Parking policy becomes clearer

Portland State has updated the signs for handicapped spaces on campus, according to Sarah Renkens, manager of Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS). 

The new signs state that to park in these spaces, a student must have a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handicapped placard and a Portland State parking permit. 

“This has been the policy for a very long time,” Renkens said. “We improved the signs to make sure that people knew about the policy, but didn’t actually change the policy.”

Renkens said that because drivers with DMV placards may park for free on Portland city streets, there was some confusion about parking on Southwest 10th Avenue because it looks like ordinary city parking, which led to tickets and complaints.

“I think it’s a good idea to make it more obvious what the policy is,” said Nathan Kerr, a computer science major, referring to TAPS expenditures. “I think it’s interesting that they have to spend money so that other people don’t have to spend money.”

According to TAPS’ list of Parking Accommodations for Disabled Placard Holders—which has been made available to the Disability Resource Center—there are several options available to anyone with a DMV placard:
– Portland State students with DMV-issued disabled placards and at least one credit may purchase any type of term permit, including those listed as “sold out.”

– Term permits can be used with a disabled placard in any non-assigned disabled space on campus.

– Reserving term permits in advance is highly recommended, as students may then opt to have a permit mailed to them, rather than picking it up in person. Students must be registered for classes to reserve a permit in advance.

– TAPS staff cannot make exceptions for students with disabilities who do not have a DMV-issued disabled placard.

Disability Resource Center
503-725-4150
TTY or Relay: 503-725-6504
[email protected]
www.drc.pdx.edu
Smith Memorial Student Union, room 116

Transportation and Parking Services
503-725-3442
[email protected]
www.transportation.pdx.edu
Corner of Southwest Sixth Avenue and Harrison Street