1. (1) APPLICATION.

   1. (a) Section 1006.66, F.S., requires each University Board of Trustees to adopt rules that govern traffic on the grounds of the university; that provide penalties for the infraction of such traffic rules; and that the university finds necessary, convenient, or advisable for the safety or welfare of the students, faculty members, or other persons. Section 1009.24, F.S., authorizes University Boards of Trustees to assess fees for parking fines, decals, and permits. Board of Governors Regulation 1.001 requires that university parking facilities are funded through parking fees or parking fines imposed by a university.
   2. (b) Thus, USF System institutions charge fees for the use of its parking spaces to pay for the operation and maintenance of campus parking facilities and a Transportation Access Fee Plan to support the transportation infrastructure and increase student access to transportation services. The USF System President/designee may convene a Transportation Access Fee Committee composed of at least one-half student representatives appointed by the Student Body President and the remainder appointed by the USF System President/designee. A chairperson shall be jointly appointed by the USF System President/designee and Student Body President and shall only vote in case of a tie. The Committee may recommend that fee increases be assessed upon all courses and fundable credit hours. The recommendations shall take effect if approved by the USF System President/designee, after consultation with the Student Body President and approved by the University Board of Trustees. See USF System Regulation 4.0102 (Tuition and Fees) for the current Transportation Access Fee amount.
   3. (c) This rule applies to the USF System unless otherwise specified in this rule or on the individual campus parking/traffic information website. Regional campuses and separately accredited institutions may have different names and locations for parking and traffic offices and officials. Students, faculty and staff must check with their individual campuses or parking/traffic website for information.

Or at the main building:

1. (2) DEFINITIONS.

   1. (a) AFFILIATE: An individual, or an individual belonging to an organization, agency or other group having an ongoing relationship with the USF System and who has been approved by a USF System parking and transportation services office (PATS) as an affiliate. The USF System retains the right to offer staff permits to individuals in the affiliate category who have occupied USF System premises pursuant to a federal grant agreement in existence prior to 1990.
   2. (b) DISABLED PARKING: Specifically designated parking for anyone legally qualified to use disabled parking.
   3. (c) GZ (Gold Zone) PARKING: Designated premium parking lots requiring a special permit.
   4. (d) HOLIDAYS: Official USF System holidays only. Academic breaks and weekends are not holidays.
   5. (e) LICENSEE: A person or entity that is present on the grounds of the USF System because they have entered into an agreement with the USF System for use of campus facilities.
   6. (f) LOADING/UNLOADING ZONES: Zones specifically designated for vehicles making deliveries and pick-ups.
   7. (g) PARKING: Stopping a vehicle on the side of the road, on the road, or off the road when not required to do so by law, rule or regulation. The parked condition is not altered by occupancy of the vehicle, leaving the vehicle’s motor running, or engaging the vehicle’s flashing hazard light.
   8. (h) PATS: Refers to the appropriate parking and transportation services offices for each USF System institution.
   9. (i) PERMIT: A distinctive USF System repositionable permit, adhesive decal or hangtag issued by PATS.
   10. (j) INSTITUTION/CAMPUS: USF Tampa, USF St. Petersburg, USF Sarasota-Manatee and USF Polytechnic.
   11. (k) REGISTERED VEHICLE: Any vehicle that is registered with a USF institution’s Parking and Transportation Services office (PATS).
   12. (l) RESERVED SPACE: Individually marked space reserved for the specified user twenty-four (24) hours a day/seven (7) days a week.
   13. (m) RETIRED: Faculty, administration, and staff who have retired from the USF System and are not currently employed by the USF System.
   14. (n) SERVICE DRIVE: Those areas of campus that provide access for delivery, service and emergency vehicles only.
   15. (o) STAFF: The term STAFF includes employees in GEMS salary plans for adjunct faculty/medical residents (06); post-doctoral fellows (08); administration (21); faculty (22); staff employee (23); executive service (24); and non-student full-time, part-time and temporary employees.
   16. (p) STUDENT: For the purpose of these rules/regulations, the term STUDENT includes all persons, other than staff, as defined above, enrolled with the USF System; day or night, full-time or part-time, regardless of the number of hours or days attending classes.
   17. (q) COURTESY PERMIT: A temporary permit issued by PATS to visitors; or to any registered permit holder who is not in possession or their parking pass. Maximum of three (3) courtesy permits per semester.
   18. (r) TIMED SPACES: Non-metered parking spaces specifically designated for vehicles making short term stops of no greater than designated number of minutes listed on the parking space.
   19. (s) VENDOR/CONTRACTOR: Any person/company that has entered into a contract with the USF System to provide a service, regardless of the length of the contract, to the USF System.
   20. (t) VISITOR: Any person who is not a member of the USF System (student, staff, affiliate, vendor/contractor or licensee).
   21. (u) VOLUNTEER: Any person who provides volunteer services to the campus and receives no compensation, material benefit, or course credit from the USF System.

