Everything You Aways Wanted to Know about Parking at Caltech

Will vehicles with handicapped permits be charged to park on campus?
The fee to park on campus applies to all individuals, including those with a handicapped permit. Vehicles parked in handicapped spaces must display both a handicapped permit and a valid Caltech permit.

I am in a carpool. What happens when my carpool partner is sick or on vacation? Will I have to buy a day pass on those days?
No, you will be able to park in a carpool space. The carpool permit must be displayed.

I am in a carpool, but have to drive on my own one day because I have to leave work early. Will I have to buy a day pass on those days?
The carpool will be provided a total of 6 permits per month which can be divided among the members. The permit may be used on occasion when an individual must drive in alone due to a late arrival or early departure from the campus.

Why is the cost of the carpool permit only $5 less than the regular permit?
The cost of carpool permits is shared between members of the carpool. In a two person carpool, this brings the cost per person to $15/month, less than half the cost of an individual permit.

I carpool with someone who does not work at Caltech. Will the carpool rules be changed to accommodate this as a recognized Caltech carpool?
There are no plans to change the policy at this time. We will be exploring this in the future with the Parking Committee.

What methods of payment are accepted at the pay stations?
The pay stations accept cash and credit card.

My Division/Department is hosting a large conference. Can we get visitor permits in advance?
Visitor permits may pre-purchased in bulk through the Parking Office. Contact the Parking Office at ext. 8877 or via e-mail at parking@caltech.edu.

I am a part-time employee. Will I be charged the same rate as a full-time employee for a parking permit?
The fee for part-time employees working less than 20 hours per week will be $18 per month.

What happens if my permit is lost or stolen?
The parking office will replace stolen permits at no charge with a copy of a valid Police report. The replacement fee for a lost permit is $100.

Will the fees for the permits be pro-rated for vacation or sick days?
The price of the permit is set at a flat monthly rate. This price is for the permit itself and is not dependent on the level of use; the fee structure does not operate on a pro-rated basis.

I don't need a permit now, but I may need one later in the year. Will I be able to purchase a permit mid-year?
Registration for a permit may occur at any time.

Will motorcycles be charged for parking?
Yes, motorcycles and scooters with an engine size of 150 cc or greater will be required to register. The permit is valid for the registrant's motorcycle and automobile. Only one of the vehicles may be parked on the campus at a time.

I ride my bike to Caltech when the weather is good, but I like to drive during the rainy season. Will I be able to purchase a permit for only a few months out of the year?
Yes, registration can occur at any time, and you may cancel your permit through the parking office. You will only be charged for the time that the permit is active. Weekly permits are also available at the automated pay stations.

What are the hours of enforcement for the parking regulations?
Permit regulations are enforced from Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. There is no charge for parking outside of these hours. Red zones, fire lanes, handicapped spaces, and certain marked reserved spaces are enforced 24 hours.

Is there a charge for parking on the city streets?
There is no charge for parking on city streets. Parking on Caltech streets (see parking regulations) is regulated by permit and are enforced in the same manner as the campus lots.

I am a campus resident with a student permit. Can I park in a commuter zone?
Campus residents may only park in designated student resident zones.

I am a student that lives off campus. Do I need to park in the student areas?
Students who live off campus may park in designated commuter zones. Student areas are reserved for campus residents.

What options are available for contractors or vendors who park on campus?
Quarterly and yearly permits are available through the parking office. Weekly permits are also available through the automated pay stations.

My vehicle does not fit inside the campus parking structures. What options are available to me?
The first level of the parking structures has high enough clearance to accommodate most vehicles. There is also surface level parking available on the north end of campus and near the Brown Gym.

Will alumni or emeritus faculty be charged for parking?
The parking fees will apply to all users of the campus lots including alumni and emeritus.

Will I be able to pay by check if I do not want a payroll deduction?
Yes, payment may be made by check if you do not wish to use a payroll deduction. You will have the opportunity when you register to choose whether you would like payroll deduction. Payments made by check will not be pre-tax.

Will I need a permit to park behind the houses on Wilson and Hill that are used as offices?
Permits will be required in all non-residential campus lots that fall within the boundaries of the campus. These include the small office lots on Wilson and Hill.

I work at Caltech, but I am actually employed by another company. How will I be able to purchase a permit?
If you do not receive a paycheck from Caltech, you will have the option of purchasing a quarterly or yearly permit. Payment for this permit must be made in full at the time of purchase. Weekly permits are also available at the automated pay stations.

My spouse works at Caltech and I have a gym membership. What should I do for parking?
10 time-restricted spaces for athletics members who use the gym between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, will be available in the surface lot east of the Brown Gym.

I have paid for my Caltech permit; does this mean that I am guaranteed a parking space?
Your Caltech parking permit authorizes you to park in the campus lots and structures. While there is sufficient parking on campus for the majority of the Institute's needs, possession of a permit does not guarantee that there will be space available if the lots are full. It is anticipated, however, that there will be a reduction in the number of vehicles parking on the campus.

For further information, or for questions that aren't answered here, you may contact the Parking Office via e-mail at parking@caltech.edu, or by telephone at x8877.