Guidebook

Parking

Reed College encourages those who can do so to walk, bicycle, or use the Tri-Met bus or light rail system to travel to and from campus. Tri-Met information is available free by calling 503-238-RIDE. Passes for the Tri-Met system are available from the cashier.

Program objective

The Reed College parking program has been developed to contribute to the safe, orderly, and efficient movement of vehicles and people on campus.

Authority

The president of Reed College designates the community safety office to be responsible for the control and regulations of vehicles on college property.

The director of community safety is charged with determining the methods used to enforce college parking regulations.

All community safety officers enforce the parking and traffic regulations of the college and provide related services for students, faculty, staff, visitors, and other users of campus parking facilities.

Parking at Reed

Those who drive to campus are encouraged to use the campus parking lots and not park in the neighborhoods off campus. The campus parking lots are patrolled and well lit. The west parking lot is often under-used, and parking space is usually available there when other lots are filled. The community safety office asks all drivers to park only in designated areas and to keep disabled, service areas, and fire lanes clear at all times.

Vehicle registration

Vehicle registration at Reed is free. Drivers are encouraged to register their vehicles with the community safety office using the vehicle registration form.

General parking information

Dedicated parking spaces are provided for handicapped drivers, college-owned vehicles, and those who park for a limited time. Each parking lot also has a limited number of carpool spaces; information on the carpool program is available from the community safety office. All other (non-restricted) parking is available on an equal basis to students, faculty, staff, and visitors. All members of the community who drive to the campus should respect the following guidelines:

  • Those who will not be using a car for several days should refrain from parking in the east parking lot and notify the community safety office of its location, so that we may keep watch on the vehicle.
  • Faculty and staff members whose offices are in Eliot Hall and other buildings on the north side of the campus are encouraged to park in the north parking lot.
  • College lots may not be used for long-term storage of any vehicle.
  • Park in college lots and not on the streets surrounding the campus.
  • Park only in designated parking areas.
  • Community safety officers issue citations for the following violations:
  • Vehicles parked in DMV disabled parking spaces without displaying a proper parking permit. Fine: $50.
    Vehicles parked in fire lanes. Fine: $25.
  • Vehicles parked in loading zones. Fine: $25.
  • Vehicles occupying more than one space. Fine: $25.
  • Vehicles parked on grass or "no parking" areas. Fine: $25.
  • Vehicles parked in all other non-designated parking areas. Fine: $25.
  • All fines will be recorded in the business office and must be paid there. Records of fines are consulted before the completion of any official college transactions.

Warnings

  • Anyone illegally parked in a handicapped space will automatically be fined $50.
  • Parking violators will normally be issued two warning tickets and thereafter be fined $35 for each subsequent ticket given during that year. The year begins July 1 and ends June 30 (see towing section following).
  • Any vehicle that has accumulated more than seven parking citations (two warning citations and five or more fined citations) will be issued a final warning notice. Should the vehicle be parked illegally again, the community safety officer may have it towed from college property and impounded at the owner's expense.

    After the seventh citation, an officer will issue a final warning, which consists of the following steps:
    • A citation will be issued for the latest parking violation.
    • A final warning form will be issued and placed under the windshield wiper and on the driver side window.
    • A photograph will be taken of the vehicle with the citations to verify that the final warning was issued. The final warning notice and picture will remain on file in the community safety office.
    • If the vehicle is parked illegally on campus after the final warning, the officer on duty may have it towed and impounded at the owner's expense.

Towing

Reed College reserves the right to tow vehicles immediately and without prior notice or warning when:

  • Vehicles block a sidewalk, pedestrian walkway, driveway, or roadway.
  • Vehicles block another vehicle from entering or exiting a parking space, area, or a parking lot.
  • Vehicles are parked in posted (signed) "tow-away zones" or areas.
  • Vehicles are blocking or parked in loading zones and service areas so that they prevent normal deliveries or service.
  • Vehicles are abandoned or unused on campus.
  • Vehicles belong to violators who fail to pay or to make arrangements with the business office to pay fines.
  • The community safety director or designee determines that a vehicle is presenting a hazard, or a potential hazard, to the college or to the community.

Appeals

All appeals to a parking violation must be made to the director of community safety within one week of receipt of the citation. The appeal may be made in person (bring the citation with you), by email, or in writing. The appeal must outline the circumstances on which it is based. The director of community safety will notify the appellant of the outcome of the appeal. You may call the director at extension 7379 or visit the office in 28 West.

Other services

The community safety office will jump-start your vehicle, open vehicles when the keys are locked inside, and escort you to or from your vehicle after dark. Dial "O"from any campus telephone to speak with a dispatcher.

All members of the community who drive to campus should register their cars with the community safety office.

(Page last modified: November 29, 2023)