2. (3) PURPOSE.

   The purpose of a structured and regulated parking system is to facilitate the activities of the USF System (primarily instruction) by providing parking that will allow: (1) students to park close to their on-campus residence or to commute; (2) faculty and staff access to classrooms and offices; and (3) visitors the ability to participate in campus activities. To meet this purpose, the USF System has developed rules (Rule 6C4-4.0010, Parking, Registration, Penalties & Rates; and Rule 6C4-4.0011, F.A.C., Traffic and Moving Violations). Compliance with these rules is encouraged through fair and consistent enforcement.

   Due to the size of the staff and student bodies, the USF System does not guarantee parking to all students and staff paying for spaces, nor can it guarantee the safety and security of vehicles, property and persons within the campus parking facilities. All persons holding a valid operator’s license may use properly registered motor vehicles, motor scooters, bicycles, and other USF System institution approved mechanical conveyances in accordance with the terms of these rules and the specific rules of each institution as posted on that institution’s parking/traffic website [Section (1)(c)].

3. (4) GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR PARKING PERMITS AND REGISTRATIONS.

   1. (a) University Police, Parking Enforcement Specialists, the appropriate Law Enforcement authority, or specially designated personnel are authorized to issue parking citations for parking and registration violations in accordance with these rules/regulations twenty-four (24) hours a day/seven (7) days a week.
   2. (b) Vehicles used on campus by employees and enrolled students, regardless of number of hours or days, night or day, full time or part time, must be registered and must display a valid appropriate USF System institution permit twenty-four (24) hours a day/seven (7) days a week.
   3. (c) Upon request by the appropriate PATS office, the person registering a vehicle must present a valid driver’s license, USF System employee or student ID card, or a letter from employer which justifies the type of permit requested. Resident students must present a copy of their housing contract, check-in sheet, or verifiable resident status in Banner. All registrants are responsible for providing PATS with a current address and keeping all information about vehicle ownership updated.
   4. (d) There is no grace period for registration of vehicles and acquisition of USF System institutions’ permits. New non-student employees may obtain a temporary permit for ten (10) business days from the start date of their employment. Proof of employment status is required.
   5. (e) Reserved spaces may be purchased by staff for a yearly fee. Requests for spaces must bear the concurrence of the President, chancellor, vice president, dean or designee, and attest to the fact that the space is needed based upon the registrants work requirements. These spaces are not transferable and cannot be sold to another individual in the event the registrant of the reserved space leaves the institution. Reserved parking locations are established by PATS to allow for proper parking management.
   6. (f) Commercial representatives in commercial vehicles using marked delivery trucks, telephone and power service vehicles, limousine service automobiles, taxis and buses making brief stops in the appropriate spaces or zones at one or more points on campus are not required to pay a parking fee or display a permit unless the vehicles will be parked.
   7. (g) Vendors/Contractors and sales or service representatives must display a USF Vendor/Contractor permit on their commercially or privately owned vehicles to park on the Tampa campus. These vehicles may be parked in any designated, unreserved non-GZ lot parking space. On the USFSP campus, vendors may park in GOLD zones with valid permit. On the USFS-M campus, vendors must display a Staff permit. Special parking arrangements must be approved in advance by PATS. Vendor/Contractor permit holders may also utilize designated loading/unloading zones for periods of thirty (30) minutes or less.

