Campus Safety
Parking Policies & Registration
As an academic and residential community, Oberlin College is strictly a walking-and-biking campus. Residence halls and Campus Housing apartments are within a 10-minute walk and a few blocks from the central campus and academic buildings. We ask you to support our management of available parking spaces by registering your vehicle, properly displaying the parking permit sticker, and parking only in the spaces designated for the issued permit. Not being able to park close to a desired location does not excuse a violation of published parking regulations.
Requirements
Registration: All vehicles must be registered with the college.
Permits: A valid parking permit sticker must be properly displayed at all times.
Designated Areas: Vehicles must park only within marked spaces corresponding to their specific permit type.
Proximity: Lack of parking near a preferred destination is not a valid excuse for a violation.
Enforcement & Penalties
Zero Tolerance: Regulations are strictly enforced for students, faculty, and staff alike.
Progressive Fines: Costs increase with each subsequent infraction.
Towing: Vehicles found in violation for a fourth time are subject to towing at the owner’s expense.
Revocation: Persistent non-compliance may lead to the permanent loss of campus parking privileges.
Sustainability & Alternatives
The college encourages the community to minimize vehicle use by utilizing:
Bikes/Walking
Enterprise RideShare ride-sharing services
Alternative transportation outlined by the Office of Energy and Sustainability
Action Item: Users are encouraged to address citations or questions with the department immediately to avoid reaching the towing or revocation threshold.
Parking Information
To manage your vehicle parking permits, citations, and appeals, please go to OberView (link below) to access the Oberlin College Parking Portal. You will use your SSO (Single Sign-On) to log in.
Parking Policy
GENERAL
The Campus Safety Office is responsible for administering and enforcing parking regulations. Oberlin College assumes no responsibility for a vehicle or its contents while parked or operated on the grounds of the college. The regulations apply to all students, faculty, staff, and visitors of the college.
Oberlin College Vehicle Registration
Requirement: All faculty, staff, and students must register their vehicles with Campus Safety immediately upon arrival.
Student Fees: A fee of $200 per academic year applies to all students, regardless of when they arrive.
Billing: The fee is transferred to student accounts.
Permit Rules:
Students may register vehicles owned by parents/guardians.
Students cannot use faculty/staff permits, even if they are family members.
Permits are non-transferable and may not be loaned, altered, or reproduced.
Responsibility: Accepting a permit implies full knowledge of and responsibility for following all college parking regulations.
Permit Placement Requirements
To ensure visibility and avoid citations, permits must be affixed to the proper designated locations:
Standard Vehicle Requirement: Permits are to be displayed on the bottom of the rear driver-side window, oriented so the permit information is visible.
Motorcycles: Stickers should be placed in a conspicuous (clearly visible) location.
Temporary Permits: These must be hung from the interior rear-view mirror facing outward.
Responsibility and Liability
Registered Permit Holders: You are responsible for any citations issued to your registered vehicle unless the permit was reported lost or stolen before the violation.
Unregistered Vehicles: If no permit is displayed, the vehicle owner is held strictly liable for all parking-related citations.
If your parking permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must report it to the Campus Safety Office immediately.
Replacement Guidelines
Lost or Damaged Permits: These can be replaced for a $10 fee. However, if you find the original permit (or the portion showing the permit number) and return it to Campus Safety, this fee will be refunded.
Stolen Permits: These are replaced free of charge, provided the theft is officially reported to Campus Safety.
Note: Prompt reporting is essential to ensure you are not held liable for any citations issued to your missing permit.
FACULTY/STAFF PARKING PERMITS AND PARKING ASSIGNMENTS
Permit Types & Lot Access
Parking spaces are generally marked with signage within each lot. Look for signs indicating "Staff Parking Only" or "Reserved Parking." Access is determined by your permit designation:
“G” Permit (General Parking) Valid in all spaces not designated for other specific use.
“F” Permit (Restricted) Valid for the Finney Lot.
“R” Permit (Restricted) Valid for the Rice Lot.
Important Regulations
Faculty/staff lots are restricted for faculty/staff permits only from Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the academic year, August 16 through June 3, inclusive. This policy is in effect 24 hours each day.
Flexibility for Restricted Permits: Staff assigned to Restricted lots (“F” or “R”) may park in their assigned lot or in any lot designated for General (“G”) parking.
General Permit Limitations: Staff assigned to General lots may only park in those lots specifically designated as General.
Availability: Assignment to a Restricted lot does not guarantee a space will be available. It also does not entitle the permit holder to park illegally if the lot is full.
