Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to outline the rules and regulations for the use of motor vehicles on the Columbia College campus. These rules and regulations are designed for the safety, welfare and health of students, employees and visitors; the protection and maintenance of college property; and to govern traffic on the campus. Cooperation and compliance with these rules and regulations by all members of this community is essential. Failure to comply may result in a citation being issued or suspension/revocation of parking privileges on campus.
Scope
This policy applies to all individuals seeking to operate/park a motorized vehicle on the Columbia College campus.
Policy
Columbia College is a private College; therefore, the parking lots and other areas of the College are private property. The operation and/or parking of any motor vehicle on campus is a privilege, not a right. The College has the right to regulate the use of any motor vehicle on campus property for the good and the safety of the campus community. Campus parking lots are provided for the convenience of permit holders in conducting Columbia College business and for only that purpose.
Parking Permits
All Columbia College students and employees must obtain a parking permit for any vehicle parked on campus. Parking permits must be displayed at all times. The purchase of a parking permit only authorizes the parking of a vehicle on campus. It does not establish a designated parking space, only a designated area. A vehicle parked in any unauthorized area is in violation of the regulations in this document.
Enforcement
Campus Safety is responsible for issuing citations, enforcement and reporting violations of college motor vehicle regulations to college officials.
Towing/Booting
In accordance with Columbia College Parking regulations, a vehicle may be towed or booted for having a third violation of any campus parking regulation.
Vehicle Immobilization
A settlement of charges of the boot-removal fee of $50 and any prior outstanding violations must be satisfied prior to the removal of the immobilization device. Settlement of charges can be completed by cash payment in the appropriate office or a valid student identification number with which the charges can be properly billed.
Vehicles may be immobilized and/or towed at any time when:
- Obstructing traffic
- Parking in a fire lane
- Parking in “disabled-accessible”
- Parking in marked “visitor” parking spaces
- Multiple violations of parking regulations
- Reasons deemed necessary for the safety of the campus community
Vehicles towed may be claimed by contacting: Campus Safety - (573) 875-7315. Campus Safety will provide contact information for the appropriate tow company. The tow company will provide information on fees and may require fees paid prior to releasing the vehicle.
Owner's Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the owner to take precautions against vehicle damage and theft. Columbia College assumes no responsibility or liability for any vehicle parked on or near college property. The owner should lock the vehicle at all times and refrain from leaving valuables in plain sight (inside the vehicle).
Vehicle Registration
Valid permits must be hung from the rear view mirror of the vehicle. Permits placed in other locations will be considered invalid.
Student Permits
Permits must be purchased online by using the “Campus Safety” link on the Columbia College website (www.ccis.edu) or by using the following online address: www.ccis.edu/parkingpermits. Permits will be mailed directly to the address of your choice within 3-5 business days. The following items will be necessary to complete the online applications:
- Vehicle registration information
- Contact information
- Payment method
Student Parking Permit Fees
All parking permit fees are listed on the Columbia College website.
- Residential Student Permits: Residential students must purchase a residential permit. Due to the limited number of residential parking spaces, only one permit will be allowed per student. Permits are only valid for the academic year in which they are purchased. Residential parking will not be reserved during the summer.
- Non-Residential (Commuter) Student Permits: Non-residential students must purchase a non-residential permit if they plan to park on campus. Permits are only valid for the academic year in which they are purchased.
Faculty and Staff Permits
Faculty/staff hang tags are issued at the time of employment and remain valid throughout employment.
Visitor Passes
Visitor passes may be obtained from Plant and Facilities Operations in St. Clair Hall, room 4, (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or the Campus Safety Office. Residential Students may acquire a visitor pass from one of the Residence Hall offices. See the physical map (Campus Safety website) for visitor space locations. Visitor passes must be dated to be valid.
Parking and Traffic
- To park a motor vehicle/motorcycle or licensed scooter on campus, it must be registered with the college and a parking permit properly displayed at all times. All administrators, faculty, staff and students must register vehicles to be parked on campus.
