Parking

A reminder about parking permits, safety, and shared responsibility

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff, 

As we begin the semester, we’re writing with a reminder about parking on campus — and why parking permits and designated parking areas matter for our shared community.

Parking policies are not about convenience alone. They help ensure accessibility for people with disabilities, safe sightlines for pedestrians, clear access for emergency vehicles, and a welcoming experience for visitors, students, and guests. When vehicles are parked in restricted areas, corners, fire lanes, or accessible spaces without authorization, it creates real safety risks and barriers for others.

Parking permits are required

All faculty, staff, and students who park in College-managed lots are required to register their vehicle and display a valid parking permit. Registration helps Campus Safety manage parking safely and respond appropriately to accessibility needs, safety concerns, and emergencies.

If your vehicle information has changed — or if you have not previously registered — please take a few minutes to do so now.

Parking permit applications may be submitted electronically by emailing the completed application and registration form to campussafety@grinnell.edu, or in person at the Campus Safety Communications Center (Dispatch), located at 1213 6th Avenue, Mears Cottage, First Floor, where blank forms are available. 

-Faculty and staff parking permits are provided at no cost.

-Spring Term student parking permits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, are limited in supply, and will close on Friday, January 30 at 5:00 p.m., or when permits sell out, whichever occurs first.

-Ticketing for “no permit” or “invalid permit” violations will be suspended during the student permit sale period. Ticketing for parking in unauthorized locations will continue. Enforcement for “no permit” and “invalid permit” violations will resume Sunday, February 1 at 12:00 a.m. 

Enforcement 

Vehicles parked without a valid registration or in restricted areas will be ticketed, and vehicles with three or more unpaid tickets are subject to towing under College policy.

Our goal is not enforcement for enforcement’s sake — it’s to maintain a campus that is safe, accessible, and functional for everyone. 

What Campus Safety manages vs what the City manages 

Campus Safety enforces parking in College-owned and designated lots. Parking on public streets and city-managed areas is governed by the City of Grinnell, not the College. We’re working to make this distinction clearer online and on campus maps so expectations are easier to understand. 

Please park with care 

We ask everyone to park thoughtfully and legally: 

-Do not block corners, sidewalks, fire lanes, or visibility at intersections

-Respect accessible parking spaces and EV charging areas

-Use designated visitor parking for guests whenever possible