(Washington, DC) Every 10 years the District of Columbia is required by law to redraw (“redistrict”) its ward boundary lines so that each ward has a fairly equal population distribution. When the boundaries shift, inevitably, some residents find that their homes are now located in another ward. As a result, some individuals living in neighborhoods with zoned parking restrictions may have to get new residential parking permit (RPP) stickers.

Although the redistricted boundary lines took effect on January 1, 2002, special legislation passed by Council gives residents in transition areas a “grace” period in which to exchange their residential parking stickers at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Department of Public Works (DPW) Parking Officers assigned to residential areas affected by redistricting will honor either the old or new RPP sticker for the transition streets until June 30, 2002. Enforcement of the new RPP zones will begin July 1.

The RPP sticker allows DC residents in zoned parking areas to park on the street in their neighborhoods for extended periods of time. Vehicles without current and correct RPP stickers are subject to ticketing after two hours parked in any zoned residential area. New signage has been installed on redistricted streets to inform residents about zone changes.

District law requires that the old zone sticker must be scraped from the windshield and taken in person to a DMV office, along with the vehicle’s registration, in order to receive the new RPP sticker. The resident will also need to produce a valid driver’s license.