Revised: Jan 2019

General information

Parking areas

Permits to park

Regulations

Penalties

General information

Granting Authority—Colorado Revised Statute 23-5-107

“23-5-107. Authority of governing boards—parking. (1) The governing board of any state institution of higher education is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations providing for the operation and parking of vehicles upon the grounds, driveways, or roadways within the property under the control of the governing board. Such rules and regulations may include, but not be limited to, regulation and control of the following:

  1. Assignment of parking spaces, designation of areas for parking, and regulation of the use of such spaces and areas, including the assessment of charges thereof;
  2. Prohibition or limitation of parking in the manner deemed necessary;
  3. Removal of vehicles parked in violation of institutional rules and regulations, ordinances, or law at the expense of the violator;
  4. Assessment of charges for violation of rules and regulations.

Delegation of Authority 

Pursuant to Laws of the Regents – or unless otherwise expressed by the Board of Regents, the President of the University of Colorado, or the Chancellor of its Boulder Campus – responsibility for the promulgation and enforcement of campus parking and traffic regulations has been delegated to Parking  Services (PS) and CU Police Department (CUPD).

Definitions 

The following words and phrases used in these regulations have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

  1. “Accessible” or “Accessibility Parking” means parking reserved for use by persons with disabilities that possess a state-issued disability license plate, placard, decal, or permit.
  2. "Automobiles" includes all motor vehicles (e.g., cars, pickup trucks, vans, recreational vehicles, buses, etc.) excluding motorcycles.
  3. "Bicycle" means any vehicle propelled primarily by human power, either through a chain, belt, or gears, or without such devices, that has at least one wheel more than 14 inches in diameter. This includes tricycles, recumbent bicycles, “electric assisted bicycles” (or, “e-bikes”), unicycles, and tandems. E-bikes are defined as: “a vehicle having two tandem wheels or two parallel wheels with one forward wheel, fully operable pedals, an electric motor not exceeding seven hundred-fifty watts of power rating, and a top motor-assisted speed of twenty miles per hour. Unless otherwise indicated, e-bikes are treated the same as bicycles under these regulations.
  4. "Carpool" is an arrangement whereby two or more commuters travel together in one car.
  5. “Class Change” typically means the  time period between scheduled classes.
  6. “Department Allocation” is the number of parking permits assigned to each responsible CU Boulder department for issue to its employees.
  7. “Permanently Disabled” refers to a person who has a permanent physical impairment which has been verified in writing by a licensed physician to be of such a nature as to substantially restrict the person’s ability to move from place to place.
  8. “Temporarily Disabled” refers to a person who temporarily meets the definition of “permanently disabled” above.
  9. “Emergency Vehicles” are vehicles operated by fire departments, law enforcement agencies, or ambulance services for the protection and preservation of life and property, and that are equipped and operated as emergency vehicles pursuant to state law.
  10. “Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices” are a self-balancing vehicle that is powered solely by an electric motor not exceeding 750 watts, designed to transport one person, with a top speed of 12.5 mph. A common example of an EPAMD is a Segway scooter.
  11. “Hanging Permit” is a parking permit designed to be hung from the support post of the rearview mirror.
  12. “Licensed Physician” is any doctor of medicine (M.D.) or doctor of osteopathy (D.O.) licensed to practice medicine within the United States.
  13. "Motorcycle" means any motor vehicle designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground. This includes mopeds and motor scooters (other than e-bikes as defined in 3, above).
  14. “Motor Vehicles” includes all motor-driven vehicles (including, but not limited to, automobiles and motorcycles).
  15. “Oversized Vehicles” are any vehicles over 18 feet in length or over 8 feet 6 inches in width. This includes any vehicle with trailer in tow that will occupy more than one standard parking space.
  16. "Park" means the stopping of a vehicle other than very briefly for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading passengers or equipment.
  17. “Parking Liaison” is the employee designated by individual departments with authority to approve issuance of parking permits from the department’s faculty/staff permit allocation.
  18. “Parking Facility” means parking lot, garage, loading dock, service space and area immediately adjacent to the facility.
  19. "Pedestrian" means any person afoot or any person using a wheelchair.
  20. “Personal Transportation Device” means any self-propelled vehicle other than an automobile, bicycle, motorcycle, skateboard, or wheelchair (as defined in these regulations) which is generally and commonly used to transport persons and is not eligible for operation on the public highways.
  21. “Primary Parking Permit” refers to the faculty/staff, student, or temporary permit issued by CU Boulder PS to an individual as authorization for parking a personal vehicle.
  22. “Public Authority” means the University of Colorado at Boulder, the City of Boulder, the State of Colorado, the United States government, and any of their agencies or instrumentalities, and anybody or official thereof possessing power or authority delegated by the public authority.
  23. “Scofflaw Behavior” is the demonstration of disregard for these regulations by failing to pay or appeal one or more parking and traffic tickets within the time limits set forth in these regulations, such that more than $50 in ticket fines remains outstanding.
  24. “Service Agency” is any company, organization, or person thereof who conducts campus business or provides goods or services for the University of Colorado Boulder.
  25. “Service Drive” means those campus roadways designated by signage indicating “service vehicles only”.
  26. “Service Vehicle” is any vehicle owned by a company or service agency dedicated to the delivery of service, material, and/or equipment, the exterior of which is visibly marked with a company or organizational logo.
  27. “Special Events” includes all events on the Boulder campus that would necessitate a change in the normal parking and traffic patterns and regulations, e.g., sporting events, cultural events.
  28. “Staff Members” includes faculty, professional research assistants and associates, full- or part-time staff, temporary and hourly employees, and other persons working in service to the university, who are provided compensation for such services by the university in the form of wages or salary, academic course credits, scholarships, lodging, or waiver of debts owed to the university.
  29. “Standard Parking Space” means a parking space 18 feet long by 8.5 feet wide.
  30. "Students" means persons enrolled in graduate, undergraduate, or continuing education coursework on CU campuses.
  31. “Universal Accessibility Symbol” is the symbol commonly used to mark accessible parking spaces.
  32. "Wheelchair" means a motorized or non-motorized wheeled device designed for use by a person with a physical disability.
  33. “Window Permit” is a parking permit attached to the front windshield of a vehicle.
  34. “Worksite” means any area where construction or maintenance to university buildings, grounds, or property is underway.