- Administrators, faculty, staff and students are responsible for all violations of regulations in which their vehicle is involved. Faculty, staff and students are not allowed to use visitor spaces at any time.
- Columbia College assumes no liability for damages to any vehicle parked or driven on campus.
- Motorcycles, motor scooters and mopeds are subject to the regulations governing automobiles.
- Abandoned vehicles are subject to towing at the owner’s expense unless the owner notifies the Campus Safety Office in writing at the time the vehicle becomes disabled.
- Vehicle repairs that create a nuisance are not permitted on campus. Any property damage caused by the making of repairs is the responsibility of the person making such repairs.
- All vehicle operators must obey public safety directions and instructions regarding operating and parking motor vehicles.
- All vehicles must have a valid license plate.
Parking Regulations for Permit Holders
Restricted Areas:
- Visitor spaces
- Fire lanes
- All disabled slots (unless displaying a state-issued disability permit and/or license plate)
- Any roadway where the vehicle becomes an obstruction in the traffic lane
- Areas where signs and road markings prohibit parking
- Sidewalks, walkways, lawns or other cultivated areas
Motorcycles/Scooters/Mopeds
All motorcycles and licensed scooters are subject to the same regulations as other motor vehicles and must be parked in a designated parking space in a parking lot. They may not be parked at bike racks or driven on sidewalks. Any unlicensed scooter may be parked at bike racks adjacent to a parking lot, roadway or drive. Scooters may not be driven on sidewalks or parked at bike racks not adjacent to a parking lot, roadway or drive. Mopeds may be parked in any bike rack on campus. All vehicles and bicycles in a bike rack must be secured and locked to the rack to prevent theft. Mopeds and bicycles may not be operated on sidewalks but may be walked to the prospective bike rack.
Display of Permits
Permits must be displayed from the rearview mirror in a manner allowing all printed information to be viewed when looking through the windshield (from the outside). Motorcycle/scooter stickers must be located in plain sight.
Violations and Fines
Fines for one to two parking violations issued by Columbia College shall be assessed in the amount of $20 each; three or more violations may be $50 each. Violations include:
- Obstructing traffic
- No valid permit displayed
- Parking in a no-parking area
- Parking in an area where permit does not apply
- Parking in an area designated for visitors
- Parking in a fire lane
- Parking in a “disabled-accessible” space
- Parking without permit
- Other violations deemed to be a violation of parking regulations or necessary for the safety of the campus community
City of Columbia authorities and Columbia College Campus Safety may issue tickets and/or tow a vehicle at the owner’s expense for fire lane, visitor space and “disabled-accessible” violations. Three or more consecutive violations of any kind may result in towing or booting at the owner’s expense. Fines will automatically be charged to the violator’s account.
Appeals
To appeal a parking citation:
- Ticket appeals must be submitted in writing within 5 business days of the violation date
- Tickets not appealed within 5 business days may be billed to the violator’s account. Appeals received after 5 business days may be considered invalid
An appeal must be sent by email and must include the following information:
- Name and College identification number
- Ticket date
- Vehicle license number
- Explanation of circumstances surrounding the violation
- Reason for appeal
Violations for which there is no appeal:
- Parking in fire lanes
- Unauthorized use of “disabled-accessible” parking spaces
- Each parking appeal is reviewed by the director of Campus Safety
Revocation
Columbia College retains the right to revoke any on-campus parking and driving privileges. Reasons may include, but are not limited to:
- Violations in excess of five per semester or seven per year
- Use of fraudulent permits
- Creating a nuisance or causing property damage while making repairs to vehicles on campus
- Causing other property damage
- Becoming verbally or physically abusive, threatening or verbally assaulting any safety officer during the performance of his or her duties
- Inappropriate operation of a motor vehicle which presents a safety concern to the campus community.
Payment of violations does not void a revocation.
Complaints, appeals and suggestions should be addressed to the director of Campus Safety by email at bewager@CCIS.edu.