About Disabled Parking at UC Santa Cruz

Disabled Visitor Parking

Disabled visitors displaying a distinguishing disabled license plate or placard issued by the DMV may park for free in any available “A”, “Disabled” or metered parking space.

Other Disabled Parking

All UCSC affiliates, including faculty, staff, students, donors, volunteers, those receiving remuneration for services, and persons/groups who participate in University programs, including seminars, classes and conferences, are required to purchase a UCSC parking permit to park on campus, except in meters. The use of a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) "Disabled" placard alone, without a UCSC parking permit, is permissible only in metered spaces. While visitors may use their DMV placard to park in handicap spaces, campus affiliates must also display a UCSC parking permit. For affliliates, parking without a campus permit in medical or handicap spaces – even with a DMV placard – is a ticketable offense. 

Disabled Parking Permits for Faculty, Staff & Non-Student Affiliates

“A/H” (Disabled) permits are valid in any Medical or Disabled Parking Space. They are also good in metered spaces without paying the meter fee, and in 10–, 15–, or 20–minute spots for longer than the posted time. However, these spaces should only be used if no other option is available and not for all day parking. If none of the above are available, it is permissible to park out of space as long as it is not in a fire lane; tow–away zone; red curb; blocking other vehicles or access to buildings, dumpsters or loading docks; on sidewalks or pathways; or impeding traffic. “A/H” permits are not valid at loading docks, in Provost or Preceptor spaces, or in any other reserved parking space on campus. Staff and faculty with permanent disability related parking needs pay the current Remote Permit rate for an “A/H” parking permit per California State law A.B. 2222 (January 2001). To obtain disabled parking the following must be submitted to the TAPS Sales Office:

• A copy of your valid DMV issued placard or placard registration; or
• Written documentation from a medical practitioner that includes a request for “disabled” parking privileges with dates of expected duration of need.

Disabled Parking Permits for Students

A DMV placard by itself does not substitute for having a permit, except when paying to use a metered parking space. Special permit designations are available for students that need parking accommodations for disabilities and medical conditions. To park in medical or handicapped spaces requires the purchase of a permit; students pay the "C" permit rate for a "A/H" Disabled Permit. Eligibility to purchase a permit to park in medical and disabled spaces is determined as follows:

• Students with temporary disabilities must obtain medical authorization from the Student Health Center or provide the TAPS Sales Office with current written documentation from a medical practitioner that includes information on the limitations of mobility and the expected duration of limitation.

• Students with permanent disabilities need to schedule an appointment with the Disability Resource Center to review current medical documentation for recommendation for disabled parking.

Need additional information? Send us an email inquiry or call 831–459–3724.