Who can park on campus:

• Students, faculty, and staff need a parking permit.
• Visitors (including alumni, parents, and guests) may park for free in the Foster and Kedzie lot at 5141 North Kedzie Avenue.
• Event parking will be clearly marked with signs.

Parking permits

All vehicles parked on campus by students or employees must display a valid North Park parking permit.

Permits are available online prior to the start of the academic year. After purchase, they must be picked up at Campus Safety. A permit does not guarantee a parking space but authorizes parking in designated areas on an “as available” basis.

Permit fees, which vary by classification (resident student, commuter student, full-time and part-time employee, and adjunct faculty), are communicated prior to the start of the academic year through official university campus email communications and the tuition and fees webpage.

Student Eligibility

• All commuter students are eligible to purchase a parking permit.
• First-year resident students are not eligible to purchase parking permits.
• Upper-class resident students are strongly discouraged from bringing vehicles due to limited availability and transportation alternatives.

Vehicle Registration and Data Accuracy

• Vehicle and registration information is updated at the time of permit purchase.
• Permit holders are responsible for ensuring accurate license plate and vehicle information is maintained in the permit system.
• Changes in vehicle information must be updated through the permit system.

Permit Issuance and Display

• Permits are purchased online using a major credit card.
• Permits must be picked up at Campus Safety after purchase.
• Permits must be displayed on the rearview mirror and clearly visible through the windshield below any tint.

How to get a permit

• Visit the online Parking Portal.
• Log in or create an account.
• Provide the following:
  • Driver’s license number
  • Vehicle make, model, year, and license plate
  • Insurance information
  • Owner contact info (if not yourself)
  • Mailing address
• Pay with a credit or debit card.

Permit Use Rules

• Permits may be transferred between vehicles owned by the same individual or immediate family; however, all additional vehicles must be registered and listed in the permit system.
• Permits are not transferable between individuals.
• Vehicles must display valid license plates and be in operable condition.
• Inoperable, unsafe, or “junk” vehicles are prohibited on campus property.

Designated parking areas (color-coded)

Parking permits are color coded. Park only in lots that match the color of your permit.

• Students: Yellow permits

  • Carmen and Kedzie Lot (5115 N. Kedzie Ave.)

  • Argyle and Kedzie Lot (5025 N. Kedzie Ave.)

  • Foster and Kedzie Lot (5141 N. Kedzie Ave.)

  • Anderson Hall Lot (5000 N. Spaulding Ave.)

  • Burgh Hall Lot (5051 N. Spaulding Ave.)

  • Johnson Center Lot (behind building)

• Faculty/staff: Blue permits

  • Kimball Lot (5125 N. Kimball Ave.)

  • Carmen and Kedzie Lot (5115 N. Kedzie Ave.)

  • Argyle and Kedzie Lot (5025 N. Kedzie Ave.)

  • Former Bookstore Lot (3218 W. Foster Ave.)

  • Alley west of Brandel Library

  • Alley north and west of Sohlberg Hall

• Visitors

  • Foster & Kedzie Lot (5141 N. Kedzie Ave.) — free parking

Enforcement hours

• Parking regulations are enforced Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
• Outside enforcement hours, permit requirements, and parking restrictions remain in effect unless otherwise posted (e.g., special events, closures, or emergency operations).

Parking regulations

General rules

• Parking is permitted only in designated, permit-appropriate areas.
• Lack of available parking is not a valid justification for unauthorized parking.
• Unauthorized parking may result in citation, towing, or both.

Temporary and Emergency vehicles

• Vehicles used temporarily (more than one day) require a temporary permit from Campus Safety.
• Single-day loaner or substitute vehicles must be reported to Campus Safety with a description of the vehicle.

Accessible Parking (ADA) and Temporary Accommodations

• Accessible spaces are reserved for vehicles displaying valid ADA/accessible credentials.
• ADA permits are issued by the Illinois Secretary of State.
• The university also provides temporary accessible parking permits for individuals with short-term mobility needs through Campus Safety or Disability Services.
• Unauthorized use of accessible spaces may result in citation and additional enforcement action under applicable law.

Enforcement Authority

Campus Safety is authorized to enforce this policy, including but not limited to:

• Issuing parking citations
• Immobilizing vehicles (booting)
• Authorizing towing or relocation
• Verifying permits and vehicle registration information
• Enforcing compliance with posted signage and regulations

Visitors and Guests

Visitors, including alumni, parents, and guests, must park in designated visitor areas:

• Foster and Kedzie Visitor Parking Area (5141 N. Kedzie)

Visitors and guests requiring parking outside designated visitor spaces must obtain a temporary parking pass through Campus Safety. Requests must be made during normal business hours and submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the anticipated visit. Temporary permits are subject to space availability and applicable university parking restrictions. Departments hosting visitors are responsible for communicating parking instructions and ensuring compliance.

Visitor and Guest temporary parking permit request form

Parking Violations and Penalties

The following may result in a citation:

• Failure to display a valid permit
• Parking in unauthorized or incorrect lots
• Parking in reserved spaces without authorization
• Blocking traffic lanes or driveways
• Parking in fire lanes
• Unauthorized use of accessible (ADA) spaces ($100 fine)

Standard violations are subject to a $50 fine.

Paying fines

Payment of fines may be made online through the parking permit sales web page or in person by cash or check at the Student Accounts Office or Business Office.

Failure to pay a fine

• Students: May receive class registration holds and/or diploma holds until fines are paid.
• Employees: May be subject to payroll deduction (if authorized), parking suspension, or HR disciplinary referral.
• Contractors/Visitors: Responsible for all fines incurred and may be restricted from parking on campus until outstanding fines are paid.

Appeals process

• Appeals must be submitted to Campus Safety
• The Director of Campus Safety (or designee) will issue a written decision within five (5) business days of receipt, when practicable.
• Decisions may be upheld, reduced, or voided.
• The decision of the Director of Campus Safety is final.

Booting and immobilization:

Vehicles may be booted if:

• Three (3) or more unpaid citations exist, or
• Five (5) or more total citations occur within a defined period

Boot Removal Requirements

• Payment of all outstanding fines
• Payment of a $50 boot removal fee
• Coordination with Campus Safety

Failure to comply within 48 hours may result in towing.

Towing and Vehicle Relocation

Vehicles may be towed or relocated with or without notice for:

• Fire lane or ADA violations
• Unauthorized parking
• Obstruction of operations or emergency access
• Abandoned or inoperable vehicles
• Event, construction, snow removal, or safety operations

All costs are the responsibility of the vehicle owner/operator.

Disciplinary Action

Violations may result in additional consequences:

• Students: Student Conduct Process
• Employees: HR corrective or disciplinary action
• Contractors/Visitors: Loss of campus access privileges

Liability Disclaimer 

The university assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to vehicles or contents, including those resulting from towing or relocation actions taken under this policy.