Parking Manual

University of Northern Iowa parking manual for motor vehicles, bicycles, roller blades, roller skates and skateboards.

Scroll down to view the 2024-2025 Parking Regulations, fees and fines: Effective Monday, August 26, 2024

General Procedures

2024-2025 School Year

The use of UNI parking facilities, except metered areas, requires registration and a parking permit at all times. Unless posted otherwise and at specific meters, the GBPAC metered visitor lot is not available for use by UNI faculty, staff, or students.
University parking facilities are not to be used as storage for boats, campers, trailers, motorcycles or any other vehicle, or for any type of gathering unless approved by the Department of Public Safety.
Parking of motor vehicles is prohibited on all University of Northern Iowa property except those locations which have been established for parking and marked by signs controlling their use. It is illegal to park outside of a designated parking stall or in any area that is not specifically designated for parking and violators will be ticketed and are subject to tow.
Applications for parking permits are made at the Department of Public Safety, 30 Gilchrist Hall, during posted business hours. Applications are also accepted online by registered students and current faculty and staff as announced during the year.
Faculty, staff, students, and visitors are expected to know and to comply with the State of Iowa motor vehicle laws, the traffic ordinances of the City of Cedar Falls, and the University of Northern Iowa traffic and parking regulations. Vehicles in violation may be ticketed and towed without notice.
Driving motor vehicles on campus walks and lawns is prohibited except when special permission is granted by UNI Facilities Management or the Department of Public Safety.
Driving around or moving a barricade is not permitted and may result in the suspension of university parking privileges.
The University of Northern Iowa assumes no liability or responsibility for vehicles or their contents while parked or driven on university property. This includes lost or stolen permits.
The President's authorized representative shall place and maintain such traffic control devices as deemed necessary upon or about university drives, roads, and streets.
Passes issued by Athletics for the purpose of parking in designated lots during scheduled UNI athletic events are not valid in any other location at any time, nor does it absolve driver or owner of obtaining the appropriate UNI parking permit or any other regulation herein.
Golf carts must register with and conform to the policies set forth by the University and are subject to all parking regulations and fines set forth herein.
Pursuant to the authority of Chapter 262.9 of the Code, as amended by Senate File 120 enacted by the Sixty-fourth General Assembly, First Session; the President of the university or a designee is authorized to establish further rules, policies, and procedures as may be deemed necessary and convenient for the effective administration of the duties hereunder. The President of the University of Northern Iowa has designated the Director of the Department of Public Safety, as Supervisor, to administer these regulations, as set out in the Code of Iowa.
All regulations herein are in effect August 26, 2024 through August 24, 2025.

1. University Student Vehicle Registration

1.1 All university students (full or part-time) who intend to use the campus parking facilities at any time shall register their vehicles and display the proper parking permit.

1.2 Parking permits will be issued only upon presentation of a University of Northern Iowa student I.D. card. The fee may be paid at the time of issuance or may be collected through the university billing procedure.

1.3 Off-campus students shall be eligible for a B permit and must obtain it if intending to use the B parking lots between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Off-campus students attending class after 4:00 p.m. shall be eligible for an R permit. See Section 6.5.

1.4 Students living in university residence halls shall be eligible for a C or R permit.

a. Certain persons renewing their housing contract with the Department of Residence may be eligible for one C Reserved Multimodal or C Preferred parking permit which allows them to park in the C Reserved Multimodal or C Preferred parking areas. The purchase of any C Preferred permit does not guarantee parking adjacent to a specific residence building. Determination of who is eligible for these permits will be made by University Housing & Dining.

b. Residents of the R.O.T.H. Complex shall be eligible to purchase a B permit.

c. An R permit is not valid in a C, C Reserved Multimodal or C Preferred lot at any time. (see Section 6.5 below).

d. C, C Reserved Multimodal and C Preferred permits must be turned into the Department of Public Safety upon termination of an applicable housing contract.

e. Individuals found using an altered, stolen or either a C Reserved Multimodal or C Preferred permit they are ineligible for or registered to another person, however acquired, forfeit any future eligibility for C Reserved Multimodal or C Preferred parking privileges.

f. Individuals who knowingly allow the use of a C Reserved Multimodal or C Preferred permit issued to them by another are subject to revocation to all or part of their university parking privileges.

