Apply for Parking Permit or Waiver for Persons w/ Severe Disabilities

This page outlines the step-by-step process for applying for a parking permit or metered parking waiver for persons with a severe disability. If you need to renew or replace your parking permit or waiver, click on the links below. 

Did you know? The City of Syracuse accommodates persons with severe disabilities by permitting friends and close relatives to submit documents on their behalf. For more questions, call 315-448-8600.

How to Apply

Step 1.Identify Which Permit or Waiver You Need

  • Permanent Parking Permits (blue tag) are for City of Syracuse residents with a severe disability impairing mobility.
  • Temporary Parking Permits (red tag) are for City of Syracuse residents who are temporarily unable to walk without assistance. Non-residents (such as University Students) with a qualifying disability who are temporarily residing in the city can also apply. 
  • Metered Parking Waivers (card) are for City of Syracuse residents unable to access or put payment into a parking meter due to a permanent severe disability and who hold a New York State (NYS) driver's license. 
  • Definition of "severely disabled" and specific eligibility requirements are listed below and in each application.

Step 2.Get an Application

Below are easy ways to get an application.

  • Download and Print Parking Permit Application HERE.
  • Download and Print Metered Parking Waiver Application HERE.
  • Call 315-448-8600 to request an application be sent by mail.

Step 3.Complete an Application

  • Fill out the first part of the application on your own.
  • Bring the application to your health care provider, who will need to certify the disability and complete a portion of the application. 

Step 4.Prepare Application Documents

  • For parking permits, provide proof of identification with a NYS driver’s license or non-driver ID card if you have one. Children eligible for parking permits may provide documentation from a legal guardian.
  • For metered parking waivers, a NYS driver's license and verification of having a permanent parking permit or license plates for disabled persons is required.

Step 5.Submit an Application

Applications must be submitted in person to the Central Permit Office. Do not go to the DMV.

Come to the Central Permit Office, located on the first floor of One Park Place, 300 South State Street. The main entrance is located on the south side of the building, on East Onondaga Street. Parking is available in the One Park Place parking lot, located at 343 East Onondaga Street. All visitors are asked to go through a security check. 

Step 6.Use Your Permit or Waiver

  • A parking permit allows parking in reserved spaces for people with disabilities only when the person who received the permit is actually in the vehicle. The tag should be hung from the rearview mirror when the vehicle is parked but should be removed from the mirror when the vehicle is driven.
  • A metered parking waiver allows the holder to park in any disabled metered parking space in NYS (except New York City) without paying a fee. The card should be placed on the dashboard of the vehicle.

 

Definition of a "Severely Disabled" Person

A severely disabled person is any person with one or more of the following as defined by the Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 404-a: 

  • Uses portable oxygen.
  • Legally blind.
  • Limited or no use of one or both legs.
  • Unable to walk 200 feet without stopping.
  • Neuromuscular dysfunction that severely limits mobility.
  • Class III OR IV cardiac condition (American Heart Association Standards).
  • Severely limited in ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
  • Restricted by lung disease to such an extent that forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than sixty mm/hg of room at rest.
  • Has a physical or mental impairment or condition not listed above which constitutes an equal degree of disability, and which imposes unusual hardship in the use of public transportation and prevents the person from getting around without great difficulty. 

Parking Permit Eligibility Requirements

The parking permit is for individuals with one or more severe disabilities that impair mobility. You must meet the following conditions: 

  1. Be a City of Syracuse resident.
  2. Are severely disabled as defined in Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 404-a.
  3. For a permanent disability, have a Medical Doctor, Doctor of Osteopathy, Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, or Optometrist certify your disability.
  4. For a temporary disability, have a Medical Doctor or Doctor of Osteopathy certify your disability. A person with a temporary disability is any person who is temporarily unable to ambulate without the aid of an assisting device. Examples of an assisting device include, but are not limited to, a brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, another person, wheelchair or walker.

Metered Parking Waiver Eligibility Requirements

The metered parking waiver is intended for individuals whose severe disabilities make it extremely difficult to put payment into a parking meter when traveling alone. You must meet all the following conditions to be eligible:

  1. Be a City of Syracuse resident.
  2. Hold a valid New York State driver's license. 
  3. Are severely disabled as defined in Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 404-a. 
  4. Your severe disability as certified by a Licensed Physician, Physician Assistant or Doctor of Osteopathy limits one or more of the following:
    • fine motor control in both hands.
    • ability to reach or access a parking meter due to the use of a wheelchair or other ambulatory device.
    • ability to reach a height of 42 inches from the ground due to lack of finger, hand, or upper extremity strength or mobility.

NYS License Plates for Disabled Persons

Permanently disabled residents also have the option to apply for a New York State issued license plate that permits parking in disabled parking spaces. To obtain license plates for a vehicle, the applicant must be at least 16 years of age and have a vehicle registered in their name. This is a separate process that requires submitting the application to any New York State Department of Motor Vehicles office.
 
   

Contact Us

Phone

315-448-8600

Fax

315-448-8615

Email

permits@syr.gov

Location

One Park Place
300 South State Street
13202
View Map

Visitor Entrance and Parking

The Central Permit Office main entrance is located on the south side of the building, on East Onondaga Street. Parking is available for visitors at the One Park Place Parking Lot, located at 343 East Onondaga Street.

 

Mailing Address

City of Syracuse Central Permit Office 

One Park Place 

300 South State Street, Suite 700 

Syracuse, NY 13202 

Hours

Sunday Closed 
Monday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Saturday Closed
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