Special Requests & Accommodations
Multiple Lot Access (Special Service Permits)
If your job duties require the regular use of a personal vehicle across multiple campus areas, you may request a Special Service Permit.
Requirement: Written authorization may be required from your Department Head or the Campus Safety Parking Manager.
One-Time Accommodations
If you have a unique or one-time parking need not covered by your current permit, you must arrange this in advance with the Campus Safety Office.
Please Note: Failure to coordinate in advance will not be accepted as a valid reason to excuse citations or other enforcement actions.
Parking Restrictions & Reserved Spaces
Reserved & Special Use Spaces
24/7 Exclusivity: Reserved spaces are for the exclusive use of assigned individuals 24 hours a day.
Assignments: Spaces are assigned only through the Campus Safety Office. Those assigned a space will receive written notification.
Non-Transferable: Permission to use a reserved space cannot be given or transferred to another person without express permission from the Director of Campus Safety or their designee.
The Hotel at Oberlin Lot
This lot is strictly restricted to:
Hotel patrons and residents.
Business patrons of the Hotel at Oberlin block.
Private & Commercial Lots (Off-Campus)
The following lots are privately owned and not for general college business:
Off-Street Merchants, Inc. (behind downtown businesses and Kohl).
Mercy Health Allen Hospital lots.
Warning: Parking in these lots for college business may result in police or private enforcement, including towing and storage at the vehicle owner’s expense.
College Lot Usage & Storage Policy
College lots are intended for those actively using their vehicles for business, employment, or residency.
No Vehicle Storage: Vehicles may not be stored in any Oberlin College lot at any time unless authorized by Campus Safety.
Enforcement: Unauthorized stored vehicles are subject to towing at the owner’s expense.
STUDENT PARKING PERMITS AND PARKING ASSIGNMENTS
Your parking assignment is determined by where you live as of the Fall semester.
Permit Type | Residential Area | Primary Parking Access |
X Permit | Residence Halls Goldsmith, & Union St. | General Student parking lots (24/7). |
FX Permit | Firelands | Firelands Lot General Student |
CX Permit | Campus Housing | Assigned Driveways* General Student Parking |
*Campus Housing (CX) Rule: Driveways are limited to a maximum of 2 vehicles per driveway.
General Student Parking
X, FX, and CX permit holders may all park in lots marked "Student Parking" at any time.
Note: Some lots are shared with staff. Always look for specific Student Parking signage within the lot to ensure you are in a valid space.
Faculty & Staff Lots (Off-Hours Only)
Students may park in "General" Faculty/Staff lots during the following times:
Weeknights: After 7:00 p.m.
Weekends: All day.
Strict Deadline: Vehicles must be moved by 7:00 a.m. on weekdays to avoid fines.
Prohibited Areas
Reserved Spaces: Students are never permitted to park in Reserved spaces anywhere on campus.
FX Lots: Only vehicles with an FX permit may park in the Firelands lot.
Parking Regulations Reminder:
To keep campus safe and accessible, please adhere to the following rules. Failure to do so will result in citations and fines.
Designated Spaces Only: Only park in marked student spaces.
No-Go Zones: Parking on the grass, in fire lanes, or blocking traffic is strictly prohibited.
Restricted Hours: Do not park in Faculty, Staff between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., or Visitor spaces.
Reserved Spots: These are monitored 24/7; do not park here at any time.
Important Warning: Abandoned Vehicles
Strict enforcement is in effect during the summer months to allow for lot maintenance and campus events.
Any vehicle left in a lot other than the one officially assigned by Campus Safety will be classified as abandoned and will be towed at the owner's expense.
Temporary Parking Permits
If your vehicle doesn’t have a valid permit, you must get a temporary permit from the Campus Safety Office. Persons eligible for temporary permits include:
Visitors & Alumni: Eligible for short-term permits.
New Faculty & Staff: Eligible while waiting for a permanent permit.
Vendors & Contractors: Required to display a permit at all times.
AVI & Scioto Staff: Must get a pass and park in general lots.
Special Circumstances: Faculty, staff, or students needing short-term access (e.g., for deliveries or presentations) can request a permit in advance.
Key Rules
Duration: Most permits are valid for up to five days.
Students: Generally ineligible unless specifically approved by the Director of Campus Safety.
Advance Notice: Submit requests for temporary permits or special events to Campus Safety at least five days in advance.
Enforcement: You cannot appeal a ticket by claiming you forgot to get a permit. You must have the permit before you park.
