Parking around Green Lake can be busy on the best day. On moving day, the last thing you want is your truck circling the block or a surprise ticket. With a little planning, you can legally reserve curb space, keep your crew moving, and avoid costly delays. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to secure temporary no‑parking signs, what to expect on timing and costs, and the Green Lake specifics that can trip people up. Let’s dive in.
Why SDOT matters
Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) manages temporary no‑parking signs, curb reservations, and any move that affects a parking or travel lane on city streets. If you plan to reserve spaces on the street, you will go through SDOT’s permit process. Seattle Police Department parking enforcement relies on Seattle Municipal Code to ticket or tow vehicles that ignore posted restrictions.
If your move touches a state route near Green Lake, such as Aurora Ave/SR‑99, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) may also be involved. For moves that could affect Green Lake Park property, sidewalks, or park lots, check with Seattle Parks & Recreation. Finally, coordinate with your building management or HOA for elevator reservations, move windows, and protection requirements.
Tip: Policies and forms change. Always verify current SDOT requirements, posting timelines, and fees before you apply.
Step-by-step: Reserve the curb
1) Assess what you need
Take a quick inventory before you contact SDOT.
- Decide where the truck will park: driveway, curbside, loading zone, or part of a travel lane.
- Measure the curb space you’ll need. A typical box truck is about 20–26 feet long; containers can be 8–16 feet.
- Note nearby restrictions: fire hydrants, bus stops, driveways, corners, residential permit parking, posted loading zones, or time limits.
If the curb is tight or the street is narrow, plan for a longer space so your crew can load safely without blocking crosswalks or bike lanes.
2) Contact SDOT for a temporary no‑parking permit
Submit a request with the address, dates and times, total curb footage, and vehicle dimensions. If your moving truck will extend into a travel lane, SDOT may require a traffic control plan and additional safety measures. For anything near SR‑99, confirm whether WSDOT permitting applies.
3) Confirm your mover’s role
Ask your moving company if they obtain permits or post signs as an add‑on service. Some do; many do not. Get the plan in writing so you know who will apply, post signs, and manage any traffic control.
4) Notify neighbors and your building
A quick heads-up reduces friction and helps everyone avoid tickets. Let neighbors know when the no‑parking signs will be posted and the window when the space will be reserved. Coordinate with your building for elevator and hallway protection.
5) Post SDOT‑approved signs
Use only SDOT‑approved temporary no‑parking signs or follow SDOT’s exact specifications. DIY signs, cones, and chalk marks do not legally reserve space and will not prevent enforcement.
- Post signs within SDOT’s required advance window. Many cities require 24–72 hours of notice. Confirm Seattle’s current rule.
- Make sure signs are visible, secure, and placed where legal parking would normally occur.
- Space signs so the reserved area is clear and easy to understand.
6) Follow permit conditions on moving day
Keep your permit paperwork handy. Park only within the reserved zone and maintain any required traffic control. If your truck projects into a travel lane, use cones, a flagger, or police support if SDOT requires it.
7) After the move
Remove any private cones or signs that are not part of the SDOT program. If SDOT issued or approved specific signs, follow their instructions for removal or disposal.
Signs and on‑street logistics
Use approved signs only
SDOT‑approved signs or SDOT‑specified sign formats are the only way to create an enforceable no‑parking area. Homemade signs do not protect your space.
Respect safety zones
Never reserve space in front of fire hydrants, bus stops, marked crosswalks, or blocking driveways unless SDOT explicitly approves it. If it creates a safety hazard, SDOT will deny it.
If you must block a lane
Narrow Green Lake streets can force a truck to sit partially in a travel lane. Expect more stringent requirements, such as a traffic control plan, high‑visibility signage, cones, and possibly a certified flagger or off‑duty officer. Build that into your schedule and budget.
Keep paperwork accessible
If an enforcement officer asks, present your permit and explain the allowed timeframe. If someone parks in your reserved area, call parking enforcement as directed on your permit and keep photos of the posted signs and space.
Avoid these common mistakes
- Posting signs too late or not following the required posting window
- Relying on cones, handwritten signs, or chalk instead of SDOT‑approved posting
- Hiding signs behind parked cars or placing them off the curb where drivers cannot see them
- Overlapping a reserved space with a bus stop, fire lane, or driveway without explicit approval
Timeline and cost expectations
Every move is different, but you can plan around a few typical ranges. Confirm the latest timelines and fees with SDOT before you apply.
Recommended planning window
- 1–2 weeks before: Assess needs, contact SDOT, and start the application if you plan to reserve curb parking.
- 2–4 weeks before: If your move will block a travel lane or needs a traffic control plan or police/flagger support, start earlier.
