Parking Regulations

Definitions

A parking space consists of lines painted on the pavement, designating a single parking space.

A parking area or parking lot is a geographically defined area equipped with such pavement markings for communal use.

Overnight Parking is between 1am-5am.

A no parking area may be indicated by an omission of marked parking spaces, yellow painted curbs, or specific yellow hashmarks and "No Parking" signage.

A fire lane is designated by a painted curb and/or signage declaring a fire lane. All building-adjacent driveways, loading docks, and courtyards are fire lanes, and cannot be blocked.

Regulations

Parking

Vehicles must be parked in designated parking spaces, and the responsibility for finding an authorized parking space rests with the vehicle operator. Lack of convenient parking is not considered a valid excuse for violation of these regulations.

Bethel parking permits allow parking in parking lots designated by the permit color. 

Vehicles are considered parked if they are left unattended for any length of time. This includes circumstances where they are left running and/or with the hazard lights on. Based on local crime statistics, we strongly recommend against leaving a vehicle running unattended for any length of time.

No Parking Areas

The absence of marked parking spaces indicates that an area is not designated for parking. The presence of additional pavement markings or signage may also be used to indicate that an area is not designated for parking, though we are not able to post ‘No Parking’ signs in every location on campus that is not intended for parking.

Parking outside a marked parking space is not authorized. Vehicles parked in an unmarked area may incur a citation for Parked in a No Parking Area, in accordance with the fee schedule.

Examples of no parking areas include, but not limited to:

• Paved areas with signage or yellow hash stripes indicating a No Parking Area.

• Loading docks and areas

• Sidewalks or walkways

• In front of a dumpster

• Grass or other grounds areas

• Nonpaved areas

• On the sides or edges of parking lots

• In or within 20 feet of a crosswalks and intersections

• Within 5 feet of a driveway or fire hydrant

ADA Parking

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, certain spaces on campus are designated for parking only by vehicles bearing the state issued parking certificate or license plate. In accordance with state law, these spaces are designated with signs and pavement markings. These spaces are highlighted in red on the adjacent map.

The University is obligated by state law to ensure these spaces are not occupied by unauthorized vehicles. As such, vehicles parked in these spaces for any amount of time without a placard displayed may incur a citation for Unauthorized Use of an ADA Space. At their discretion, local law enforcement (Ramsey County Sheriff's Office) may also issue their own citations for vehicles parked in these areas without a placard displayed.

The University is unable to grant authorization for use of ADA parking spaces for any length of time. Since the designated areas also represent the only accessible parking in many areas of campus, we are not able to authorize temporary parking accommodations as an alternative to obtaining a state issued parking certificate.

Overnight Parking and Closed Lots

To facilitate overnight snowplowing, and to ensure spaces are available for off campus students and employees during periods of peak traffic on campus, overnight parking (1am-5am) is prohibited in the following "Commuter" Lots:

• West Lot [1] and West "Extension"

• SRC Lot

• Lower/"Main" East Lot

• North Commuter Lot

Vehicles in these lots after 1am may incur a citation for Parked in Closed Lot, in accordance with the fee schedule.  

Vehicle Towing

If vehicles are present during nightly snow removal operations or during a Snow Emergency, they may be towed at the owner's expense. Review the Towing Fee in the fee schedule for current towing rates, as dictated by the third party vendor contracted by the University.

Overnight Parking - Employees

Overnight parking for community members who are normally authorized for areas which are closed overnight (Blue Employee and Green Commuter permits) is available in the Upper East South lots.   

Overnight Parking at the Anderson Center is discouraged, though not prohibited. We recommend employees and CAPS/Sem/GS students park in the Upper East South lots if necessary.

Vehicle Dwelling

Staying overnight in a vehicle parked on campus is prohibited. Overnight stays on campus are restricted to residence halls, and subject to the associated Residence Life policy.

Short and Long Term Parking

Vehicle Storage is parking on University property, where the vehicle owner is not present for a period of time. Vehicle Storage may be long or short term.

Vehicle owners are liable for any fees accrued as a result of parking policy violations while a vehicle is unattended, including tow fees accrued during a snow emergency declaration.

Breaks and Holidays

Periods over academic breaks may exceed Long Term Parking restrictions. Campus residents planning to store a vehicle on campus over these periods should contact our office. Due to campus events, planned grounds or construction work, or unplanned work like snow removal, certain areas may not be available for parking over break or holiday periods, and alternate parking may be required. 

Vehicle owners are liable for any fees accrued as a result of parking policy violations while a vehicle is unattended, including tow fees if operations require a vehicle to be moved.