   8. (h) Disabled Parking Permits:

      1. Disabled parkers may park in any disabled space on campus with an appropriate state disabled placard/license plate and a valid non-Park-n-Ride USF System institution’s permit. Both the disabled placard/license and USF System institution’s permit must be visibly displayed.

      2. Any employee member or student with a temporary physical disability which impedes walking may apply, with authorized medical documentation from a physician, to PATS for a temporary USF disabled parking permit not to exceed five (5) business days.

      3. Holders of temporary disabled spaces are required to advise PATS when assigned temporary disabled spaces are no longer required.

      4. All spaces designated for the disabled are reserved twenty-four (24) hours a day/seven (7) days a week.

   9. (i) Daily/Temporary Parking Permits:

      1. A person who is currently registered with PATS and temporarily not in possession of his/her permit must obtain a courtesy parking permit [limit of three (3) per semester] before parking on campus.

      2. Upon request to PATS, permits may be issued to park out of assigned area, for extraordinary reasons.

      3. USF System departments that are sponsoring or co-sponsoring an event on campus shall request parking permits and/or use of parking spaces at least two weeks in advance from PATS for the event participants. Assignment for event parking will be determined by PATS based on space availability.

      4. A Visitor must obtain a daily permit from either the campus information center, a permit vending machine or the Parking Services office, or from pay stations located in designated areas to legally park on the Tampa campus. Hourly parking is available at Pay-by-Space locations and at meters. Also, visitors may request complimentary parking, up to three (3) times per semester, in designated Park-n-Ride lots. Contact individual institutions (p. 2) for location of Visitor daily permits.

   10. (j) Permit/Decal Regulations:

       1. When the vehicle is parked, repositionable permits must be affixed, right side up, on the lower-left, driver’s side of the windshield by removing the protective covering with the permit clearly visible from the exterior of the vehicle. Alternate methods to affix permits, i.e., tape, suction cups, sleeves, etc. are not permitted. Hangtag permits must be displayed hanging from the vehicle’s rearview mirror with the logo side facing out. Hangtags must be unobstructed and clearly visible from the exterior of the vehicle. Note: Having tinted windows or using a sunscreen or a car cover does not preclude the necessity of ensuring the permit is plainly visible.

       2. Permits may not be transferred from registrant to another vehicle operator who would otherwise be required to register their vehicle.

       3. Repositionable permits may be transferred between same-owner vehicles only.

       4. Adhesive decals are only issued to those registrants with convertibles, other open vehicles, or other reasons as approved by PATS. The decal must be permanently affixed to the left rear bumper and/or the left side rear/front windshield of the vehicle (outside only). Improper display of decal will result in a citation being issued and a fine being charged.

       5. Adhesive decals are required for all two-wheeled motor vehicles and must be displayed on the front or rear fender or front fork of the vehicle unless otherwise approved by PATS.

       6. USF System institutions’ permits may not be reproduced, altered, or transferred by anyone other than PATS.

       7. The person who owns or registers a vehicle is responsible for assuring that the vehicle, regardless of who drives it, is parked in conformance with the rules and regulations and for knowing when the issued permit expires.

       8. All citations issued to a permit will be that registrant’s responsibility regardless of which vehicle the permit is on at the time of the infraction, unless PATS has been advised of a lost or stolen permit. To request replacement or exchange of parking permits, contact the appropriate campus Parking and Transportation Services office.

       9. Any vehicle parked on campus is parked at the risk of the operator. Permits declared lost or stolen will immediately become invalid. An affidavit must be completed for lost or stolen permits or in the event that the permit was sold with the car. If recovered, the permit will be reclaimed by PATS and destroyed. Any vehicle bearing a lost/stolen permit is subject to immediate immobilization and/or tow, even if the vehicle bearing the permit is owned by the person who has reported the permit as lost/stolen.

       10. All campus employees, students and visitors who own, register, and have more than one vehicle on campus at the same time are required to have a valid permit displayed on each vehicle.