- 24–72 hours before: Post signs according to SDOT’s required advance window.
Permit processing timelines
- Simple temporary no‑parking requests often process in a few business days to 2 weeks.
- Lane closures or moves requiring traffic control plans can take 1–4 weeks to review and approve.
Cost ranges to expect
- Temporary no‑parking permits typically cost in the low tens of dollars per sign or permit, depending on duration and administrative fees.
- Traffic control, flaggers, or off‑duty officers can be the largest expense, with hourly rates that may add up to hundreds of dollars for a multi‑hour move.
- Movers may charge an administrative fee if they handle permitting for you.
- A single ticket or tow can exceed the permit cost, and towing plus storage can quickly run into hundreds of dollars. The permit is usually the cheapest insurance.
Payment and refunds
Some cities require prepayment and have non‑refundable processing fees. Ask SDOT about refund policies and rescheduling options if your date changes.
Smart ways to save
- Reserve only the curb footage you truly need.
- Use a driveway, alley, or private property when possible to avoid public curb fees.
- Consider off‑peak timing or weekdays to reduce conflicts, while still following SDOT rules and posting requirements.
- If multiple buildings on the block are moving the same day, ask whether a coordinated street‑use approach is possible.
Green Lake specifics
Know the parking patterns
Green Lake draws heavy park traffic on weekends, mornings, and evenings. Street parking fills quickly when the weather is nice or during events. If you need curb space, a permit and early sign posting are your best protection.
Plan around apartments and condos
Many Green Lake residents live in multi‑unit buildings with strict move windows and elevator reservations. If your building lacks a driveway or dedicated loading zone, you will likely need an SDOT temporary no‑parking permit to stage the truck. Align your building’s elevator schedule with your SDOT permit times.
Watch for events and park programs
Check city event schedules. SDOT may restrict parking or close streets during events near Green Lake Park. If possible, avoid scheduling your move on those days.
Know your streets
Some residential streets around Green Lake are narrow enough that a truck may extend into a travel lane. Arterials like Green Lake Way and the nearby Aurora Ave/SR‑99 have different rules, and state routes may involve WSDOT. Confirm jurisdiction before you apply.
Safety and accessibility
Do not place a truck where it blocks accessible parking stalls, ramps, or pedestrian crossings. If your setup encroaches on a bike lane or walkway, SDOT may require specific mitigation to maintain safe clearances.
Quick checklist
- 2–4 weeks out: Assess needs; contact SDOT; confirm building rules; ask your mover who handles permits.
- 1–2 weeks out: Submit the permit; confirm whether a traffic control plan is required.
- 72–24 hours out: Post SDOT‑approved signs within the required window; notify neighbors.
- Move day: Keep permit paperwork on hand; follow all conditions and safety measures.
- After: Remove any non‑SDOT cones or signs; follow SDOT instructions for permitted sign removal.
Email template for your mover or building
Copy, paste, and customize:
“Please confirm whether you will apply for/obtain SDOT temporary no‑parking or lane closure permits for our move at [address] on [date/time]. If yes, please provide the permit number and posting instructions; if not, confirm the services you will perform and any recommendations for SDOT contacts.”
When things go wrong
If someone parks in your reserved space, call parking enforcement as directed on your permit and keep your paperwork ready. If you receive a ticket despite having a valid permit, photograph the posted signs, the truck position, and the time, then contact the issuing agency to request clarification or start the dispute process.
A final reminder: Policies and fees change. Verify current SDOT requirements and posting timelines before you apply so your move stays on track.
Ready for more local guidance as you plan your move? If you are buying or selling in Seattle, you can get calm, data‑driven support from a local expert. Reach out to Unknown Company to start the conversation.
FAQs
Do I need a permit to park a moving truck in Green Lake?
- Not always. If your truck can legally park in a regular space without blocking restricted areas, you may not need a permit. If you want to reserve space or expect to block a travel lane, you need SDOT approval.
Can I put out cones or homemade signs the morning of my move?
- No. Only SDOT‑approved temporary no‑parking signs or SDOT‑specified postings create an enforceable reservation. Unauthorized cones or signs do not prevent ticketing or towing.
Will my moving company handle the permit and posting?
- Some movers do, many do not. Ask in advance and get the plan in writing so you know who is applying, posting, and managing traffic control if needed.
What if a neighbor ignores the posted no‑parking signs?
- Contact parking enforcement as directed on your permit and have your permit paperwork ready. SDOT and enforcement can ticket or tow vehicles that violate properly posted restrictions.
What happens if I get a ticket even though I had a permit?
- Keep the permit, take photos of signs and truck placement, and contact the issuing agency promptly to dispute or clarify. Follow the local appeal process noted on the citation.