Parking Regulations & Safety
Managing parking on campus ensures that emergency services can respond quickly and that our facilities remain accessible to everyone. Please follow these guidelines to avoid fines or towing.
Accessible Parking (ADA)
Parking in accessible spaces is strictly enforced by both Campus Safety and Police according to state law.
Prohibited Actions: Parking in a marked space or the adjacent striped loading zone without a valid permit.
Penalties: A $250 fine and the risk of being towed at the owner's expense.
Permits: Campus Safety cannot issue handicapped permits. However, we can provide information on how to apply for a formal State handicapped permit.
Fire Lanes & Emergency Access
Fire lanes are designated to save lives. Keeping these areas clear allows the Fire Department to access buildings during emergencies.
General Rule: If you are not in a marked, legal parking space, you are likely blocking a fire lane.
Goldsmith Housing Restricted Zones: Pathways through Union Street and Goldsmith Lane are for emergency and service vehicles only. No parking is permitted at any time.
Penalties: Violations result in a $250 fine and the vehicle may be towed at the owner's expense.
Visitor Parking
We welcome guests to our campus! To ensure a smooth visit, please follow these permit requirements:
Permits Required: Visitors can obtain a free temporary permit from the Campus Safety Office and display it clearly.
Designated Spaces: Spaces marked "Visitor" are reserved exclusively for college guests.
Citations: Visitors are generally not liable for parking fines. If you receive a citation, please contact Campus Safety.
Repeat Violations: Visitors who receive three or more citations in an academic year may lose their campus parking privileges.
Note to Students: If you live off-campus or in Campus Housing, you are NOT considered a visitor and may not use visitor parking spaces.
Violations & Citations
● Notification: Citations are placed directly on the vehicle's windshield. You will also receive an email notification, and the citation will appear immediately on your parking portal. Claiming a citation was missing from the windshield is not a valid excuse for non-payment.
● Payment Process: To pay a fine, log into your parking portal, select the citation, and complete the transaction. Once processed, the fine will be transferred to your college account.
● Deadlines: You will have 10 days to pay or appeal the fine.
● Late Fees: An additional $5 penalty is applied if the fine is not paid within 10 days (including weekends).
● Account Billing: Unpaid fines will be billed directly to your student or staff account.
● Revocation: Parking privileges are automatically revoked if you receive 6 or more citations (paid or unpaid) within a single academic year (excluding successful appeals).
Towing Policy
Vehicles are subject to immediate towing for:
Blocking fire lanes, driveways, service entrances, dumpsters, or ramps.
Unauthorized use of handicap or reserved spaces.
Creating a public safety hazard or impeding emergency/delivery vehicles.
Accumulating 4 or more citations in one year.
Parking with revoked privileges.
Abandoned vehicles (unlicensed, non-operating, or left for 30+ days).
Towing Fees: If your vehicle is towed, a $85.00 service charge is applied.
Note: This college service charge does not include the separate fees charged by the independent towing company.
Immobilization (The "Boot")
Vehicles may be immobilized (booted) for:
Using altered or counterfeit permits.
Failing to respond to repeated parking communications.
Attempting to identify the owner of an unregistered vehicle.
A $50 service charge must be paid within 48 hours, or the vehicle will be towed.
Attempting to remove a boot yourself will result in student conduct charges and liability for any equipment damage.
Standard Prohibitions
Citations are issued for:
Parking without a permit or with an improperly displayed permit.
Parking in an unassigned lot, on the grass, or on a sidewalk.
Improper parking (e.g., parking over the lines).
Overnight parking in prohibited areas.
Liability Disclaimer
Oberlin College is not responsible for any damage caused by towing, immobilization, or the driver attempting to move an immobilized vehicle.
The vehicle owner is responsible for all costs associated with towing, storage, and equipment replacement.
Parking Fees and Registration
Student Vehicle Registration: $200.00/ year (Limit: one vehicle; permit valid for the current academic year).
Faculty / Staff Registration: No cost for the first two vehicles.
$20 fee for each additional vehicle.
Note: Vehicles must be re-registered every 2 years.
Violations and Penalties
Failure to Register / Unregistered Student Vehicle: $200 fine, plus a $200 student parking registration fee.
Unauthorized Parking in Reserved/Designated Space: $150 fine, plus towing and storage costs.
Fire Lane or Handicapped Space Violation: $250 fine, plus towing and storage costs.
Display of Altered or Counterfeit Permit: $250 fine and immediate revocation of parking privileges.
Snow Emergency Removal: $20 fine and $85 vehicle removal fee for any vehicle left in a lot during announced maintenance.