   11. (k) Payroll Deduction: Those persons employed as faculty, Administration, Post-Doctoral Fellows, or Staff may pay for their permits through payroll deduction. Those employees not considered permanent employees (i.e., Temporary, visiting and adjunct professors, etc.) are not eligible to use payroll deduction. Payroll deduction cannot be started after March 1 for the current fiscal year.
   12. (l) Refunds: Full refunds will be issued for permits, (excludes daily visitor and special events) when the refund is requested within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of purchase, or for students, up to fourteen (14) days after the first day of the semester for which the permit is purchased. To receive the refund, the permit must be returned to PATS with the receipt. Refund requests received after fourteen (14) calendar days are pro-rated based on a fee schedule developed by PATS. Refunds will not be issued after the end of the fee schedule date. Permits ordered on-line and not picked up within 14 calendar days of the beginning of the semester will be charged a processing fee as outlined in the rates section of the current brochure. Note: Refunds cannot be issued on pre-tax payroll deduction.
   13. (m) Permit holders must notify PATS of change in status. Failure to do so will result in the revocation of parking privileges without any refund of the remainder of current year’s permit.

4. (5) GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR DESIGNATED PARKING SPACES AND AREAS.

   1. (a) Parking is permitted only within marked spaces. The absence of “No Parking” signs or curb markings does not mean that parking is allowed.
   2. (b) Parking over a marker line is prohibited. Vehicles parked parallel to a curb shall be within one foot of the curb and inside parking markers.
   3. (c) Vehicles shall not be parked facing traffic in those lots with angled parking. For those lots with straight-in parking (90 degree) a vehicle may also be parked with the rear of the vehicle towards the closed end of the parking space.
   4. (d) Where parallel parking is permitted, vehicles must be parked facing the flow of traffic.
   5. (e) Vehicles shall not be parked in such a manner as to obstruct vehicular/pedestrian traffic, wheelchair ramps, interfere with normal operational activities, or to create a hazard.
   6. (f) Double parking is prohibited at all times.
   7. (g) Parking on grass, unpaved surfaces, sidewalks, crosswalks, service drives, loading zones, truck spaces, or on streets (except where specifically marked for parking) is prohibited.
   8. (h) Major repairs, as determined by PATS, to non-USF System owned vehicles shall not be performed on campus.
   9. (i) Unauthorized parking in RESERVED spaces is prohibited.
   10. (j) A vehicle parked and remaining at the same meter, unloading zone, or timed space will receive one ticket for an overtime violation during the first expired time period for that specific meter, zone, or space. If the vehicle remains at the same expired meter, zone, or space, additional tickets will be issued not to exceed two (2) citations for each calendar date.
   11. (k) Campus map and parking lot signs indicate where staff, residence hall, and non-residence hall students shall park according to the type of permit displayed on the vehicle. Vehicles may only be parked in the appropriate lots and spaces.
   12. (l) PATS offices reserve the right to establish some parking facilities as joint-use facilities to accommodate two or more categories of registered vehicles. This will be accomplished with proper signage and announcement of the designation.
   13. (m) Staff and students may purchase a Park-n-Ride permit which is a restrictive remote parking lot permit on the Tampa campus. Vehicles with this permit may be parked only in Lots designated as Park-n-Ride lots on the Tampa campus. Vehicles with this permit may not park in any lot on other campuses.
   14. (n) All loading/unloading zones have a 30 minute time limit.
   15. (o) All vehicle operators using a parking space controlled by a mechanical meter must pay to occupy the space in accordance with the instructions on the meter.
   16. (p) Only authorized vehicles may park in disabled spaces.
   17. (q) Oversized vehicles such as trucks, trailers, motor homes, or any vehicle that occupies more than one standard car space or extends beyond the space shall be parked in an area designated by PATS with appropriate parking permit. The maximum allowance time for parking in this manner is seven (7) calendar days.
   18. (r) Vehicles may not be used as overnight domiciles, except under emergency conditions and only with the prior approval of PATS.
   19. (s) Special Events/Maintenance: PATS has authority to close streets, lots and parking spaces to facilitate special events, and to perform necessary maintenance. Contact PATS when planning a special event on campus to receive proper parking permits and assignments. No department has the authority to close any lots without first obtaining permission from PATS.

