Street Occupancy
On-Street Moving and Storage Containers
Whenever possible, moving and storage containers—including pods and moving trailers (referred to here as containers)—should be placed off-street in private driveways, private parking lots, or on other private property.
If off-street placement is not possible, you may apply for a Street Occupancy Permit to place a container on the street.
Placement Rules & Restrictions
Containers may only be placed in front of the residence of the container user. If no legal parking space is available in front of your residence, you may place it at an adjacent space. An acknowledgment letter, signed by a resident, is required for placement in front of an alternate address.
Placement is permitted in metered and non-metered legal street stalls
If requesting use of a metered space, standard meter fees apply, for each space used, in addition to the permit fee.
Temporary No Parking signs can be purchased to help reserve the non-metered space you request
- The cost for each sign is $2
- Placement is required at least 48 hours before date of occupancy
- In some cases, temporary No Parking signs will be required for a location
Containers may not be placed:
- In a traffic lane, peak-hour lane, bike lane, or loading zone
- In parking restriction areas or at bus stops
- In any street area designated for a specific use
- Containers are not allowed on the terrace, the location between the street curb and sidewalk.
Permit Fees & Duration
There is a flat $50 fee for all permit applications.
- Containers may remain on the street for no more than 5 consecutive calendar days
- Confirm container availability before applying and paying; refunds are not provided
all fees are subject to change
If you are unsure about proper container placement or have additional questions, call 608-266-4761 or email the Parking Division for assistance.
Sign Reservation (If Required)
If parking signs are needed to reserve space in the parking lane for your container, the permit reviewer will include those in your application.
Once the application is approved, you will receive an email notifying you that 'your signs are ready' prompting you to schedule a sign pickup appointment.
Metered Parking Requirements
If the container will be placed in a metered parking space, meter signs must be purchased for the full duration of placement.
Meter sign fees are in addition to the standard $50 permit fee:
- $18 per full day, per meter used
- $10 per half day, per meter used
- $2 per sign to reserve specific meter
Changes & Cancellations
Once an application is submitted, updates to the details of the application are locked to the applicant. If changes are needed prior to the date of occupancy, please reach out to Parking Division staff at 608-266-4761 or through your applications messaging feature.
Updates permitted prior to occupancy date:
- Company information
- Placement dates
- Placement details
- Permit cancellations prior to payment can be accommodated as needed
How to Apply for a Street Occupancy Permit
Applications must be submitted online.
- Visit the online permitting system and register for an account (first-time users only).
- Check your email and authenticate your account.
- Log in, select the Permitting tab, and click Apply for a Permit.
- Choose Street Occupancy Permit and complete the application.
- After submission, you will receive emails from SOP@cityofmadison.com with application status updates and next steps.
If you experience issues setting up your account, call 608-261-4293 or email Elam Support.
Construction Dumpsters
Construction-related dumpsters are regulated by Traffic Engineering.
Applicants are encouraged to apply online through Accela Citizen Access. After approval, an appointment may be scheduled to collect paperwork, associated permits, and required signage.
Questions?
For more information about on-street moving and storage containers, contact the Parking Division at 608-266-4761.