General Parking Violations: Progressive fine structure:
1st Offense: $20
2nd Offense: $40
3rd Offense: $60
4th Offense: $80
5th Offense: Vehicle immobilized or towed at owner’s expense.
6th Offense: Permanent revocation of parking privileges.
Additional Fees
Late Fee: $5 (Added to any violation not paid within 5 days, including weekends).
Immobilization Fee: $50 (Applied if a "boot" is used instead of towing).
Parking Citation Appeals
If you believe a parking violation was issued in error, you have ten (10) days from the date of issuance to file an appeal. Please follow the steps below to ensure your request is processed correctly.
How to File Your Appeal
Access the Portal: Log in to your Parking Portal.
Select the Citation: Locate the specific citation and click on the "Appeal" tab.
Provide Evidence: Explain the basis of your appeal in detail. You may upload photos or other validating documents to support your claim.
Submit Within 10 Days: Appeals submitted after the 10-day window, or those already billed to a student or faculty/staff account, will not be accepted.
Important Rules & Status
Payment Freeze: While an appeal is pending, payments and late fees are frozen.
Financial Outcomes:
Approved: The citation is voided.
Reduced: In some cases, the violation or fine amount may be reduced based on the review.
Denied: Payment requirements resume. (Note: If a fine was not pre-paid and the appeal is denied, a $5.00 processing fee will be added to the fine).
Ongoing Enforcement: A vehicle under appeal is still subject to progressive fines and towing if additional violations occur during the process.
Receiving Your Results
You will receive an email notification once a decision is reached. You can also view the result by logging into your Parking Portal.
Note: The response to a written appeal is considered the final decision.
Commitment to Environmentally Wise Alternatives to Vehicles on Campus
The Campus Safety Office supports Oberlin College’s commitment to sustainability by encouraging the following alternative transportation modes and safety services:
Sustainable Transportation Support: Promotion of carpooling, the use of LEED-certified vehicles, the Oberlin Bike Co-op, and initiatives from the Office of Environmental Sustainability.
Student Shuttle Service: A stop-to-stop shuttle for campus locations and parking lots, available from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. during the academic semester. (Call 440-775-RIDE).
Walking Safety Escorts: Safety escorts are available for students, faculty, staff, and visitors from dusk to dawn. (Call 440-775-8444).
City of Oberlin Parking Restrictions
Law Enforcement & Enforcement
Oberlin Police and certified law enforcement officers patrol campus to enforce state laws and local ordinances.
Fire lane violations are strictly enforced by Police and Fire departments.
Violations may result in progressive fines up to $250 and vehicle towing.
Orange citations are issued by the Oberlin Police Department, not Campus Safety.
Residential District Rules
Always check for area-specific restricted parking signage.
Overnight Ban: Parking on residential streets adjacent to campus is prohibited daily from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. year-round.
Business District Rules
Parking in the central business district is limited to a maximum of two hours in the same designated space.
Off-Street & Incorporated Lots
Lots behind downtown businesses and Kohl are for patrons only.
Parking for college business or student vehicles is prohibited in these lots; violators may be towed at the owner's expense.
City of Oberlin Parking Map
Safety Tips
Vehicle Access & Surroundings
Be Prepared: Have your keys or key fob ready in your hand before you reach your vehicle. This minimizes the time you are standing vulnerable at the door.
The Interior Check: Always look into the front and back seats of your vehicle before entering.
Trust Your Instincts: If you see someone following you, do not go to your car. Walk toward a populated area or an open business.
The 360° Scan: As you approach your car, visually check the area for suspicious activity. If something feels off, head toward a group of people and call for assistance.
Campus Safety Resources
ObieAlert Features: Utilize the safety features within the ObieAlert system. This includes using the app to trigger a "Friend Walk" timer or using the emergency call buttons if you feel unsafe while walking to your parking area.
Blue Light & Entry Phones: Along with ObieAlert, Emergency blue light phones and residential door entry buttons are direct lines to the Campus Safety Office. Use them to request a safety escort, report a lockout, or summon an officer.
Safety Escorts: If you are parked in a remote area or are leaving campus late at night, contact Campus Safety for a personal escort to your vehicle.
Theft Prevention & Parking Habits
Lighting is Key: Always prioritize parking in visible, well-lit areas. Avoid parking behind large obstacles or in shadowed corners.
Secure Your Valuables: Keep the interior of your car "clean." Lock valuables in the trunk or take them with you to remove the incentive for a break-in.
Key Management: When leaving your car with a valet or service station, only provide the ignition key. Never leave your home or office keys attached.