5. (6) TOWING/IMMOBILIZING VEHICLES (Not applicable to all campuses).

   1. (a) Vehicles are subject to being immobilized by a mechanical boot or towed away at the operator’s or the USF System department’s expense under any of the following conditions:

      1. Those listed in this Rule 6C4-4.0010, F.A.C.

      2. Unauthorized parking in reserved or disabled spaces.

      3. Abandoning a vehicle (disabled or otherwise) for three (3) consecutive days or more. Disabled or abandoned vehicles must be attended to promptly with immediate notification made to PATS, Monday-Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and to the University Police after 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and on weekends and holidays.

      4. Parking in such a way as to interfere with campus operational activities.

   2. (b) Vehicles that have been immobilized by a mechanical boot are towed at the owner’s/department’s expense. The owner/department is required to pay for the outstanding citations, and the immobilization fee and applicable towing charges prior to claiming their vehicle. The fact that a previously immobilized vehicle has been removed from the area without authorization from PATS shall be prima facie evidence that the registered owner has tampered with the immobilized vehicle. Owners of immobilized vehicles may make restitution online at the PATS website or during office hours at the Parking Services office or the Campus Information Center.
   3. (c) A signed release slip must be obtained from PATS before owner’s towed vehicle may be reclaimed from the towing company. The release slip will only be issued during PATS office hours and after vehicle registration fees and outstanding citation fees are paid in full. In addition, the owner or operator of the towed vehicle must provide proper identification to the towing company and pay the towing charges in cash to the towing company before reclaiming the vehicle from the towing company.

6. (7) PARKING VIOLATIONS, PENALTIES & PAYMENT:

   1. (a) Violations and Suspension of Parking Privileges:

      This section deals with Parking Violations only. Traffic and Moving violations are addressed in USF Rule 6C4-4.0011, F.A.C., and will be referred to the appropriate University enforcement official by the appropriate Parking and Transportation Services office. Operators of vehicles are subject to the Parking fines in accordance with the schedule of violation charges as provided in this rule. PATS reserves the right to restrict the ability to purchase a parking permit for a period up to twelve (12) months and the operator so notified by PATS whenever:

      1. The person falsifies or misrepresents information on any PATS’ documents.

      2. The person/department lends his/her vehicle to another person when the latter is not entitled to driving privileges.

      3. The person/department required to register a vehicle does not respond to citations.

      4. The person/department demonstrates actions that show a willful disregard for public safety or property, or engages in other types of disruptive behavior with another member of the USF System.

      5. The person owes a delinquent parking debt to the USF System.

      6. The person displays a counterfeit, stolen, altered, lost or revoked permit.

      7. The person issues fraudulent payments to PATS for services and/or fines payment.

   2. (b) Parking citations not paid within 14 days of issuance, or not under appeal, are subject to an additional late fee as outlined in this rule. Any violations which are still outstanding after 45 days may be transferred to a collection agency (with additional fees assessed by the agency) or set off against employee pay warrants. Outstanding student accounts will also result in student records and registration being placed on hold until the debt is settled. More than two (2) outstanding citations will result in the vehicle being immobilized or towed. Staff and students at the USF Tampa campus with past due violation fees as of the end of the fall, spring, or summer semester may only purchase Park-n-Ride permits.

      Unless otherwise specified in these rules or on the appropriate PATS office website, all persons or departments who are cited for non-moving violations may make payment via the PATS website, to the PATS office in person or via mail.

   3. (c) Weapons and Firearms: The USF System prohibits HYPERLINK "http://generalcounsel.usf.edu/policies-and-procedures/pdfs/policy-6-009.pdf"weapons in vehicles on campus. “In accordance with Sections 790.115 and 790.251, F.S., individuals are prohibited from possessing firearms on USF System property. The USF System specifically waives the exception provided for in Sections 790.115(2)(a), (3), F.S., meaning that vehicles parked upon USF System property are not entitled to contain firearms pursuant to Section 790.25(5), F.S.”