1.5 Parking areas with a C, C Reserved Multimodal, C Preferred, or R designation can be used twenty-four (24) hours per day by persons with an appropriate UNI parking permit. Restrictions may apply.

1.6 Students living in UNI Apartments shall be eligible for a C or B permit.

1.7 Graduate Assistants may purchase the A or B parking permits in accordance with all applicable motor vehicle parking regulations.

2. Faculty/Staff Vehicle Registration

2.1 All university staff (full or part-time) who intend to use the campus parking facilities at any time shall register their vehicle(s) and display the proper parking permit.

2.2 Any staff member may purchase the Gm, G, A, B or R parking permits. Application should be made at the Department of Public Safety, 30 Gilchrist Hall. Payment shall be made at the time of application or collected as a payroll deduction. Unsold Gm and G permits may be sold to students up to the maximum number available. Gm and G permits are not oversold

2.3 All parking permit applicants wishing a three (3) period payroll deduction must apply no later than September 15. Permanent faculty and staff purchasing the Gm, G, A or B parking permit are eligible to have their permit fee deducted on a monthly pre-tax basis. Persons choosing the pre-tax payment option may not downgrade their permit during the payment year.

2.4 All parking permit applicants wishing a payroll deduction, who apply after September 15, will have their deduction made from one pay period.

2.5 A, B, and C parking lots are oversold. Purchase of an A or B permit does not guarantee the purchaser a parking space.

2.6 Any retired faculty or staff member who meets the requirements under the retirement policy will qualify for an E permit which enables the individual to park in any A, B, C or R parking lots at no cost.

3. Bicycles

3.1 Bicycles shall be parked only in bicycle racks provided by the university. Bicycles shall not be parked on the lawn or sidewalks, or chained to trees, light poles, fences, benches, etc. Bicycles improperly parked may be impounded by cutting and removal of a locking device, if necessary. E-bikes are not allowed inside university buildings and are subject to the same rules and regulations as other bicycles.

3.2 Bicycles that are considered abandoned will be removed by cutting the locking device, if necessary, and impounded.

3.3 All bicycles left on campus following the conclusion of either the spring or summer session will be deemed abandoned and impounded.

3.4 Impounded bicycles may be claimed within a three (3) month period after impoundment upon proper identification and payment of a five dollar ($5.00) impoundment fee. Bicycles impounded and unclaimed after three (3) months will be sold at auction.

3.5 All bicyclists should familiarize themselves with all appropriate laws regulating bicycle operation on and off campus. Extreme caution should be exercised when riding on campus walkways. Pedestrians shall be given the right-of-way at all times. Bicyclists riding on campus need to exercise caution when operating off campus sidewalks and streets.

4. Motorcycles

4.1 All operators of motorcycles who intend to use the campus parking facilities must purchase a virtual parking permit. All motorcycles must park in designated motorcycle areas unless using and paying the meters. Motorcycles may not be stored on campus during the winter season.

4.2 A motorcycle is classified as any vehicle that is self-propelled, has fewer than four wheels, including mopeds and motorized bicycles, and is not a bicycle or electric bike.

5. Disabled Parking

5.1 Permanently disabled persons wishing to use the university disabled parking facilities must display the appropriate university parking permit and the state disabled identification permit.

5.2 Persons who have short-term disabilities may apply for disabled parking privileges at the UNI Department of Public Safety, 30 Gilchrist Hall. Temporary disabled permits are valid for a maximum of sixteen (16) weeks within an academic year. Such permits are meant solely for temporary use. Individuals with a long-term disability are required to obtain a state issued plate/placard. Application forms for the state disabled identification permit may be obtained from any County Treasurer's Office.