Finances

The construction, improvement, and maintenance of all university parking facilities are financed solely through permit sales, fines, gate receipts, and meters. In addition, all money expended for the administration of PS comes from these same funds. No state funds may be used for any of these purposes. Fees described herein are subject to change subsequent to appropriate administrative review.

Scope of Regulations

  1. University Parking Rules and Regulations are issued supplemental to all applicable state laws and city ordinances. Users of the CU Boulder campus are warned that City of Boulder ordinances regulating private conduct including, but not limited to, traffic regulation will be enforced on the CU Boulder campus in addition to these regulations.
  2. These regulations apply to all persons while on the university campus in the manner described in the detailed regulations below and to all persons driving any motor vehicle, including state and federal government-owned vehicles. Violation of any section of these CU Boulder Parking Rules and Regulations shall subject the offending person or vehicle to ticket and/or tow.
  3. These regulations are in effect at all times, including vacation and recess periods.

Duty to Enforce

Unless otherwise provided herein, it shall be the duty and responsibility of parking enforcement officers of PS and the CUPD to enforce these regulations.

Approval of and/or Revisions to Regulations

The university reserves the right to change these regulations as necessary. University administration or the Board of Regents may change the parking permit fees at their discretion.

Parking Areas

Types and Descriptions

All official parking areas are designated with signs. If an area is not designated for parking, you may not park there. The sign regulates the type of parking authorized. Types of parking at CU Boulder include:

  1. Bicycle parking. Bicycles are restricted to bicycle racks provided at many locations on campus. Bicycles parked in these racks must bear a current CU Boulder bicycle registration. Any bicycle parked without a current CU Boulder bicycle registration and/or parked in any location other than a bicycle rack is subject to ticket and impoundment.

  2. Accessibility Parking Meters. Blue parking meter spaces reserved for vehicles transporting disabled persons, marked by signs and ground markings bearing the Universal Access Symbol. Vehicles parked at these meters must display a state-issued disability license plate, placard, or decal.  Payment is required to park at blue meters.

  3. Accessibility Parking Spaces. Parking spaces (including adjacent areas with blue or white ground markings for loading and unloading) reserved for vehicles transporting disabled persons, marked by signs bearing the Universal Access Symbol. Vehicles parked in these spaces must display a state-issued disability license plate, placard, decal, or permit.

  4. Loading Zones (building docks). Areas designated for use by any vehicle delivering or picking up cumbersome materials and equipment on campus. Parking in loading zones is restricted to the time period necessary for loading or off-loading material onto or from delivery vehicles. Vehicles parked in loading zones for more than 15 minutes or the posted time period without associated loading activity are subject to ticket or tow.

  5. Motorcycle Parking. Areas within which parking is restricted to motorcycles bearing valid CU Boulder motorcycle lot permits. Motorcycles may also park in metered vehicular parking spaces. Motorcycles are not allowed to park in permit-controlled vehicular parking spaces.

  6. Pay-by-Plate (CALE Machines). Computer-based devices used in visitor parking lots. Some lots require permits during business hours and convert to visitor/permit use weeknights (M–F, 5 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.) and all day Saturday and Sunday. Drivers must enter the license plate number of their vehicle and a receipt for parking will print out. The driver does not need to display the receipt on the dashboard of their vehicle.

  7. Permit-Only Lots. Areas within which parking is restricted to vehicles bearing permits authorized by the CU Boulder Parking Services office; specific lot designation and restrictions are posted within each lot.

  8. Reserved parking. Spaces posted for the use of specific vehicles only.

  9. Service and Delivery Parking Meters. Red service and delivery parking meters provide short term parking in areas where parking demand is high and access might not otherwise be available. Red service and delivery parking meters accept payment by coin. Service and delivery parking meters are enforced 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Worksite and Business Permits are not valid at red service and delivery parking meters. Any vehicle may park at a red meter with payment of hourly rate.

  10. Service Vehicle Parking Zones. Areas designated for parking by marked service vehicles. University parking regulations define a service vehicle as “any vehicle owned by a company or service agency that is dedicated to the delivery of service, material, and/or equipment, the exterior of which is visibly marked with a company or organizational logo.”

  11. Visitor Parking Areas. Campus areas or lots that are intended to accommodate the short term parking needs of campus visitors and affiliates including gray parking meters, and pay-by-plate machines. Lot signage indicates limited time zones. Students, faculty, staff and service agency representatives are not prohibited from using visitor parking areas for short-term parking needs; they must pay applicable fees.

Time Restrictions

Permit Lots 

Lot Number Permit Required
125 All Times
136 All Times
140 All Times
169[1]  7:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
204[1]  All Times
208[1]  All Times
224 All Times
243 All Times
265 All Times
282 7:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
308 7:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
310 All times
325 All Times
327 All Times
345 All Times
346 All Times
355 All Times
359 All Times
360[1]  All Times
374 All Times
380[1]  All Times
384 All Times
386 All Times
390 (Patient)

7 a.m. - 7 p.m. (M-F)

7 a.m. - Noon (Sat)

390 (Pay to Park)

Payment is required for visitor parking

outside of the reserved patient hours, listed above.

