Traffic and Parking

Kirkwood’s traffic and parking regulations are based on the Code of the State of Iowa, local laws and ordinances also apply. Students, faculty, staff and guests are expected to comply with these regulations. 

Traffic and parking violations such as speeding, failure to stop at a stop sign, reckless driving and parking illegally are not permitted.

The majority of parking spaces on campus are to be used on a first come, first serve basis. Students, faculty, staff and guests may park in any of the non-designated parking areas.

Reserved Parking: 

The following areas are reserved and are clearly marked:

  • Disability (handicap) spaces are reserved for those vehicles that display valid State of Iowa Disability Identification. For additional information on the State of Iowa Persons with Disabilities Parking Law, click here.
  • Visitor spaces designated for campus guests. These spaces are not to be used at any time by faculty, staff or students.
  • Kirkwood issued permit parking spaces. All vehicles parked in these spots must correctly display a valid Kirkwood issued parking permit they have been issued. 
  • Expectant Mother Signage – reserved for expectant students and others who bring small children to campus.
  • Park & Ride – Located on the northwest end of Linn Hall parking lot, reserved for Park & Ride commuters.
  • Overnight Parking - Vehicles are not to be left on campus overnight. Exceptions may be made by contacting Public Safety. 
  • Other specially designated parking spaces. Examples of these reserved spaces are Service Vehicles and Maintenance.

Kirkwood Issued Permit Parking: 

Public Safety has special permit parking spaces available. The designated spaces are available on a temporary basis only. A Kirkwood issued permit must be displayed to park in these locations. 

Examples of circumstances which may qualify for special parking are:

  • Temporary disability which limits mobility
  • Pregnancy 
  • Medical conditions

Campus Security maintains records of vehicles authorized to park in reserved spots including the name of the requestor, vehicle and permit information. Vehicles parked in reserved spots without authorization, outside the timeframe, or with an expired permit are subject to a citation.  

The responsibility of finding a reserved space lies with the permit holder. Possessing a permit for a reserved parking space or requesting a reserved spot, does not guarantee the availability of a preferential parking space. In the event a reserved space is not available, a reserved permit does not allow preferential parking. Reserved permit holders may park in open, non-designated parking spaces at any time.  

Reserved parking permits are the property of Kirkwood and may only be used by the permit holder. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to notify Public Safety of any relevant changes to their information on file, including but not limited to change of license plate, change of vehicle or temporary use of an alternate vehicle. In the event a permit is lost, a replacement permit will be issued at the cost noted on the Administrative Fees Chart.

Warnings & Violation Notices: 

Warning notices will be issued by Public Safety whenever possible. Violation notices or citations will be issued when the warning notice has been ignored or the violation is significant. Continual disregard of warnings and citations may result in your vehicle being towed.   

The city where the campus is located may also issue parking and/or moving violation tickets.

Payment of Fines:

  • Payments by cash or check may be made at Dispatch in the Facilities & Public Safety Building during normal business hours
  • Credit card payments can be made through My Hub
  • A late payment fee may be added to any violation if payment is not made within 10 business days from the date of issuance of the citation

Citation Appeals:

Parking citation appeals shall be received by Public Safety via the online appeals portal or in person at the public safety office within 5 business days of citation issuance. Once an appeal has been received by the public safety office, an administrative review of the appeal shall be conducted based on the facts presented and information available, by the appeals committee, and a decision shall be made within 10 business days.

Towing:

Vehicles may be towed, at the owners’ expense, for the following reasons:

  • Vehicle parked on Kirkwood property for more than 72 hours and contact with the owner of the vehicle is unsuccessful may be considered as abandoned
  • Vehicle parked in a no-parking zone and prevents operations from occurring (e.g. deliveries, maintenance access, emergency access)
  • Vehicle parked in a manner that obstructs snow removal
  • All costs associated with the towing shall be the responsibility of the vehicle owner/operator
  • The college assumes no liability in damages to towed vehicles