5.3 R permits may be used with a valid state issued disabled identification permit after 4pm Monday thru Friday.

5.4 Disabled parking areas are reserved solely for the holders of disabled parking permits with the appropriate university parking permit. The disabled parking stalls located within residence halls and UNI Apartments parking areas are enforced twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week. All other disabled areas will be enforced from 7:00 a.m. through 1:00 a.m., seven (7) days a week with no parking from 1:00 a.m. through 7:00 a.m.

6. Parking Lot Designation & Hours

6.1 Areas and/or stalls within designated lots are restricted as posted and enforced 24/7

6.2 Hours of Enforcement:

a. The following are enforced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year:

C Preferred (CP) lots (See Section 6.X for summer)

C Reserved (CR) stalls in the MMTC, 1st floor

Handicap stalls. See Section 5 for permit requirements

Timed parking stalls

Residence Hall Coordinator stalls

Service Stalls

No Parking Areas

Motorcycle stalls-Motorcycles only

Any stall posted as such

Any area not marked as a parking stall (curbs, roadways)

b. The following areas are restricted from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday thru Friday:

-All designated A, B, C, R lots and G, G MMTC areas.

Gm permit holders may use the Gm, A, B, C or R Lots.

G permit holders may use the G, A, B, C or R lots.

A permit holders may use the A, B, C or R lots.

B permit holders may use the B, C or R lots.

C permit holders may use the C or R lots.

R permit holders may use R lots.

-From 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. the above areas may be used by anyone with a current UNI parking permit.

c. The following areas may not be used for overnight parking, 1 a.m. to 7 a.m.:

All A, B, G, Gm areas.

Any area or stall posted as such

d. Metered Areas-Enforced Monday thru Friday, including holidays, summer, and non-academic periods as follows:

Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center (PAC): 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

All other metered areas: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

There is no parking in any metered area from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m. at all times

e. All other areas are posted and enforced as needed.

6.3 The purchase of a parking permit does not guarantee the holder a parking space.

6.4 All parking regulations are enforced during semester breaks, seasonal holidays and during the summer break. CP lots will be treated as C lots during interim periods in addition to the period of the week following spring finals and the week before fall classes begin. Lot designations will be lifted in the A and B lots during non-academic periods.

7. 7. Permit & Fees

Type of Registration	Year	Fall Only	Spring	Summer
Gm Reserved (MMTC)	$384.00	N/A	$192.00	$96.00
G Reserved	$360.00	N/A	$180.00	$90.00
A Faculty and Staff	$199.20	N/A	$99.60	$49.80
B Faculty and Staff	$119.40	N/A	$59.70	$29.85
Construction	$119.40	N/A	$59.70	$29.85
B Student	$103.80	$51.90	$51.90	$25.95
B Student Fall Only	$51.90	$51.90	N/A	N/A
CP Resident Hall Preferred	$120.00	N/A	$60.00	$30.00
C Reserved Multimodal: 24/7	$360.00	N/A	$180.00	$90.00
C Residence Hall Students	$70.20	$35.10	$35.10	$17.55
C Residence Hall Students Fall Only	$35.10	$35.10	N/A	N/A
R Night / Remote	$40.80	N/A	$20.40	$10.20
Motorcycle	$36.00	N/A	$18.00	$9.00
Service (Vendor)	$183.60	N/A	$91.80	$13.00
Daily Visitor/Temp	$2.60	Per Week
Temporary (per week)4	$13.00	Per Week
Metered (per hour)5	$0.80
Preferred Metered (per hour)	$1.00

*Prices for permanent faculty and staff are prorated on a monthly basis.

7.2 Faculty and staff with A, B, G or Gm parking permit may resister one (1) motorcycle onto their regular parking permit with no additional cost,

a. Only one (1) vehicle or motorcycle may be on campus as any one time. Additional vehicle or motorcycle found on campus simultaneously are subject to a citation for illegal parking.

b. Motorcycles must park in designated motorcycle parking areas. Failure to do so will result in a citation for illegal parking.

