Cambridge Resident Parking Permit Fee to Increase from $25 to $75; Fee Waiver Available for Those Eligible

Big Changes Coming to Cambridge Resident Parking Permits in 2027

Beginning with the 2027 permit season, the standard annual Resident Parking Permit (RPP) fee will increase from $25 to $75, one of several changes residents will see this season after a 2026 Cambridge City Council policy order.

Cambridge residents need a Resident Parking Permit (RPP) to park their vehicle in areas designated “Parking by Permit Only,” and permits must be renewed each year. To help offset the increased cost of the permit, the City is also introducing a fee waiver for residents experiencing financial hardship. The fee increase will help cover growing administrative and operational costs.

Residents should be aware of all the changes taking effect for the 2027 Resident Parking Permit season:

• Fee increase: The standard RPP fee will increase from $25 to $75.
  
  
• Fee waiver: To support equity and affordability, the City is introducing a fee waiver application. All residents who are eligible, regardless of age, will pay $0 for their permit. All permit fees will continue to be waived for residents who have a disability plate or placard. Residents are eligible for the permit fee waiver if paying the $75 fee is a financial hardship. 
  
  
• Change for residents 65 and older: The automatic fee waiver for residents age 65 and older is ending. Residents 65 and older will pay the standard Resident Parking Permit fee of $75, unless they qualify for a fee waiver or another fee exemption.
  
  
• Residents with disability plates or placards: Residents with a valid disability plate or placard will continue to receive their Resident Parking Permit at no cost.
  
  
• Limit of two Resident Parking Permits per person: Residents may receive a maximum of two Resident Parking Permits per resident (previously four)
  
  
• Free Visitor Parking Permit pilot: The City will launch a pilot program offering Visitor Parking Permits at no cost to eligible residents during the 2027 permit season. Each household is eligible to receive one Visitor Parking Permit.
  
  

How and When to Apply

Online renewals begin December 1, 2026. Residents with a 2026 Resident Parking Permit can renew online for the 2027 season beginning December 1. December applications are online only and limited to renewals. First-time applicants must wait until January to apply online. Visit www.cambridgema.gov/rpp to renew.

In-person service begins January 4, 2027. Beginning January 4, 2027, residents can apply for a new permit or renew an existing permit. In-person applications and renewals will also be available at the Cambridge Department of Transportation, City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway.

Residents must renew their 2026 permits by March 31, 2027. From January 4 to March 31, 2027, either a 2026 or 2027 permit may be used. Starting April 1, 2027, only a 2027 permit will be valid.

For more information about Resident and Visitor Parking Permits, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit www.cambridgema.gov/rpp.