7. (8) APPEAL PROCESS FOR VIOLATION AND PENALTIES: Each System Member may establish an appeal process. The Tampa Campus appeal process is detailed below. Refer to other Member campuses websites [Sec. (1)(c)] for applicable appeal processes.

   1. (a) Only those persons or departments responsible for incurring the citation or the registrant of the vehicle cited may appeal to the Parking Citation Final Appeal Committee or the Student Government Supreme Court.

   2. (b) Any person or department who wishes to appeal a citation shall do so within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of issuance on the citation. (Note: Warning citations may not be appealed.) Appeals may be submitted in writing, via the Internet at the Website published in paragraph (1)(c).

      The person or department appealing the decision must explain the circumstances existing at the time of the citation in the appeal for review of the citation.

   3. (c) If an appeal is not submitted within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date the citation was issued, the right to appeal is forfeited.
   4. (d) The written appeal will be reviewed by the Appeals Mediator/PAT staff, adjudicated based on the current PATS rules or regulations. The decision notification will be sent by email and USPS mail.
   5. (e) If the non-student person or department is dissatisfied with the decision of the Appeals Mediator/PATS staff, they may appeal the Appeals Mediator/Staff’s decision to the Parking Citation Final Appeal Committee. Appeals must be submitted in one of the following ways: online at the appropriate PATS office website or in writing. If the student is dissatisfied with the decision of the Appeals Mediator/Staff, he or she may appeal the Appeals Mediator/Staff’s decision to the Student Government Supreme Court. Appeals must be submitted in one of the following ways: online at the appropriate PATS office website or in writing. All appeal requests must be made within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of the Appeals Mediator/PATS staff’s decision notification letter. The non-student Parking Citation Final Appeal Committee or Student Government Supreme Court will review the matter and may excuse, downgrade or uphold the citation, but may not contradict the prevailing parking and registration rules or regulations. The Parking Citation Final Appeal Committee and the Student Government Supreme Court are the final appeal authorities, pending review of dismissed citations by the Director of PATS for adherence to the prevailing parking and registration regulations.

   6. (f) The following are reasons that will not be accepted by PATS, the Parking Citation Final Appeals Committee, and Student Government Supreme Court as reasons to dismiss or reduce a citation. This is not an all-inclusive list:

      Disagreement with the Traffic and Parking Rules/Regulations

      Ignorance of the rule/regulation

      Stated inability to find a permitted parking space

      Operation of the vehicle by another person

      Stated failure to issue citations previously for similar violations

      Tardiness to class and/or appointment

      Inability to pay fine (lack of money)

      Displayed wrong or expired permit

      Traffic congestion

      Received bad verbal information

      Stated perception that designated parking area is not safe

      Appellants proceeding to file a final appeal should consider the following:

      Ensure the reason for the appeal is not one of those listed above.

      Prepare a concise written and/or oral argument not to exceed 5 minutes.

   7. (g) The Director of PATS will review all citations dismissed in final appeal. If the Director should determine either of the Final Appeals bodies is contradicting the prevailing Parking Rules and Regulations in their final appeals decisions, the following process shall be initiated to make a final determination on the appeal:

      The Director of PATS shall, by written notification, inform the appeal unit of the alleged contradiction.

      The Director of PATS and appeals unit shall meet to attempt to reconcile the differences.

      If no reconciliation is made, the parties shall consult with the Associate Vice President of Administrative Services (or designee) on the Tampa campus, or the appropriate official at the member institution who shall act as an arbitrator. The decision rendered by that official shall be final.

8. (9) PARKING/TRAFFIC RATES & FINES IN EFFECT – 2013-2014 FY

   USF TAMPA CAMPUS

USF ST. PETERSBURG CAMPUS

USF SARASOTA-MANATEE CAMPUS

Rulemaking Authority 316, 790.25, 1006.66, 1009.24 FS. Law Implemented 1006.66 FS. History–New 1-30-12, Amended 4-23-12, 5-28-13.