7.3 Permits will be registered to individuals only and ownership of all UNI permits is not transferable.

a. Hanging permits must be displayed on the rearview mirror of the vehicle or in a self-adhesive window pouch issued by the Department of Public Safety while parked on campus. Driver discretion should be used when operating the motor vehicle with the hanging permit on the rearview mirror.

b. A charge of Failure to Display a Parking Permit will be assessed if the hanging permit is not present on the rearview mirror. An additional charge of Illegal Parking will be assessed if the vehicle is parked outside their lot designation. One charge of Failure to Display a Parking Permit can be dismissed per academic year.

c. Only current year permits are to be displayed on the vehicle. All permits from prior years are to be completely removed.

d. It is the responsibility of the registrant to ensure their permit is properly used and displayed, with the letter designation and all digits in the permit number clearly visible from the front of the vehicle.

e. Temporary permits are not valid without the valid date(s) listed, and vehicles are subject to citation.

f. Virtual permits may be issued in lieu of a physical one. License plates and vehicle identification numbers (VIN) shall be clearly visible and legible at all times. Blocking or covering a license plate to avoid LPR scanning, or VIN to avoid owner identification, may result in a citation and removal from campus (See Section 8.8.f). If the virtual permit number is assigned to more than one (1) vehicle, only one of those vehicles are allowed on campus at any one time.

7.4 Replacement of hanging parking permits which have been lost or stolen from an unlocked vehicle will be at the current permit price. There is no replacement fee to those persons whose permits have been stolen through forced entry (police report required) to their vehicle or when remnants of the old permit are returned to the Department of Public Safety. Contact the Department of Public Safety for additional information.

7.5 When applying for a refund of the parking permit fee, the permit must be returned to the Department of Public Safety. Students may do so within the first two (2) weeks of any given semester or summer session of eight (8) weeks or more. Faculty and staff are prorated on a monthly basis.

There are no refunds on parking meter payments.

7.6 All parking permits expire the first day of classes the following academic year.

8. Traffic Regulations

8.1 Vehicles must be parked between the lines where parking stalls are marked.

8.2 Pedestrians shall have the right-of-way at all crosswalks and are expected to cross at properly marked crosswalks. Vehicles will yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.

8.3 The speed limit on all campus streets is 20 mph. Driving within this speed does not relieve the operator of the responsibility of having the vehicle under control at all times. Speed zone signs are posted at each entrance to the university.

8.4 "Head-In" parking is recommended, particularly in angle parking spaces.

8.5 All vehicles parked in violation of these regulations shall be subject to tow at the expense of the owner or registrant.

8.6 Disabled vehicles must be moved within twenty-four (24) hours. Vehicles are subject to tow immediately if they present a traffic hazard.

8.7 Vehicles may be towed or impounded if any of (but not limited to) the following conditions exist without prior notice:

a. The vehicle has accumulated a total of five (5) unpaid violation citations or a total of fifty dollars ($50) in unpaid penalties.

b. The vehicle is improperly or illegally parked and poses a traffic hazard or an obstruction to the normal movement of traffic.

c. The vehicle remains improperly or illegally parked for a period exceeding eight (8) hours.

d. The vehicle appears to be abandoned or left unattended for a period of time exceeding twenty-four (24) hours.

e. The vehicle habitually violates the parking rules. The receipt of ten (10) parking tickets within any academic year will establish the vehicle owner as a habitual violator.

f. Vehicles using University of Northern Iowa parking facilities must have a current state vehicle registration, a valid UNI parking permit, and be operable. Those vehicles deemed inoperable, are not currently licensed, no visible vehicle identification number (VIN), or are in disrepair, are subject to removal from university property at the owner’s expense.

g. Vehicles displaying an altered, forged, stolen or fraudulently used parking permit.

h. Vehicles parked in any lot designated for closure.

8.8 Parking privileges may be revoked if one or more of the following occur:

a. Displaying an altered or stolen parking permit, including state issued disabled identification permit.

b. Using a permit for which they are not eligible or issued to another person however acquired.

c. Knowingly allows a permit issued to them to be used by another person for any reason.

d. Persons deemed to be habitual violators of the university parking rules receiving ten (10) parking tickets within any academic year.

e. Any illegal use of a permit.