391 Level 2 – All Times
402 7:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
410 All Times
414 All Times
416[2]  All Times
418 All Times
419 7:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
420 7:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
430 All Times
434 All Times
436 7:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
437 All Times
444 All Times
470 7:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
543 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
544[2] All Times
548[2] All Times
553 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
554 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
556 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
560 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
574 All Times
575 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
576 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
577 All Times
580 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
601 All Times
618 All Times
622 All Times

[1] This lot becomes available for visitor parking weeknights after 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays & Sundays. Payment is required at the Pay-by-Plate paystations or via Parkmobile and enforced through "License Plate Recognition" technology. Entering an incorrect license plate number may incur a ticket. Lot rules and numbers may change through the year. The most current list of lots is available by contacting Parking Services at (303) 735-PARK (7275).

[2] This lot is a hybrid lot that requires a parking permit or hourly payment at all times.

Permit-Only Parking Zones.  Parkers with permits for parking zones may park in any lot within the zone. 

Zone Name Lot Number Permit Required
Kittredge (KIT)

414

418

All Times

All Times

New lots may be added at any time.  The most current list of lots is available by contacting Parking Services.

Metered Parking

Type Fee Required
Accessibility (blue) 24 hours per day, 7 days per week
Service (red) 24 hours per day, 7 days per week

Special Events Parking

  1. General Information
    1. University events may interrupt routine parking and traffic patterns and may temporarily displace patrons from their normal parking locations. Traffic control and street closures may be necessary. During any special event or campus activity, Parking Services may control parking meters and parking lots. Meter(s) may be bagged or signage may be present when a temporary restricted use of the meters is necessary.
    2. Accessibility parking is available for all campus events.
    3. Continuing Education students attending class in the immediate area of a special event shall present registration receipts to park at no charge on a space available basis.
    4. Failure to heed instructions of parking and traffic officials may result in a summons and/or impoundment of the vehicle.
    5. Patrons not possessing valid permits will be assessed a parking fee.
    6. Campus Department Business Permits, Vendor Permits, Contractor Permits, Worksite Permits, and Emergency Permits are not authorized for personal parking at campus events.
    7. During any special event or campus activity, control of parking is managed by Parking Services.
    8. During campus basketball games and other CU Events Center functions, all lots near the Events Center may be used for event purposes. Resident students who return to campus when parking lots are full, including the lot/zone for which they hold a permit, may be directed to an alternate area.
  2. Football Games. When football games are played in Folsom Stadium:
    1. All valid CU Boulder Parking Services parking permits will be honored and must park in lot 327 (parking garage located under the C4C) or specifically assigned lots on a space-available basis at no additional charge. Email notifications will be distributed to CU Boulder permit holders.
    2. Valid Parking and Transportation parking permits for the following lots are not honored from approximately six hours prior to event to two hours following event: 346, 360, 365, 378, 380, 384, 386, 390, 391, 394 and “X” permits. Lot closures may be extended beyond the hours listed above when necessary. 
    3. Only valid Family Housing parking permits are honored in the Family Housing parking areas unless special events parking arrangements are made by private agreement with the Family Housing office
  3. Basketball Games. When basketball games are played in CU Events Center:
    1. All valid CU Boulder Parking Services parking permits are honored in the following lots on a space-available basis at no charge: Lots 306, 308, 327, 402, 406, 414, 415, 416, 418, 419, 430, 434, and 436.
    2. Regent Drive, Broadway, 28th St., Colorado Avenue, campus streets and roadways may be subject to traffic control and/or street closures.
    3. All other lots not mentioned above are subject to day and time restrictions on posted signs.
  4. Stadium Concerts and Special Events, excluding Football Games. When concerts are held in Folsom Stadium:
    1. All valid CU Boulder Parking Services parking permits are honored in the following lots on a space-available basis at no charge: Lots 136, 140, 169, 204, 205, 254, 256, 258, 269, 282, 306, 308, 310, 319, 324, 327, 402, 406, 414, 416, 418, 419, 430, 434, 436, 440, and 448.
    2. Valid CU Boulder Parking Services parking permits are honored in the following lots on a space-available basis and only for the prescribed lot on the permit: Lots 208, 265, 325, 335, 346, 380, 384, 408, 410, and 444.
    3. Valid CU Boulder Parking Services permits for the following lots are not honored at times designated by PS: 365, 378, 386, 390, 391, 394, 396, and 420.
  5. CU Events Center Functions. When special functions are held in the CU Events Center:
    1. All valid CU Boulder Parking Services parking permits are honored in the following lots on a space-available basis at no charge: Lots 306, 308, 327, 402, 406, 414, 415, 416, 418, 419, 430, 434, 436, 437, and 448.
    2. Campus residents displaced from their permit lots during CU Events Center functions may be directed to an alternate area. Residents should move permitted vehicles to their assigned lots as soon as possible after an event ends.

Permits to Park

General Information 

  1. Students, staff, and faculty who wish to park a motor vehicle in a permit-controlled CU Boulder parking lot must have a valid CU Boulder campus parking permit affixed to or displayed in their vehicle(s), or a virtual permit attached to the displayed license plate.
  2. A permit does not guarantee the availability of a parking space, but it grants the privilege of parking in a specified area when space is available.
  3. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to ensure that the permit is properly displayed within, or virtual permit is attached to, the vehicle(s) to which it is registered with PS.
  4. Hanging permits are to be displayed on the inside rearview mirror with lot number facing toward the front of the vehicle.
  5. Permits may be transferred only between vehicles registered under the permit. Permits are not transferable between individuals unless such persons are co-owners of permitted vehicle(s).
  6. Only one permit is issued to each permit holder or carpool group. It is the responsibility of the carpool driver to ensure that the vehicle being parked is associated with that permit. Only one car may be parked on campus at a time.
  7. If the permit is lost or stolen, the permit holder must file a Permit Replacement Form to obtain a replacement permit. A small replacement charge is assessed by Parking Services. Alleged false reporting will be investigated as a criminal matter.
  8. Window permits are to be placed in the extreme lower right front windshield.
  9. Permits are valid only in parking areas specified on the face of the permit.
  10. When the primary lot is full, permit holders should contact the Parking Services office for alternate arrangements
  11. Permits are valid through the expiration date printed on the front of the permit.
  12. Temporary parking permits may be purchased for certain permit-only lots.Temporary parking in areas not controlled by Parking Services must be arranged through the appropriate department.
  13. All permits must be removed upon date of expiration. All permits must be removed and returned to PS upon cancellation if date on permit is not expired.
  14. Refunds of permit fees are made on a prorated basis.To cancel a permit, the permit holder must notify Parking Services before the last day of the month of effective cancellation. Upon receipt of notification, payroll deduction is canceled. If using payroll deduction, failure to renew a permit will not be considered cancellation.

