Moving in Madison, WI? Here's What You Need to Know About Parking Permits and Restrictions

If you're planning a move in Wisconsin's capital city, you're probably getting excited to take part in the endless outdoor activities and festive University of Wisconsin events that happen throughout the year. However, you'll also want to take a moment ahead of time to consider all the residential moving regulations in Madison, as the city is known for its strict parking enforcement.

Capital City Transfer is a Madison moving and storage company that knows all about maneuvering large moving trucks around the city, and is well-versed in applying for temporary permits while we load or unload belongings for our customers. Below are some of our top tips for avoiding fines and a stressful moving day.

Applying for a Temporary Moving Permit in Madison

If you're utilizing a moving truck for your Madison move, there's a good chance you'll need to obtain a Street Occupancy Permit from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website, depending on the size of the truck. These permits cost $50 and last up to 90 days, so make sure to obtain yours in advance. 

If you are hiring a larger-sized truck, request a temporary "No Parking" sign to block off space at a rate of $2 per sign along with your Madison, WI moving permits. These signs must be put in place at least 48 hours before your move in order for them to effectively reserve your space, as no vehicle is permitted to be parked on the street for more than 48 consecutive hours. This is especially true for those moving into apartments with limited parking access!

Optimal Times to Move to Avoid Parking Restrictions

Because Madison has unique and strictly-enforced parking regulations, it can be wise to do some research ahead of your move. For instance, free on-street parking is available on Saturdays and Sundays in Madison, so planning your relocation over the weekend could be a good way of avoiding fines when moving. 

Spring, summer, and fall also make the best times of year to move in Madison. Because of the constant snowfall throughout winter, alternate-side parking is in effect from November 15th to March 15th, which could potentially make parking restrictions for moving trucks a bit more challenging.

Special Restrictions Near Downtown and UW-Madison Campus

If you're moving into an apartment in Downtown Madison, parking becomes even more regulated. There are roughly 5,000 designated parking spaces throughout the center of the city, with almost half being metered on-street parking spots. If you're on the hunt for the best places to park for downtown moves, it will depend on where exactly you're moving to, but obtaining a Street Occupancy Permit should help you avoid any fines.

If you or a family member are moving into housing near the University of Wisconsin, it's important to keep in mind that the university has several no or restricted parking areas that are enforced daily, such as:

  • No Parking on Observatory Drive
  • No Parking on Linden Drive
  • Restricted Parking in Designated Snow Removal Areas
  • No Parking in Disabled or Reserved Stalls
  • No Parking in Fire Zones

As a ProMover with the American Trucking Associations Moving and Storage Conference, Capital City Transfer meets a higher standard of excellence than other local moving companies. For 45+ years, we've been committed to taking the hassle, headaches, and hiccups out of residential relocations so that our customers can enjoy a stress-free experience. 

Get in touch with our team today for a free estimate on our local relocation services, and find out more about all that we can do for your upcoming move to Madison!