Apply for a parking restriction in Cologne

RECOMMENDED PROVIDERS

Responsible office

Amt für öffentliche Ordnung – Straßenverkehrs- und Ordnungsangelegenheit.

Service address for exemptions: Stadthaus DeutzWilly-Brandt-Platz 350679 Cologne

Telephone: 0221 / 221-26387, 0221 / 221-29509 or 0221 / 221-26386
Fax: 0221 / 221-26130
Email: ausnahmegenehmigung-StVO@stadt-koeln.de

Opening hours

Monday to Friday: 8:00–12:00
in-person appointment only by prior appointment

In principle, a personal visit is not required for the application.

When do you need a permit?

An exemption permit is required if, due to the local situation, the removal or delivery vehicle cannot be parked in the usual way.

This may be the case, for example, if:

the street is regularly completely blocked by parked vehicles;
a mobile no-stopping zone is to be set up;
an external lift is used;
the vehicle has to be parked in an existing no-stopping zone or a pedestrian zone.

For swift loading activities, a separate exemption permit or no additional permit may be required under certain conditions. The decisive factors are the local circumstances and the specific use.

PROVIDERS

Submitting an application

The application can be made using the official form or informally in writing:

by email
by fax
by post

An in-person appointment is not required.

Official information and forms

Deadline

The application should ideally be submitted at least three weeks before the removal or delivery.

In more complex cases, where an on-site inspection is necessary or coordination with the police or other offices is required, processing may take longer.

Information in the application

An informal application should include at least the following information:

Name of the person applying
Address
Telephone number
Fax number, if applicable
Email address
Removal or delivery date
Start and end of the period
Exact street and house number
Exact position where the no-stopping signs are to be put up
Required length of the no-stopping zone
Reason, for example removal or delivery

In addition, the local traffic situation must be described:

existing no-stopping zones
parking ticket machines
parking bays
loading bays
other relevant signage or restrictions

The information on the local situation must be correct and confirmed by the person applying.

Length of the no-stopping zone

The required length depends on the vehicle used and the local situation. As a guideline, a lorry with a permissible gross weight of 7,5 tonnes requires around 15 metres.

Mobile no-stopping zone

To set up a mobile no-stopping zone, the exact position and the length of the zone must be specified. The signs must be obtained or hired privately from a specialist company.

Information on the signs

On the front, additional signs must be clearly visible. They must include:

Removal or delivery date
Start and end of validity
Parking arrangement on site, for example “on the pavement”

On the back, the name, address and telephone number of the authorised person must be legible.

Posting deadline

The no-stopping signs must be put up no later than 72 hours or three full calendar days before the start of the validity period.

Earlier installation is recommended. The installation should be documented with photos as well as the date and time.

After the approved period has expired, the signs must be removed.

Fees

Mobile no-stopping zone

first removal or delivery day: 36 €
each additional removal or delivery day: plus 18 €
Use of an external lift: plus 14 €
necessary on-site inspection: plus 48 €
Flat-rate travel costs for an on-site inspection: plus 6 €
special effort, for example coordination with the police or other offices: 12 € per started quarter-hour

Parking a vehicle in an existing no-stopping zone or in a pedestrian zone

first moving or delivery day: 28 €
each additional moving or delivery day: plus 14 €
Use of an external lift: plus 14 €
necessary site inspection: plus 48 €
flat-rate travel costs for a site inspection: plus 6 €
special effort: 12 € per started quarter-hour

Changes

A change to an exemption already granted, for example due to a different date, a different time or a different address, costs an additional 8,50 €.

The administrative fee is transferred after the permit has been granted. The reference is the Kassenzeichen and the payment details in the permit.

Site inspection

A site inspection may be required if:

an external lift is used;
the local conditions cannot be described sufficiently;
the vehicle is to be parked in a place where stopping is generally not permitted.

Further procedures

A separate procedure is required for a larger barrier, storage area, longer closure or extensive traffic safety measure.

Further information:

These procedures have their own documents, deadlines and fees. A no-stopping zone alone does not automatically permit additional use of the road space.

If the zone is still occupied

Vehicles must not be removed, blocked or damaged yourself.

Have the following documents ready:

Exemption permit
Proof of proper installation
Photos with date and time

Then contact the responsible public order service or the police.

Procedure

Check whether the moving or delivery vehicle can be parked as usual.
Determine the local traffic situation and the length needed.
Submit the application ideally three weeks before the date.
Wait for the permit and fee notice.
Obtain or hire the signs from a specialist company.
Put up additional signs with the date, time and parking regulation.
Put up the signs at the latest 72 hours or three full calendar days beforehand.
Document the installation with photos, date and time.
Carry out the move or delivery within the approved period.
Remove the signs after the period has ended.

Apply for a parking restriction in Cologne