University Policy: Parking Policy
Policy Category: Administrative Policy
Subject: Parking on Campus and University Premises
Office Responsible for Review of this Policy: Office of Finance and Treasurer
Procedures: Parking and Traffic Services
Related University Policies: N/A
I. SCOPE
American University has determined that it is in the best interests of the University community that
rules and regulations be established to govern the driving and parking of motor vehicles by faculty,
staff, students, visitors, and guests on University property. The purpose of this document is to
stipulate the parking requirements, regulations, and enforcement measures applied to all American
University students, faculty, staff, visitors, and guests.
II. POLICY STATEMENT
The following regulations have been developed to facilitate the safe and orderly flow of traffic, to
permit access for emergency vehicles, and to promote pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicular safety. In
accordance with the University's "Good Neighbor Policy" parking is restricted on the residential
streets surrounding the main campus, Tenley campus, and/or the Washington College of Law
(WCL). Metered parking is available in the Nebraska Avenue Commuter Lot, the Katzen Arts
Center Garage, and the School of International Service (SIS) Garage. Parking in the Nebraska
Avenue Commuter Lot and Katzen Arts Center Garage may be purchased daily at Pay-As-You-Go
machines located in the lots or from the Department of Public Safety office in hourly, daily or
weekly increments. Loading permits and temporary permits for medical exceptions can also be
obtained in the Department of Public Safety office. The regulations for all other permits
(faculty/staff, student, vendor, contractor and department guests) are stipulated below.
III. POLICY
All members of the University community—including students, faculty, staff, visitors and guests—
are required to park on campus or to use public transportation. The Department of Public Safety
reserves the right to modify parking rules or regulations as needed, to change the allocation of
parking spaces when necessary, and to make exceptions if appropriate. The Department of Public
Safety may, on occasion, need to close a parking area or roadway for a special event, safety reasons,
or repair. The campus community will be informed when changes occur. The Department of Public
Safety also has the authority to ticket, immobilize, or tow, at the owner's expense, any vehicle that is
in violation of the established rules and regulations. In addition, the Department of Public Safety
may relocate a vehicle if necessary and there is no response to a request to move it.
In accordance with Washington, DC regulations and the University's "Good Neighbor Policy",
parking is PROHIBITED on the residential streets surrounding the Main Campus, Tenley Campus
and the Washington College of Law. All members of the University community – including
students, faculty, staff, visitors and guests – are required to park on campus and obtain a parking
permit, purchase hourly/daily parking using the Pay-As-You-Go machines, or to use public
transportation. Compliance with the Good Neighbor Policy is a condition of enrollment and/or
employment at American University.
IV. EFFECTIVE DATE
Reviewed May, 2009; October, 2010; August, 2014