PERMITS

When can I buy a business permit?
Parking permits for the metered lot on Pettee Brook Lane, Cowell Drive and reserved spots on the east side of Madbury Road between Woodman Road and Garrison Avenue Extension are available on a first come/first served basis on the first business day after January 1st each year.

How much does a business permit cost and how can I get one?
Legitimate business owners or managers must “apply” for a maximum of 15 parking permits by appearing in person at the Durham Police Department and presenting a request on company letterhead. The cost of permits periodically change; please call the Durham Police Department for current fees for these permits.

How long can I park with a business permit?
Business permits are valid between 6:00 AM and 12:00 Midnight daily.

Can I swap my permit between cars, or do I have to buy a permit for each of my cars?
Business permits can be swapped between cars. However, if no permit is displayed, your car can be ticketed.

I have a permit to park in Pettee Brook Lot or Cowell Drive, but I can’t find a place to park. Why?
Quite frankly, recognizing that not all permit holders will park at the same time, the Town sells more permits then there are parking spots. The parking permits are sold inexpensively and give the buyer the “right to hunt” for a spot. Once you’ve got the spot, it’s yours for the day.

Holders of permits for Pettee Brook Lot or Cowell Drive may also hunt for a parking spot on Madbury Road if they wish. However, holders of Madbury Road permits are prohibited from using their permit to park in Pettee Brook Lot or on Cowell Drive.

I have a residential parking permit but got a ticket anyway. Why?
Residential parking permits are not without limits. When the Winter Parking ban or Overnight Parking Ban are in effect, the Residential Permit will not prevent a parking ticket from being issued between 1:00 AM and 6:00 AM. Also, owning a Residential Permit is not enough; it MUST be prominently and properly displayed.

Can I “sell” one of my residential visitor permits?
There are a finite number of permits that are issued to each household (One for each vehicle registered to the address plus three guest passes). Once that threshold is met, no additional permits will be issued for free. Permits that are lost or stolen can be replaced for a fee, but the permit that is being replaced will no longer be valid.

I am a student at the Oyster River High School. Can I buy a permit?
The Town of Durham delegates Oyster River High School Parking Permit regulation to the ORHS administration. Please go to the front office at ORHS to get a permit.

I am a student at the Oyster River High School and left my permit on my parents’ car; what do I do?
You MUST display a permit to park on Coe Drive or in the ORHS parking lots. Go to the ORHS front office and have a temporary permit issued to you.