Student Parking Permits

  1. Parking permits for student automobile or motorcycle lots on the campus are sold to students on a space-available basis in the following priority order:
    1. Students with permanent disabilities as verified by a licensed physician.
    2. Students with temporary disabilities as verified by a licensed physician.
    3. All students based on class year as determined by completed credit hours.
  2. Student permits are non-transferrable.
  3. Student permits are sold for the academic year (August–May) or by the semester on a first-come basis. 
  4. For academic year and for fall and spring semester, permit fees can be attached to the student’s tuition and fee bill.

Faculty/Staff Parking Permits

  1. Faculty/staff parking permits may be purchased when authorized by the appropriate department Parking Liaison.
  2. Campus Operational Access. Departments that require their employees to use personal vehicles to commute across campus to conduct departmental business may obtain University Operational Permits (see III-F below).
  3. Payment for faculty/staff permits can be made as follows: 
    1. Payroll deduction. This method is available only to employees paid through the university payroll system; the applicant must authorize a payroll deduction on the permit application form. Deductions will be made a month in advance until the permit is canceled.
    2. Cash payment. Cash payments must be made in advance for the duration of the permit.
  4. Retirees. A standard retiree parking permit is available at no charge upon application to persons classified as retired employees of CU Boulder by the university’s Human Resources department.

Visitor Parking

 Visitors to the CU Boulder campus may park for a fee in meter spaces, in lots with payment mechanisms, Euclid Parking Garage, Folsom Parking Garage or by temporary permit.

CU Boulder Owned Vehicles

Vehicles within this category are authorized to park free of charge in their assigned lot, service vehicle spaces, and at loading docks up to the allotted time posted on the sign. Vehicles in this category must pay at all parking payment machines and may not park at curb cuts or parking access points adjacent to spaces marked with the universal accessibility symbol or where signs prohibit parking.

Motorcycle/Moped Virtual Permits

  1. Motorcycle parking is restricted to motorcycle lots. Parking in automobile spaces is prohibited in all areas except time zones and metered spaces.
    1. Motorcycles may park in time zones and metered spaces for the authorized time period of the zone or meter by paying the required fee.
    2. When parking in time zones and metered spaces, the motorcycle shall park centered in the space.
    3. Motorcycles shall not occupy a space where another motor vehicle is already parked.
  2.  Faculty and staff permit holders may be issued a Circle M lot permit for no additional fee, provided that both vehicles are not parked on campus at the same time.

Multiple Vehicle Permits

  1. Carpool. Each vehicle in a carpool is allowed to park as designated by Parking Services. There is one permit number and one permit fee and only one car may be parked on campus at a time. All members of the carpool must register their vehicles with Parking Services.
  2. Additional motor vehicles
    1. Permit holders are responsible for registering their additional personally owned vehicles that may be parked on campus under the permit. 

Accessibility Permits

  1. Vehicles parked in accessible parking spaces must display a state-issued disability license plate, permit, decal, or placard at all times. Violators are subject to immediate tow. Accessible parking in “permit only” lots requires display of a CU Boulder parking permit and state issued disability license plate, permit, decal, or placard. Time limits and other conditions required by posted sign must be observed.
  2. Proximate parking may be made available to faculty, staff, or students with a disability. Eligibility is contingent upon the following:
    1. Written verification from a licensed physician stating the type of disability, the expected duration, and the distance the person is able to walk shall be submitted upon application for, or renewal of, Accessibility Permits.
    2. Parking Services reserves the right to request a second physician’s opinion regarding an applicant’s medical condition and/or mobility before permit issuance. 
    3. Permits will be issued for parking areas as close to the applicant’s preference as possible based on space availability.
  3. Fees for Accessibility Permits 
    1. Fees for permits issued to persons with disabilities are assessed at the standard permit rate.

Off Peak (evening/weekend) Permits

  1. Off Peak permits may be issued for lots in which “all times” parking restrictions apply. Off Peak permits allow for parking outside the normal business day.
  2. Applicants must provide valid vehicle registration information at the time the Off Peak parking permit application is made.
  3. Off Peak permits are not counted against departmental faculty/staff allocations.

Other Permits

  1. Parking permits may be sold to employees of agencies located on the Boulder campus with cash payments in accordance with these regulations unless such agencies provide parking for their employees as part of existing space-lease agreements.
  2. Under the Reciprocal Parking agreement, students and staff of the other CU campuses may park vehicles bearing valid parking permits from those campuses in lots 308 and 436 on Main Campus and lots 543 and 560 on East Campus. Parking in other lots requires a fee.
  3. Members of van pools may park their personal vehicle on an occasional one-day basis by purchasing a temporary parking permit through PS.

