially if extra approvals or traffic control plans are needed.
You’ll usually need to pay at the time you apply. The City of Houston Parking Management Division takes most major credit cards through its online system, and you can also pay in person at the Parking Management Office. If you apply online, you’ll be asked to pay before the permit is issued. For walk-in applications, payment is handled when you turn in your paperwork.
Right now, the city doesn’t widely promote fee waivers or discounts for regular residential moves, but it’s a good idea to ask Parking Management if you think you might qualify. In some cases, certain departments may adjust fees for older residents or during city-wide emergencies. In general, most people complete the process without extra charges if they apply early and follow the city’s steps.
Knowing what to expect with parking permit costs in Houston can help avoid last-minute issues. If you’re unsure about the final total, we can help you figure it out based on your move location and details.
Placement and Use of the Permit
After your Houston moving permit is approved, it’s important to use it the right way to make sure your reserved spot is clearly marked and your move goes as planned. Knowing how to set up and use the permit helps avoid confusion, parking issues, or possible fines on moving day.
For most permits, especially those for Temporary No Parking Signs, the City of Houston requires that signs be posted at least 24 to 48 hours before your move. This gives neighbors and parking enforcement enough time to see that the space is reserved. The city usually includes setup instructions with the permit — you may need to place signs on cones, barricades, or poles by the curb where your truck will be parked. Make sure the signs are easy to see and not blocked by trees, cars, or other objects.
If someone parks in your reserved spot even after signs are posted, you can't tow the vehicle yourself. Instead, call Houston Parking Management or dial 311 to report the issue. Officers can check your permit and either ticket the vehicle or help have it moved. From what we’ve seen, posting signs clearly and ahead of time helps avoid most problems — especially in neighborhoods.
Even with a permit, you still need to follow Houston’s parking rules. Don’t block fire hydrants, crosswalks, bike lanes, or handicap spaces. The permit gives you access only to the exact space listed — not the whole street. If your truck sticks out past the approved area, you could still be fined.
Using your permit properly helps keep your move on schedule and shows respect for others on your street. We help customers every week with putting up their signs the right way and on time — and we're here if you have any questions before moving day.
Alternatives and Tips for Moving Day Parking in Houston
Not every move in Houston needs a permit — and sometimes you can skip the extra steps completely. If you're moving into a house with its own driveway or your apartment complex has a loading area, you usually won’t need to block off public street space. These are the best situations where you can avoid permits and still get the move done without problems.
Still, some moves are more tricky. In areas like Montrose, the Heights, or East Downtown, street parking is tight and curb space fills up fast. If you want to park a moving truck on the street without getting a permit, timing and communication matter. Try to start your move early in the day before most cars are parked. Giving neighbors a heads-up — like leaving a note on their windshield or knocking on doors the night before — can help avoid misunderstandings and keep your spot open.
If you’re not using official signs, you might think about marking a space with cones or trash bins. Just remember, this isn’t legally recognized and someone could still park there. If they do, you may face fines or disputes. The best option is to follow city rules, but if you go with an informal setup, be polite and have a backup plan ready.
If someone blocks your space — with or without a permit — don’t worry. You can call 311 to reach Houston Parking Enforcement and explain the issue. They may be able to send someone to help. If that’s not possible, it helps to have another nearby spot in mind where your truck can wait or unload without causing a holdup.
From what we’ve seen moving all over Houston, the smoothest moves are the ones that are planned ahead and stay flexible. Whether you need a permit or not, being prepared can save time, money, and trouble on moving day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Moving Permit in Houston
Even if you have the right moving permit, small mistakes can still cause problems on moving day. As a Houston-based moving team, we’ve seen how simple missteps can lead to fines, delays, or upset neighbors — all of which can usually be avoided with a bit of planning.
One of the biggest mistakes is waiting too long to apply. While permits in Houston are often approved within a few business days, delays can happen — especially during busy times. If you wait until the last minute, you might end up without a reserved space, which can lead to tickets or your truck getting towed. To avoid this, we suggest applying for your permit at least five business days before your move.
Another issue is putting up your signs too late or in the wrong way. If your Temporary No Parking signs aren’t easy to see or are posted just before the move, other drivers may not notice them — and you could lose the spot. Houston rules say signs need to go up 24 to 48 hours in advance to give neighbors time to move their cars. If the signs aren’t posted properly, your permit might not be enforced.
Also, having a permit doesn’t mean you can park just anywhere. You still have to follow regular city rules. If you block a fire hydrant, crosswalk, or bike lane — even for a short time — you could still get a ticket. Your permit only covers the specific area and times listed. Anything outside of that could lead to a violation.
Some people think putting cones or trash bins in the street is enough to hold a space. But without a permit, this doesn’t give you any legal rights. If another driver parks there, there’s nothing you can do — and your truck might be stuck looking for another spot.
One more thing to watch for is street construction or utility work. If the area you reserved is suddenly closed or being worked on, your permit won’t be honored. It's a good idea to check the block the day before your move to make sure it’s still open.
To avoid these issues, plan ahead, follow the city’s rules, and work with movers who know the process. With some preparation, you can stay on track, keep your spot, and avoid unnecessary problems.