Apply for a Valet Permit

Obtaining Valet Parking Spaces

Definitions

• "Valet Space": A 20-foot space on a public way along the curb in which the loading and unloading of possessions is legal.
• "Director": Director of the Cambridge Department of Traffic, Parking and Transportation.
• "Valet": The operator who will drive a vehicle between the pick up/drop-off point and the parking area.
• "Parking Area": An off street private parking facility which is licensed by the City of Cambridge for commercial parking.

Procedure

The Operator of the proposed valet parking program shall submit an application to the Director 30 days prior to the proposed starting date. The application shall include:

1. Name, address, phone number of valet operator
2. Name, address, phone number of the establishment for whom valet service is proposed
3. A detailed plan of the proposed pick up/drop off area that shows the number of spaces required and that the area meets the requirements of the Mass. Architectural Access Board (MAAB) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. If the pick up/drop off area does not meet the MAAB and/or ADA regulations, provide a plan showing mitigation to relieve issue.
4. A detailed plan of the proposed area to be used for parking
5. A letter of agreement between the valet operator and the business which is being served stating the financial arrangements including how and when the customer pays for the service
6. A letter of agreement to access and use the proposed parking area which states the maximum number of valet vehicles allowed, and the total capacity of the facility
7. A detailed plan of the proposed valet operation, including hours and days of operation; routes to and from the parking area(s); number of valets; location and design of the proposed valet parking sign
8. Approval in writing that the proposed valet service meets the ordinances, rules and regulations of the City of Cambridge from the Inspectional Services Department, License Commission, Public Works Department and Department of Traffic, Parking & Transportation; and
9. A statement that the valet service agrees to submit to the Director a report listing the number of vehicles serviced each day during an average week, three and twelve months after the valet service begins and annually thereafter.

Permit

1. The Director may issue a special street obstruction permit good for one year for valet parking.
2. The Director shall reject any application which would adversely affect public safety or interfere with the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic during the valet operating hours.
3. The Director may promulgate the required traffic regulations.
4. The Director shall approve the design and location of the "valet" parking sign. The applicant will be responsible for supplying and maintaining the approved sandwich board sign as well as its placement in the valet space.
5. If there is a parking meter(s) at the valet space(s) the applicant will be responsible for covering the parking meter(s) during the hours of valet operation. The bag used to cover the meter(s) shall be approved by the Director.
6. The cost for valet space shall be $20.00 per year per foot of curb required to operate the service safely between 6 P.M. and midnight on the days required.

Revocation of Permit

The Director may revoke a special valet permit for any of the following reasons:

1. Double parking or double stopping at valet pick-up/drop off area;
2. Use of more valet space than permit allows;
3. Parking of vehicles on a public way by a valet;
4. Vehicle (s) waiting to use the valet parking service area creating a traffic safety problem; or
5. Situations created by the valet operation which adversely affect the safety of the general public or interfere with the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

Upon receipt of a complaint, the Director will notify the permit holder in writing. Failure to correct the complaint within ten days will result in revocation of the special "valet" permit.

Special Provisions

Any permit issued under these "Valet Parking Guidelines and Procedures" shall not be valid during a declared snow emergency, construction of the public way within a block of the valet area or when parking is restricted near the valet area for any public purpose.