X Permits

  1. “X” permits authorize parking in all CU Boulder permit-controlled lots.
  2. Notwithstanding the “X” permit’s authorization for parking in all CU Boulder permit parking lots, “X” permit holders are expected to park in their assigned primary parking lots except when conducting university business away from their workplace.
  3. “X” permits do NOT authorize parking at CU Boulder parking meters, service vehicle parking zones, pay-as-you-park zones, in areas not designated as parking spaces, or in areas where parking or permit use is prohibited by sign.
  4. “X” permits are generally issued to officers of the university, department chairs or department directors. Approval can be requested by the department Dean or Vice Chancellor, in writing, to the Director of Parking Services.
  5. Applicants for “X” permits must demonstrate regular and ongoing job duties requiring mobility between various CU Boulder facilities that cannot be reasonably accommodated by walking, transit, telecommuting or other means.
  6. Retiree applicants for “X” permits must demonstrate an ongoing relationship with, and service to, the university from which arises a regular and ongoing requirement for mobility between various CU Boulder facilities that cannot be reasonably accommodated by walking, transit, telecommuting or other means.
  7. “X” permits and job or duty changes:
    1. “X” permits are issued based upon job duties and related mobility requirements. “X” permits must be relinquished in the event of a job change.
    2. Persons relinquishing “X” permits because of job changes may reapply provided their new positions meet the eligibility requirements outlined in this section.
    3. “X” permit privileges may be terminated upon review based on changes in job duties and mobility requirements.
  8. Fees for “X” permits are assessed at the maximum faculty/staff parking rate for all current and retired assignees.

Regent Permits

Regent permits are issued only to current members of the University of Colorado’s Board of Regents. Regent permits authorize parking in any designated vehicular parking stall on the CU Boulder campus, with the exception of disability parking spaces and reserved spaces. Vehicles parked in disability parking spaces must display a state issued disability license plate, placard, decal, or permit.

Lost/Stolen Permits

  1. A lost or stolen parking permit may be replaced for an administrative fee upon the permit holder’s submission of a completed Parking Permit Replacement Application, available at Parking Services.
    1. Stolen parking permits should be reported to the appropriate police jurisdiction.
    2. Criminal charges may be filed against any person in possession of a stolen parking permit.
  2. Permits that have been reported lost or stolen are invalid for use at CU Boulder.
  3. Any vehicle displaying a parking permit that has been reported lost or stolen is subject to a parking ticket and may be towed and impounded at the owner’s expense.
  4. Recovered lost or stolen permits must be returned to Parking Services.

Oversized vehicle permits

  1. Vehicles greater than 18 feet in length or 8 feet in width are considered oversized vehicles and must make special arrangements with Parking Services to park on campus. This includes any vehicle with trailer which occupies more than one standard parking space.
  2. Parking permit rates for oversized vehicles shall be assessed based upon the number of standard parking spaces the vehicle requires. The fee assessed shall equal the prevailing rate of the permit type requested multiplied by the number of spaces the vehicle occupies.

Regulations

General Regulations

  1. Unless approved by Parking Services, the use of parking facilities for purposes other than those for which the facilities were intended is prohibited. Violators are subject to university ticket, municipal summonses, vehicle impoundment, and/or arrest.
  2. Parking violations and any associated fees and fines are the responsibility of the registered owner of the involved vehicle. Registered owners are identified through license plate listings with the appropriate state department of motor vehicles.
  3. These Parking Rules and Regulations shall be enforced on all properties and streets within the jurisdiction of the University of Colorado at Boulder, including university parking areas not fully and directly controlled by the Parking Services' office.
  4. In the event of mechanical failure of a vehicle, the owner or driver is responsible for its removal within 24 hours. Parking Services must be immediately advised of the vehicle’s location, description, and license plate number to avoid possible ticket or tow.
  5. Vehicles may be towed and impounded for accrual of unpaid parking and traffic tickets in the amount of $50 or more, or for any violation listed in these regulations.
  6. Abandoned vehicles may be towed and impounded in accordance with the State Abandonment Law (Colorado Revised Statutes 42-4-1202 and 42-4-1803). Vehicles (trailers, motorcycles) may be considered abandoned if they are not currently licensed and/or operational at all times.
  7. Use of animals for transportation is not permitted on CU Boulder streets unless authorized by the University of Colorado Police Department.
  8. The university assumes no responsibility for the care and protection of any motor vehicle or its contents at any time that the vehicle is operated or parked on campus.
  9. Counterfeiting, forging, and/or altering state-issued license plates or motor vehicle registrations, parking permits or receipts issued by the Parking Services office, or any other university department or agency, is in violation of Colorado criminal statutes. The unauthorized transfer of license plates from one vehicle to another is a violation of Colorado statutes regulating motor vehicles. Any such violations will be referred to the University of Colorado Police Department for investigation.
  10. Serious or repeated violations of these parking regulations may result in revocation of permit parking privileges.
  11. Parking at the University of Colorado at Boulder is allowed only in those areas designated as parking zones/stalls by sign and/or striping. In unpaved lots, parking blocks serve as space markers. Vehicles parked in areas not specifically posted and/or striped as parking areas are subject to ticket and/or tow.
  12. Damaging a parking meter or causing a parking meter to malfunction with the intent of rendering it inoperative as a parking control device is a violation of these regulations, and may result in penalty fines and/or criminal charges. Vehicles may not park at malfunctioning or inoperative parking meters.
  13. With the exception of police and fire personnel responding to an emergency, no person may authorize exceptions to these regulations without prior written permission of the Director of Parking Services or his/her designee.
  14. It is a violation of state fiscal rules to use university funds for personal commuting and parking expenses. Permits may be purchased for the purpose of conducting authorized university business at a campus location away from your primary workplace.
  15. Bicycles on Campus:
    1. Riding: With the exception of CU Police officers, bicyclists riding on campus streets and on bike paths must obey posted speed limits and traffic devices. Bicyclists riding on campus sidewalks and multi-use paths (including those on e-bikes) must yield the right of way to pedestrians and must ride at speeds safe for existing conditions.
    2. Pedestrian Safety Zones: Pedestrian safety zones are portions of the CU Boulder sidewalk system where bicycle riding, skateboarding and the use of personal transportation devices are restricted. Pedestrian safety zones have been established to reduce the risk of injury to pedestrians along CU Boulder’s sidewalks. The speed limit within pedestrian safety zones is 5 mph between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday except during class change periods. During class change periods, bicyclists, skateboarders and persons using personal transportation devices must dismount or ride at speeds not to exceed 5 mph in pedestrian safety zones.
    3. Bicycle Parking: Bicycles must be parked in bicycle parking racks. Bicycles that create safety or environmental hazards or block access to handrails, ramps, parking meters, signage or building entrances may be issued tickets and impounded.
    4. Registration: CU Boulder regulations require that bikes parked regularly on campus be registered.
  16. The general use on campus properties of any Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices (EPAMD) is prohibited, and may only be granted exception when all the following circumstances are met:
    1. PS will consider the request of any faculty, student, staff or visitor wanting the use of an EPAMD on campus as a reasonable accommodation under the ADA regulations. As such, the person will be required to provide appropriate documentation they have a disability that requires the use of an EPAMD for mobility;
    2. The person requesting the use of and EPAMD agrees to:
      1. Register the device with PS prior to use on campus;
      2. Only operate the device on paved sidewalks and cross roadways at marked crosswalks (use on landscaping and grass areas will always remain prohibited);
      3. Not use the device inside of buildings without specific, separate and written authorization from the building proctor, or from the Office of Disability Services, in coordination with Facilities Maintenance or other CU Boulder campus departments with the responsibility for building maintenance in evaluating the impact of the use of the device on the physical structure;
      4. Will store the item when not in use in areas that do not block egress or access (they will not be permitted to be stored in building lobbies, stairwells or stair towers, corridors and ramps inside or outside of buildings or lined parking areas, or in any location identified by the campus fire marshal);
      5. Will operate the device at a speed that is reasonable and prudent under the conditions having regard to the actual potential hazards then existing, except during periods of class change on campus at which time speeds may not exceed 4 mph;
      6. When in use between sunset and sunrise, EPAMDs shall be equipped with a front lamp, which emits a beam of white light intended to illuminate to operator’s path and visible for a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and a red reflector facing to the rear which shall be visible at least 500 feet to the rear, and amber reflectors to each side;
      7. Operators shall not wear or use headphones or earphones while operating an EPAMD.
      8. Sign documentation agreeing to the listed terms and conditions of use.

