Parking around USF and in the city of San Francisco is very limited. Many parking zones are metered, require permits, or have a time limit. Students are encouraged to use public transportation whenever possible. However, for those students who choose to bring a car, the following sections will provide information on parking on- and off-campus.
On-Campus Parking
Parking on the USF campus is by permit only. Permits are issued for specific lots. A lottery is held in the Spring semester to assign students parking permits for the following academic year. The only permits that will be issued in the fall are for evening permits (in effect after 3:00 p.m.) and motorcycles. One day parking passes may be obtained for a fee at the Office of Public Safety.
For more information, please contact Public Safety:
Tel: (415) 422-4222, Web: www.usfca.edu/public_safety
Disability Parking
Students with temporary or permanent disability may be issued a special permit entitling them to park in designated zones marked by blue curb and signs. A valid parking placard issued by the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles and a USF permit are necessary to park in these spaces.
Off-Campus Parking
Parking on the streets surrounding USF is limited. The city requires Residential Parking Permits on most streets, except the campus-side of adjacent streets. Streets that require permits are limited to two-hour parking increments during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. All-day parking is allowed on few of the streets that immediately border USF. Check parking signs before attempting to park all day and be aware of posted street cleaning days and times.
Other Parking Considerations
Parking on a Hill
When parking on a hill (grade of 3% or more), your wheels must be properly curbed.
- On a sloping driveway, turn the wheels so the car will not roll into the street if the brakes fail.
- Headed downhill, turn your front wheels into the curb or toward the side of the road. Set the parking brake.
- Headed uphill, turn your front wheels away from the curb and let your vehicle roll back a few inches. The wheel should gently touch the curb. Set the parking brake.
- Headed either uphill or downhill and there is no curb, turn the wheels so the car will roll away from the center of the road if the brakes fail.
- Always set your parking brake and leave the vehicle in gear or the "park" position.
Visit the DMV website at www.dmv.ca.gov to learn more about parking.
Parking at a Meter
Only one car is permitted to park at a meter at any one time. When the meter expires, the car must be moved. If the meter is broken, the car still must be moved after the time limit posted on the meter has expired.
Sidewalk Parking
Sidewalk parking is illegal, even in your own driveway. The entire car must be on private property or properly parked at the curb.
Parking Signs
Most parking areas in San Francisco have parking signs posted limiting parking times or alerting drivers to street cleaning hours. Before you park, make sure to read all posted signs to avoid a ticket or being towed. Street cleaning is generally scheduled once a week in the morning hours. 'No Parking' times often include morning and evening commute times.
Colored Curbs
Before parking, be sure to check the color of a curb to know any restrictions that area may have.
- White: Passenger loading. Stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers or mail.
- Green: Park for a limited time. Time limit will be displayed on a parking sign or painted on the curb.
- Yellow: Loading Zone. Stop no longer than the time posted to load or unload passengers or freight. Drivers of noncommercial vehicles are usually required to stay with the vehicle.
- Red: No stopping, standing, or parking at any time.
- Blue: Parking zone for the disabled. A valid parking placard issued by the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles is necessary to park in these spaces.
Towed Vehicles
If your car is towed for a parking violation, you must contact AutoReturn, an independent contractor for the city's towing service.
AutoReturn
450 7th Street (between Bryant and Harrison)
San Francisco, CA 94103
Tel: (415) 865-8200
Web: www.autoreturn.com
For more information on towed vehicles, visit the San Francisco Police Department's website at www.sf-police.org/index.aspx?page=1722.
More Information
For more information about parking violations or driving regulations, contact the local Department of Motor Vehicles:
DMV
1377 Fell Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
Tel: (800) 777-0133
Web: www.dmv.ca.gov
