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Parking FAQ

Q.
Why do I have to pay for parking?
A.
The parking program is wholly self-supporting, there are no tax payer funds used to fund the parking program. Your purchase of a semester or daily permit enables the University to build and maintain the lots, provide frequent patrols to parked vehicles and purchase supplies and equipment necessary to operate the program.
Q.
When are parking permits required?
A.

Semester parking permits or daily permits are required Mondays through Thursdays from 7:00 AM until 10:00 PM and from 7:00 AM until 5:00 PM on Fridays. These same times also apply to all 30 Minute Zones (Green curbs).

The following parking areas are enforced 24 hours daily:

  • Red Curbs/Fire Lanes
  • 15 Minute time zones
  • Service/Maintenance Stalls
  • Loading Zones/White and Yellow Curbs
  • Disabled permit parking stalls

Semester parking permits or daily permits are not required on weekends or on holidays when University offices are closed. They are, however, required during Intercession and Summer Session. Parking tickets are issued year round for all illegal parking.

Q.
Where can I park?
A.
See this page.
Q.
Where can I buy a semester parking permit?
A.
Student semester parking permits are available for sale online. To purchase a permit, you must access your Parking Account by logging into the Campus Portal, click on the "Parking" tab then follow the steps. For more information regarding online semester permit sales please click here. A fall or spring semester parking permit is $162.00, summer is $96.00. If you purchase a semester parking permit later in the semester, the cost will be prorated over the remaining period.
Q.
What do I do if my permit is lost?
A.

Student and Faculty/Staff semester permits purchased in person:
Report a lost permit to Parking and Transportation Services. A replacement permit can be purchased according to the fee schedule which prorates approximately every 30 days. If a lost permit is recovered by enforcement staff while issuing a parking ticket, the cost of the replacement permit will be refunded.

Student and Faculty/Staff semester permits purchased online:
Report a permit lost to Parking and Transportation Services. Only permits purchased online will be replaced at no cost, if the permit is not received in the mail, if reported within the first 3 weeks of instruction, or within 4 weeks of the date of purchase.

Annual/Special Permits:
Report a lost permit to Parking and Transportation Services. The administrative fee for a replacement is $25 each. If a lost permit is recovered by enforcement staff while issuing a parking ticket, the administrative fee will be refunded.

Q.
How do I know whether I should purchase a semester parking permit or pay the Daily rate?
A.
As a general rule, it will be more economical to purchase a semester parking permit if you are on campus twice a week. The cost of a daily permit is $8.00. The yellow permit machines accept one and five dollar bills only. Daily permits are sold at permit machines in Lots A, G, S, Arts Drive and levels 2, 4, 6 of State College Structure. Daily permits are valid in all student lots and parking structures. After 4pm daily permits are valid in College Park Faculty/Staff. After 6pm daily permits are valid in Faculty/Staff lots A-South, C-West, and C-East. You may purchase a daily permit from any open permit machine and park in any lot where daily permits are valid (as specified above). See this map for more information.
Q.
My friend is leaving campus. Can I use his semester parking permit?
A.
No. Semester parking permits are not transferable. Semester parking permits are valid only when purchased from the University. Please notify Parking and Transportation (657) 278-3082 immediately if anyone attempts to sell you a semester parking permit. Such transactions are improper, and the semester parking permit is invalid, regardless of the price you pay for it.
Q.
How do I get a refund for my parking permit?
A.
Refund requests must be made at the Parking & Transportation office located in T-1400 (north of the police department). Permit must be returned to the Parking and Transportation Office prior to the first day of classes for 100% refund. Starting the first day of classes and every 30 days thereafter the refund amount is reduced by 25%. Click here for the refund schedule.
Q.
What is the replacement policy for faculty/staff and student parking permits?
A.
See this page.
Q.
If I arrive on campus late in the morning, where is the best place to park?
A.
If you arrive on campus after 9:00 a.m., you will find it easier to locate a space at the north end of campus in lots A & G. You can exit the 57 freeway using the Yorba Linda Ave. off ramp for direct access.
Q.
Can I Wait in the Aisles for a Parking Stall?
A.
It is a violation to wait in the parking lot aisles for a parking space. Violators are subject to a $55.00 fine. Rather than wait 15 to 20 minutes for a parking space to become available, we suggest to go park in the north lots.
Q.
How long does it take to walk from the North Parking Lots?
A.
If you are walking from the farthest point of the northern parking lots, it will take you about 10 minutes to reach the Quad.
Q.
I have a semester parking permit, but I forgot it - What can I do?
A.
Call Parking and Transportation (657) 278-3082 and advise us of your Campus Wide ID, semester parking permit number, your license number, and the exact description and location of your parked vehicle. After permit verification, we will place your vehicle on the "omit list" for that day. Do not leave a note on your vehicle. Please note, maximum of two (2) requests will be honored each month.
Q.
I forgot my semester parking permit and I forgot to call Parking and I received a ticket. Do I have to pay for the ticket?
A.
As a courtesy to the University community, it is our policy to dismiss one ticket per semester if a "NO semester parking permit" ticket was issued to an individual and they own a current semester parking permit/daily permit and parked in a valid area. Upon verification and completion of the proper paperwork, the ticket will be dismissed. You may pay or contest any parking violation notice within 21 days from the issuance date.
Q.
What can I do about a Parking Violation Notice (Parking Ticket)?
A.
You may pay or contest any parking violation notice within 21 days from the issuance date.
Q.
How do I Invite guests to campus (Events)?
A.
If you are part of an organization or an individual inviting visitors to the campus, use the Permit Request Online (PRO) System in advance (24 hours for paid, and 72 hours for complimentary) to make the necessary parking arrangements.
Q.
My leg is in a cast- I can't walk from the parking lot. What can I do?
A.
Any disability, either permanent or temporary that precludes your walking for distances should be discussed with Disabled Student Services (657) 278-3117. Upon verification of the length of your disability, you may be issued a temporary permit allowing you to park close to the inner campus.
Q.
I locked my keys in the car! What can I do?
A.
Call Public Safety (657) 278-2515 or use any blue campus emergency phone. The Police dispatcher will relay an officer who will help you get your keys, provided your car is on campus and is registered to you. Have some form of identification available. Please note, this service is only for those who own a valid CSUF permit.
Q.
My car won't start - What can I do?
A.
Call Public Safety (657) 278-2515 or use any blue campus emergency phone. The Police dispatcher will relay an officer who will attempt to jump start your vehicle or call a tow truck for you. Please note, they do not repair flat tires, provide gasoline or assist with any other mechanical problems. Please note, this service is only for those who own a valid CSUF permit.
Q.
I don't want to drive to campus, are there any alternatives?
A.
Consider commuting by bus, bicycle, train, or foot. See the Transportation Services page.
Q.
How many spaces are there in Lot x?
A.
Check the current lot count here.