FAQ

FAQ

• Why do I need a permit?

  Vehicles parked on The Ohio State University Columbus Campus must purchase and display a parking permit annually, unless the vehicle is parked in a pay facility (i.e. garage or metered parking space). The parking permit indicates that the required fees have been paid for use of the facilities.

  A parking permit authorizes an individual to park on University property. It is the customer’s obligation to use the permit in accordance with the University's rules and regulations. Parking permits are not transferable to another individual.

• Is it okay if I park "Here"?

  There are many areas on campus where it might appear that a car would fit, when in fact it is not a legal parking place. We are required, for safety reasons, to maintain specific widths in drive aisles. Parking spaces are always designated with two painted lines on each side, or in gravel lots there are curb blocks creating the “edge” at the end of each row. If a car is parked with only one line, in an area with yellow hash marks or a large “X”, it is not a legal space and a citation may be issued.  For additional details, please view the parking map.

• How do I display my permit?

  The permit is not considered valid unless it is hanging from the inside rearview mirror, with the permit type and number clearly displayed.

• What if my permit Is lost or stolen?

  In the event a permit is lost or stolen, the permit holder will be required to sign an affidavit stating the permit is no longer in the permit holder’s possession. The permit holder will be required to provide a picture ID with signature to file an affidavit. In the absence of an affidavit, the registered permit holder will continue to be held liable for any citations accrued to the permit. The registered permit holder may be subject to prosecution should the affidavit or information supplied be falsified.

  Permit replacement costs include a $20.00 replacement fee with a signed affidavit.

• What if all the spaces are full?

  A parking permit does not guarantee the holder a specific parking space. It provides the opportunity to park within an area designated for a specific permit type. Drivers are responsible for finding an authorized parking space. Lack of available space, inclement weather, or other conditions do not justify parking illegally.

• What if I don't need my permit any more?

  Refunds cannot be generated for parking permits until they are returned to CampusParc. Customers who will be on leave from their job and/or studies must return their permit to CampusParc to obtain a prorated refund. Customers who are eligible for a refund when they return their parking permit will be sent a check within 4-6 weeks. A new permit may be purchased at the new prorated price upon your return. All refunds are prorated on the first of each month. Refunds for student, staff and faculty permits are not available after June 30.

• Tips for parking on campus

  • Read all parking signs before you park.
  • Allow enough time to park and walk to your destination.
  • Remember the allotted amount of time when you are parked at a meter.
  • Consider parking away from Central Campus (i.e. West Campus) and riding CABS. It is often faster to ride the bus than to find a closer parking space.
  • If you forget your permit, you may purchase a Visitor’s Permit or pay the garage or lot fees.
  • Residence hall students are not permitted to park overnight (3:00AM - 5:00AM) in a campus parking garage at any time, unless they have the appropriate “CP” permit.
  • If your vehicle experiences mechanical difficulties and you are parked illegally, please contact CampuParc  to report the incident. Parking light flashers and notes on the dashboard do not authorize illegal parking.
  • Special events and construction requirements may impact travel and parking on campus. Please check our web site for updates.
  • Always refer to this website of contact CampusParc  for current, correct answers to your parking questions. Other sources may not have the current information.

• What if I am eligible to change my permit type?

  There may be a need to change the type of permit at some time during the permit year. Students may accumulate enough credit hours to move from West Campus to Central Campus; staff may change titles or relocate from Central Campus to West Campus, etc. Permit types may be changed by returning the original permit our Customer Service Center and completing a new application. Proof of rank or appointment change is required. If the returned permit has a lesser value than the new permit, the difference must be paid. If the returned permit has a greater value than the new permit, you will receive a prorated refund.

  If your permit was purchased on payroll deduction and you wish to exchange to a different permit type (i.e. upgrade your permit), a one month payment of the new permit type is due at the time of exchange. Your new rate of deduction will take effect in the next calendar month. If upgrading permit type, you are encouraged to exchange on or shortly after the first of the month to maximize your new permit type. The opposite is true for a downgrade, you will want to exchange near the end of the month. As a reminder, all permit rates prorate the first of each month.

• What if I purchase a new vehicle or change license plates?

  Anytime you purchase a new vehicle or change the license plates on the vehicle you drive to campus, you need to register that information to your parking permit. You can update your personal information online by visiting My Account or visiting, calling or emailing our Customer Service Center. You will be asked to provide your name, OSU identification number, make of the vehicle, and the license plate number. Note: Any citations obtained on a vehicle’s license plates, even if the vehicle has been sold with the plates attached, are the responsibility of the license plate registration holder, not the owner of the vehicle, unless proof can be obtained from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) of sale of the vehicle, stolen plates, or non-renewal of the plates. Please note that once a vehicle is registered you, it will always remain on your record. You are encouraged to contact us when a vehicle is sold or no longer used so we can note an association end date.

• I purchased a parking permit and cannot find a parking space.

  The parking system allows flexibility to move around campus, but this also means that at times you may not find parking in the exact location you prefer to park because the spaces for your permit designation are filled with others.  There are consistently available surface parking spaces for any central campus permit (A, B or C) during the weekday peak hours in the Riverbank lots off Olentangy River Road, at the Schottenstein Center, and in the remote parking lots. 

• I love to read stuff! Where can I find more Rules & Regulations?

  Great.  We love to write stuff.  Here they are!