Moving Vehicles Regulations

  1. Speed limits for motor vehicles operated at CU Boulder are:
    1. 20 miles per hour on campus streets,
    2. 10 miles per hour in campus parking lots, on campus streets adjacent to residence halls, on campus streets adjacent to or in Family Housing developments,
    3. 5 miles per hour on sidewalks and service drives, or
    4. As otherwise posted by regulatory signs.
  2. Driving on bike paths and sidewalks is prohibited with the following exceptions:
    1. Emergency vehicles or service vehicles displaying the proper permit may drive along sidewalks designated as service drives.
    2. Emergency vehicles responding to an emergency.
    3. CU Boulder Police Department marked patrol vehicles providing patrol services.
  3. Motor vehicles shall not drive or park on plazas, fields, or grounds of the university that are not designated as routes of travel or parking areas unless authorized by Parking Services.
  4. E-bikes are permitted to be operated on designated multi-use paths on, through and around the CU Boulder Campus unless otherwise indicated. In addition, e-bikes may be operated anyplace that a regular bicycle may be operated, EXCEPT that they may only use the electric assist while operated on motor-vehicle facilities (including bike lanes) and on designated multi-use paths. An e-bike operated on any other campus sidewalk may only do so exclusively under human power. 

Violations

Violation of any section of these CU Boulder Parking Rules and Regulations shall subject the offending person or vehicle to ticket and/or tow. The following are considered violations:

General Violations

  1. Violating any applicable City of Boulder ordinance regulating the parking or operation of motor vehicles and bicycles while on the campus.
  2. Damaging campus signs, parking gates, or parking equipment.
  3. Using a loading zone for a purpose other than active loading or unloading.
  4. Failing to appear at a scheduled ticket Appeal Hearing.
  5. Failing to pay or appeal one or more CU Boulder parking and traffic tickets within the time limits set forth in these regulations, such that more than $50 in fines remains outstanding.
  6. Misrepresenting one’s department affiliation or residency status in order to obtain a parking permit.
  7. Using a parking facility for purposes other than those for which the facility was built.

Parking Violations

  1. Parking without making payment.
  2. Parking to obstruct a walkway, driveway, service drive, fire hydrant, fire lane, building exit or trash receptacle.
  3. Parking to obstruct access to, or egress from, any area designated by sign or blue paint/striping as a wheelchair ramp, disability access curb cut, or the loading area adjoining a disability parking space.
  4. Parking more than 12 inches from curb.
  5. Double parking (with or without a driver in attendance).
  6. Parking such that the vehicle faces opposite the required direction of traffic for the side of the street upon which it is parked.
  7. Parking on or over a white, yellow, or blue line or failing to park wholly within the boundaries of a parking space. Other improperly parked vehicles do not constitute an excuse for improper parking. This includes vehicles with trailer in tow which occupy more than one standard parking space.
  8. Parking longer than permitted in limited-time zones, including loading docks.
  9. Parking more than one motor vehicle with the same permit number at the same time.
  10. Parking in any area not posted for parking (e.g., lawns, fields, sidewalks, etc.), in areas marked for no parking or in restricted areas.
  11. Parking outside the boundaries of a designated parking space.
  12. Parking or storing private motor vehicles inside university buildings (except when such accommodations are specifically designed, designated, and authorized).
  13. Parking any vehicle on university property for the purpose of sleeping or camping.
  14. Parking in a designated Accessibility space without displaying a valid state-issued disability license plate, permit, decal, or placard.
  15. Parking in a coin or major credit card operated lot without a valid permit during time periods for which the lot is restricted to permit holders.
  16. Parking at an expired parking meter during hours which meter regulations are in effect.
  17. Feeding a meter for a longer time than the maximum time limit specified on the meter.
  18. Parking at a malfunctioning or inoperative meter during the hours the meter would be enforced.
  19. Failing to properly display parking permit or correctly enter license plate in a pay-by-plate machine.
  20. Parking without a valid permit in an area restricted to permit parking.
  21. Parking with a valid permit in a zone or lot other than those designated on the face of the permit.
  22. Displaying a parking permit or receipt originally issued by CU Boulder Parking Services, Family Housing or any state agency when:
    1. The validation date(s), time(s), or parking zone designation(s) initially printed, written, or affixed upon the face of the permit has (have) been altered
    2. The permit has been reported as lost or stolen to any police agency or to the CU Boulder Parking Services office
    3. The permit has been revoked
    4. When on a vehicle not authorized to display the permit
    5. Displaying a lost or stolen parking permit or any unauthorized reproduction or duplication of a parking permit
    6. Parking a motorcycle in a non-metered automobile parking space or bicycle rack
    7. Parking an automobile in a lot or space designated for motorcycle parking