9. Penalties & Appeals

9.1 The person registering a vehicle or operating a vehicle on campus shall be responsible for all parking violations involving the vehicle.

9.2 Parking tickets for illegal parking may be issued once every two (2) hours for the same violation and location. Multiple parking citations may be issued throughout the day to vehicles remaining at an expired meter or timed parking zone.

9.3 Violation of any of the regulations governing the use of motor vehicles, bicycles, roller skates, roller blades and skateboards on campus will subject the violator to a penalty according to the following schedule:

a. Altering or counterfeiting any parking permit - $100.00 each offense
b. Fraudulent use of any parking permit - $50.00 each offense
c. Failure to purchase parking permit - $17.00 each offense
d. Improper display of parking permit - $5.00 each offense
e. Failure to display parking permit - $5.00 each offense
f. Late payment - $7.00 each offense
g. Illegal parking - $17.00 each offense
h. Wrong Area for Permit - $25.00 each offense
i. Illegal parking in a Service or Official Vehicle Zone or a Tow Zone - $30.00 each offense
j. Loading zone (timed parking areas) parking violations - $20.00 each offense
k. Disabled parking violations including handicapped access areas - $200.00 each offense
l. Overtime or expired parking at meters - $15.00 each offense
m. Parking in G, A & B lots from 1:00 a.m. - 7:00 a.m. during snow removal - $25.00 each offense
n. Vehicles parked along the curb in C, C Preferred and R lots during snow removal - $25.00 each offense
o. Fines for habitual violators (excluding disabled parking violations) will be double the normal fee - refer to section 8.8 (e)
p. Improper use of roller skates, roller blades or skateboards - $25.00 each offense
q. Moving violations:
  Driving on campus walks or lawns - $40.00 each offense
  Driving around or moving a barricade - $40.00 each offense
  Excessive speed on campus drives, streets and roads - $40.00 each offense
  Failure to comply with traffic control devices (stop signs) - $40.00 each offense
  All other moving violations - $40.00 each offense

9.4 Unpaid Parking Fines:

a. Staff member - may be deducted from salary.

b. Student - may prevent the student from registering for classes or obtaining transcripts.

c. May result in a suspension of parking privileges on university property.

9.5 Appeals

a. Upon being issued a parking/traffic violation, the violator shall appear within ten (10) calendar days at the Department of Public Safety, 30 Gilchrist Hall, during normal business hours and pay the penalty imposed or make an appeal to the Parking Appeals Committee

b. Appeals will be accepted in oral or written form by the Parking Appeals Committee. An online ticket appeal form can be found at parking.uni.edu.

c. Upon receipt of a parking appeal, parking staff will conduct an administrative review of the appeal to ensure it meets criteria for a valid appeal.

d. Once established criteria for an appeal is met, the appeal will go to the Parking Appeals Committee for consideration. Once the Parking Appeals Committee makes a decision, the person who submitted the appeal will be informed of the decision.

e. Valid appeal criteria should provide evidence the parking violation was not committed or the parking infraction was due to circumstances beyond the driver’s control.

f. The following reasons will not be considered as valid for appealing a parking citation:

1. Lack of knowledge of the parking rules and regulations.

2. Vehicle was illegally parked for a short period of time.

3. Other vehicles were similarly parked in an illegal fashion.

4. No other parking area was available.

5. Violator did not receive citations in the past for a similar infraction.

6. Violator was late for class or an appointment.

7. Disagreement with or dislike of the regulation(s).

8. No impact on or denial of legal parking for others.

g. Failure to appear for an oral appeal at the appointed time will result in denial of the appeal.

9.6. In the event of nonpayment of an assessed penalty or the failure to initiate an appeal action within ten (10) days following the issuance of a violation citation or the denial of an appeal, an additional penalty of seven dollars ($7.00) will be assessed.

