Discounted RPZ Permits Available

Not being one who lives in one of our neighborhood’s restricted parking zones (RPZs), I was unaware that renewal notices recently went out. Alert readers Mike and Jef point out that these notices make no mention of the availability of low-income, discounted permits that are available for those who qualify. (These cost $10 each compared to the regular cost of $65.)

Says Jef:

For you Zone 6 RPZ holders who’ve recently received renewal notices:

If you qualify as low income (or know those who do) do NOT send in the stock mailed renewal form! Once again, as in years past, SDOT has made no reference on the form to the discount available for low income participants. The only way I discovered it was by going online to renew two years ago. When I called the RPZ office to complain that the low income info should be included on the mailed renewal application, the ho-hum response was, “Oh yeah, I guess we should probably do that.” Two years later I guess they probably haven’t.

Per the city website, here are the instructions for applying:

1. Find out what zone you are in. Use the map to find your zone number. [Wallyhood hint: if you live in the RPZ near 45^th St. and Meridian, that’s Zone 5, but if you’re between Wallingford Ave. and Stone Way, that’s Zone 22. If you don’t live in Wallingford, you have permission to use that map I linked to.]
2. Fill out an application. Return it by mail or in person with one of the following types of documentation:

•     Supplemental Nutrition Assistance card (formerly food stamps)
•     Energy assistance from Seattle City Light or Puget Sound Energy
•     Rental assistance from Seattle Housing Authority (Section 8) or copy of rental agreement in SHA property
•     Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) check or stub
•     Lease/rental agreement from Plymouth Housing, CHHIP, or other low-income housing providers
•     Proof of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – NOT regular Social Security income
•     Issuance of King County Metro Transit Low-Income Fare Card
•     Other documentation considered on an individual basis

Adds Jef:

You will note they’ve listed eight possible ways to qualify. The most important is likely the last: “Other documentation considered on an individual basis.” That’s the one I’ve used the past couple years, mainly because none of the others apply to me.