Moving Violations

  1. Driving the wrong way on a one-way street.
  2. Driving on sidewalks, service drives, bike paths, fields, grounds, and posted closed drives, plazas, and streets, in a manner inconsistent with these regulations.
  3. Exceeding campus speed regulations.
  4. Skateboarding, roller skating, in-line skating, snowboarding and roller skiing in campus parking facilities or where prohibited by sign.
  5. Using animals as a means of transportation on a CU Boulder street without prior authorization by the University of Colorado Police Department.
  6. Operating a motorized vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, skateboard or personal transportation device in a careless and imprudent manner.
  7. Operating a motorized vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, skateboard or personal transportation device in such a manner as to indicate either a wanton or a willful disregard for the safety of persons or property.
  8. Operating a motorized vehicle on sidewalks during class change. 

Penalties

General

Misuse of parking permits or repeated or serious violations of these regulations, may result in revocation of campus parking privileges and/or criminal prosecution. Misuse of parking permits includes the use of parking permits bought with university funds to accommodate personal parking.

Duty to Report

Any person receiving a parking and traffic ticket shall respond to Parking Services before closing of the fourteenth day after the date of issuance of the ticket to submit payment of fine or appeal. Nonpayment of outstanding fines may result in the loss of parking privileges.

Fines

  1. Schedules for parking violations, fines, and sanctions are available at the Parking Services office and on the CU Boulder Parking Services web site.
  2. Penalties: A discounted fine amount may be available if paid within 14 calendar days. After 14 calendar days, the full fine amount is due. Additional fees will be assessed in each Parking Services billing thereafter. Outstanding tickets linked to a student account may be transferred to the Student's Tuition and Fee bill.
  3. Parking ticket fines may be transferred to the Billing and Receivables System (BRS) for persons who have an active account with the BRS under the following circumstances:
    1. The fine recipient may request that tickets be transferred to their BRS account at the time of impound or receipt of a ticket for “failure to pay university tickets.” Transfer is subject to BRS and Parking Services policies.
    2. Unpaid ticket fines with penalty fines added may be transferred to the BRS account after 14 days of the ticket's issue according to the billing and collection procedures of Parking Services.
    3. Parking ticket fine recipients should not assume that fines have been transferred to the BRS account. Confirmation of fine transfers should be made via personal contact with Parking Services. All fines not transferred to the BRS remain payable to Parking Services and subject to its collection policies.
  4. Outstanding ticket fines and any additional fees are subject to Parking Services collection policies including the use of a private Debt Collector or Collection Agency.  All fees and costs of collection may be added to the total outstanding debt amount that has been placed for collection.

Towing and Impounding

Vehicles may be towed and impounded for any violation listed in these regulations or for any accumulation of $50 or more in unpaid parking fines. The accumulated fines and the resulting tow and storage charges shall be reconciled before the vehicle is released. Failure to respond to tickets in the amount of $50 or more will be deemed a waiver of any right to notice or hearing before the vehicle is impounded. The university contracts with a private firm for towing and impounding of motor vehicles.

  1. The vehicle may be released at the scene when all the following conditions are met:
    1. If a tow truck has been called, all applicable charges are paid to the tow driver by the driver and/or owner of the violating vehicle, and
    2. The driver and/or owner agree to immediately accompany the enforcement person to Parking Services for payment of any outstanding tickets, and
    3. The driver and/or owner correct any current violations.
  2. The vehicle may be released from impoundment if the driver meets all the following conditions:
    1. Payment of all outstanding university tickets at Parking Services,
    2. Receipt of a release form from Parking Services,
    3. Proof to the Parking Services office that she/he is the registered owner or authorized driver of the vehicle (according to Parking Services guidelines), and
    4. Payment of all applicable towing charges to the tow company.
  3. A Scofflaw Tow Penalty Fine is assessed when:
    1. The operator of a vehicle about to be towed for a scofflaw violation avoids the tow by fleeing the scene, or
    2. The operator of a vehicle that is about to be towed for a scofflaw violation agrees to accompany the parking enforcement officer to Parking Services to pay outstanding fines but thereafter fails to pay such fines within five business days of the near tow.