9.7 Altered parking permits confiscated by Public Safety will not be returned, regardless of how altered. Individuals may be given the option to purchase a new parking permit at the current rate in lieu of revocation of parking privileges (See Section 8.8).

10. Visitors & Guests

10.1 Campus visitors and guests may park in metered areas of parking lots or in the “metered” visitor lot north of the Performing Arts Center.

10.2 Visitors and guests are expected to observe the campus traffic regulations. They shall not use restricted areas, service areas, zones for disabled or loading zones except in accordance with these regulations.

10.3 All overnight visitors or guests shall obtain a courtesy parking permit from the Department of Public Safety and shall park in any C or R parking area between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., seven (7) days a week.

10.4 Visitors who attend conferences will pay a conference rate of $2.60 per 12 hour period (or part thereof) and will park in designated areas assigned by the Department of Public Safety. This rate is only available when permits are ordered on behalf of a UNI Department or outside entity through the Group / Visitor Parking Permit Request portal.

11. Other Regulations

11.1 Loading zones (timed parking areas) are established for the purpose of providing short-term parking for holders of permits only and are enforced twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week. Multiple tickets may be issued for all violations of these regulations.

11.2 Service areas are established for the exclusive use of service vehicles, delivery trucks, and university vehicle with no time limit and are enforced twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week. Vehicles without official government plates must display a current Service Permit issued by the Parking Department. See Section 11.6.

11.3 Visitor parking spaces (other than metered parking) are only for the use of visitors to the campus or guests of the university and are enforced twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week.

11.4 Other reserved areas are established for the exclusive use of the vehicle assigned to that area.

11.5 Parking lots may be temporarily closed to facilitate cleaning, maintenance or other university purpose. Parking lots may be temporarily reassigned or restricted in the case of special events on campus.

11.6 Service Parking Permits

a. Service parking permits are available to vendors and University departments for an annual fee of $183.60 effective August 1 through July 31. Current UNI students, faculty and staff must also possess the appropriate permit.

b. Service permits will not be issued to or for use on motorcycles.

11.7 Construction permits are available to contractors working on campus.

a. A construction or Service permit must be displayed on all times within any area posted as a construction zone. Any area outside of this are subject to the rules and regulations stated herein.

b. These permits will carry an annual fee of $119.40 and be effective August 1 through July 31. They may also be purchased on a weekly basis for $13.00 per week.

c. The fee for construction permits must be paid at the time of issuance. Accepted forms of payment are cash, check or credit card (provided University standards for acceptance of credit cards are met).

d. The Construction permit allows parking in assigned B, C or R parking areas as determined by the Parking Department. B parking areas must be vacated daily from 1:00 a.m.-7:00 a.m.

11.8 The Department of Public Safety accepts the following as payment: Cash (no more than five-dollars ($5.00) in coins or one-dollar ($1.00) in pennies per transaction); checks for exact amount only.

12. Skateboards, Roller Blades, Roller Skates and Electronic Personal Transportation Vehicles

12.1 No person shall ride or operate skateboards, roller blades, or roller skates, or electronic personal transportation vehicles (including but not limited to hoverboards, scooters, and monowheels) upon properties owned, leased or occupied by the University of Northern Iowa except:

-on sidewalks and hard surface areas where bicycle traffic is permitted.

-in a prudent and careful manner, with reasonable regard for the safety of the operator and other persons; pedestrians shall have the right-of-way.

12.2 Electronic personal transportation vehicles are not allowed inside university buildings.

12.3 Impoundment. Any public safety officer who observes a person violating this ordinance is authorized to issue a citation for the violation and to impound a person's skateboard if repeat violations occur.

The responsibility of the Public Safety Advisory Committee is to make recommendations to the president concerning regulations and policies for parking and traffic on the university campus. The committee reserves the right to regulate and control traffic as it deems necessary and may change these regulations with due notice published in the Northern Iowan.

Written suggestions to promote traffic safety or improve parking regulations on campus are welcomed by the Public Safety Advisory Committee and should be sent to the Department of Public Safety, Gilchrist Hall, Room 30.