Vehicle Break-Downs

If a vehicle experiences a breakdown, it must be moved as soon as possible out of traffic (if necessary) and removed from campus within 24 hours. Vehicles with resident parking permits may remain on campus until the end of the school year, but must be parked in a marked space. All vehicles, regardless of operating condition, are liable to any lot closures (e.g., snow emergencies) and any associated fees accrued.

Parking Permits

Parking overnight is not authorized without a current permit.

Parking Permits are not valid unless they are displayed in/on the vehicle. Sticker permits must be adhered to the vehicle's exterior, and hangtag permits must be legibly visible with the colored front facing outward. Vehicles without a current permit displayed may incur a citation for No Permit, in accordance with the fee schedule.

Employee Permits

Employees whose work basis involves parking at the Saint Paul Campus and/or Anderson Center may request up to two parking permits. Upon request, permits are sent via intercampus mail at no charge to the employee.

All Employee permits expire on a three year basis, as stated on the face of the permit, to ensure maintenance of updated vehicle records. Permits may be transferred from vehicle to vehicle, but not between persons.

For permanent changes to a vehicle record - either a new acquisition or a license plate change - please email your updated information to safety-security@bethel.edu.

Blue permits are authorized to park in any lot on campus, but are restricted to the Upper East South 1 and 2 lots overnight. Parking overnight at the Anderson Center is not prohibited, but is strongly discouraged.

Commuter (Off-Campus) Permits

Off-Campus students parking on campus may request one parking permit. This permit is provided at no charge, however all off campus CAS students are charged a Commuter Fee each semester, whether or not they obtain a parking permit. To best match this basis, these permits do not bear an expiration date.

Hangtags permits may be moved between vehicles on temporary basis, but permanent changes like a sold/traded vehicle or new license plate, should be reported to the Office of Safety and Security.

CAPS/SEM/GS Commuter permits

Permits requested by CAPS/SEM/GS students will be mailed to the home address on record.

Commuter Student and Employee Parking

Green and Blue permits are authorized to park in any lot on campus, but are restricted to the Upper East South 1 and 2 lots overnight.

*Lot closed overnight

Commuter lots are closed to parking overnight. See Overnight Parking.

Resident Permits

Due to the deficit of parking spaces, particularly adjacent to certain residence halls on campus, parking is limited for on-campus residents. To best match parking availability with housing accommodations and student needs, the University prohibits students of freshmen and sophomore standing from having a vehicle on campus. A needs-based appeals process is provided for students who require a vehicle for permanent needs related to off-campus employment, distance from home, off-campus academic involvement, certain off-campus athletic activities, or medical accommodations. Students of a junior or senior standing are not required to appeal for parking permits, but must still obtain a current permit to park on campus overnight.

Resident permits are issued based on student housing assignments:

Short Term Permit Options

Temporary Permits

All students are eligible for up to 30 days of temporary permits for an academic year.

These permits are available in any denomination from 1 to 30 days, to be used at the student's discretion. Temporary permits cost $4 per day, and are charged to a student's account at the time the permit is issued.

Temporary permits authorize parking overnight, and carry all the same restrictions, rights, and responsibilities as a Resident's sticker permits, and expire at 10am on the date displayed on the permit.

Vehicles displaying an expired temporary permit may incur a citation for Expired Temporary Permit, in accordance with the fee schedule.

Overnight Permits

Overnight permits are available for single-night periods at a rate of $4 per day.

Once you or a guest are parked for the night, call us at 651.638.6000 and an officer will meet you at the vehicle to write the permit. If an officer is unable to respond due to an emergency response, overnight permits are also available from the West Gate checkpoint officer.

Overnight permits expire at 10am the following morning.

Motorcycle Parking

Motorcycles and mopeds may be parked on the sidewalks and concreted areas surrounding buildings, so long as they do not block a path of egress or maintenance access. Designated Motorcycle parking areas are located in the West Lot horseshoe, RC Dock, Lissner Lot, and North Village lot.

Parking Permits are not required for Motorcycles.

Bicycle Parking

Bicycle racks are provided in several areas around campus. Bicycles are not to be parked inside buildings or locked to anything other than a bicycle rack. Failure to comply with this regulation may result in the bicycle being removed and impounded. Bicycles not claimed by the end of the school year will be forfeited.

Parking Permits are not required for Bicycles. We would strongly recommend you never leave a bicycle unlocked on campus, and that you record the serial number, make, model, and color of your bicycle in case of theft.

[1] This excludes parking for Heritage residence with current parking permits. Heritage residents are allowed to park in the first few (red painted) rows in the southeast corner of the lot.

[2] With the exception of motorcycles. See Motorcycle parking for further details.