Ticket Appeals

  1. General:  The parking ticket appeal process is intended to provide an objective forum for the presentation of factual exculpatory information regarding the receipt of a parking ticket.  Information presented by the appellant must be relevant and substantive.  That a violation occurred for only a short period of time, by itself, is not enough to substantiate a ticket appeal.
  2. Appeals:  Tickets issued pursuant to these regulations may be appealed subject to the requirements described in Ticket Appeals.
    1. Appeals must be filed before the closing of the Parking Services office on the fourteenth day after the date of the issuance of the ticket.
    2. Appeal filings must be made in writing online at www.colorado.edu/pts.
    3. Appeal filings must contain all of the relevant and substantive information the petitioner wishes to have considered during the appeals review(s), and the information presented must fit within the criteria for appeals as defined below.
    4. Upon receipt of an appeal filing by the Parking Services office, penalty fine assessments against the unpaid ticket fine balance are stayed until an appeal ruling is made.
    5. There is a fee associated with any appeal filed via paper form or email.
    6. There is a fee associated with any appeal where the appeal is denied and the ticket is upheld.
  3. Levels of Appeal:
    1. Ticket appeals are first reviewed in house by PS staff and assigned to an Appeals officer for a dicision if necessary. Appeals officers may be members of the university community.
    2. Written/online ticket appeals are  reviewed and ruled on by the Appeals officer.
  4. Appeal Criteria:
    1. You have substantial and valid evidence that the parking violation was not committed.
    2. Though the violation charged was committed, you have substantial and valid evidence that it occurred due to circumstances beyond your control. (For the purposes of this section, neither the fact that the parking violation was of short duration, nor the fact that all the designated parking spaces in an area were occupied at the time of the ticket, is, by itself, sufficient grounds for appeal.)
    3. The violation occurred under circumstances where the appellant believed he or she was not committing a violation, and where a reasonable and prudent person under the same or similar circumstances would have acted in the same manner as the appellant. (For the purposes of this section, neither the fact that the parking violation was of short duration, nor the fact that all the designated parking spaces in an area were occupied at the time of the ticket, is, by itself, sufficient grounds for appeal.)
    4. It is the responsibility of the appellant to provide evidence sufficient to justify the granting of an appeal.
    5. Appeals filed for the following reasons will not be considered and will be immediately rejected:
      1. I don't agree with or I don't know the regulations.
      2. I couldn't find space in my assigned parking lot.
      3. I have been parking this way for a long time and have never received a ticket until now.
      4. I was late for a class/meeting or my class/meeting ran late.
      5. I can't afford to pay the ticket fine.
      6. "Someone" told me to park there.
      7. I was only in violation for a short time.
      8. I didn't see the sign.
      9. I parked in an ADA space and do not own a valid ADA placard or plate.
      10. I forgot to pay.
  5. Frivolous and Groundless Appeal Defined: A frivolous and groundless appeal is one that lacks substantial justification and is not supported by a rational argument based on evidence or law. An appeal may also be frivolous if brought in bad faith. Bad faith includes conduct that is arbitrary, vexatious, abusive, or disrespectful of truth, accuracy, or the tribunal in which the appeal is being heard.
  6. Fine Assessment, Frivolous and Groundless Appeals:
    1. Parking ticket appellants must present information consistent with the appeal application criteria specified in Ticket Appeals.
    2. The Appeal officer may determine upon review that the information provided by an appellant during appeal fails to meet the criteria specified in Ticket Appeals, and further: at the information provided by, or the conduct of, the appellant during appeal falls within the context of the definition provided in Ticket Appeals of these regulations regarding frivolous and groundless appeals. In such a case the Appeal officer may make a determination that an appeal is frivolous and groundless.
    3. Upon the appeal referee’s determination of the presentation of a frivolous and groundless appeal, the appellant may be assessed a fine in addition to the outstanding ticket fine amount.
    4. A fee will be assessed for any appeal where the appeal is denied and the ticket upheld.

Revocation of Permits

  1. Commission by permit holders of serious or repeated violations of CU Boulder Parking Rules and Regulations may result in revocation of permit-parking privileges. For the purpose of this section, serious or repeated violations are defined as:
    1. Failure to pay applicable permit fees.
    2. Falsification of permit application information.
    3. Counterfeiting, defacing, or altering without authorization of CU Boulder Parking Services any CU Boulder parking permit or participating in or permitting such counterfeiting, defacing, or altering.
    4. Issuance of six (6) or more tickets within any four-month period to any vehicle registered to a CU Boulder permit holder, for which the fines remain outstanding and the permit holder has not made arrangements to appeal or pay.
    5. Issuance of 18 or more tickets within any 12-month period to any vehicle registered to a CU Boulder permit holder, except those tickets pending appeal or those voided after appeal.
    6. Displaying, using, or allowing others to display or use any CU Boulder parking permit that has been reported lost or stolen.
    7. Selling, giving, or otherwise transferring any CU Boulder parking permit to a person or vehicle, or permitting the use of a CU Boulder parking permit by a person or vehicle by whom or for which such use of the permit is not authorized by CU Boulder Parking Services.
  2. Permit revocation terms shall be no less than four (4) months and no more than 12 months. Retention of the permit allocation assignments by faculty/staff revokees is at the discretion of the responsible department.
  3. Authority to revoke permit privileges is vested in the parking appeals hearing referee.
    1. Parking Services shall make recommendations to revoke permit privileges to the parking appeals hearing referee based upon evidence of the existence of one or more of the conditions specified in Section V-F-1 (a-g) above.
    2. The permit holder shall be given written notice of the recommendation for permit revocation at least 14 days prior to the scheduled revocation hearing date. The notice to the permit holder shall list those violations that are the basis of the revocation recommendation. It shall be the responsibility of the permit holder to notify Parking Services of any conflicts with hearing times and to request rescheduling of the hearing.
    3. Hearings:
      1. Failure to appear at the scheduled hearing time may result in permit revocation.
      2. Determination of justification for permit revocation shall be made subsequent to a review of Parking Services revocation recommendation and information provided by the permit holder during a hearing presided over by the appeals hearing referee.
    4. Appeal of permit revocations:
      1. Appeals of permit revocations must be filed with Parking Services within ten (10) days after the decision to revoke by the appeals referee.
      2. Appeal request must be written.
  4. Vehicles parked in Parking Services controlled parking areas and displaying revoked permits as authorization to park are subject to ticket and impoundment.     

The University of Colorado Boulder is an equal opportunity/non-discrimination institution.