I Use University Parking

Changes in address and other updates of personal information must be provided to the Parking Office by emailing [email protected]. Parking assignments are subject to re-evaluation by the University Parking Committee when there is a change of address.

Cancelling Your Parking Account

Parkers who wish to cancel their parking account must do so in writing (i.e. send an email to [email protected]) at least 30 days in advance of the requested termination date. Charges apply through the termination date and will be prorated accordingly. In no event will retroactive credit be granted if the parker fails to provide advance written notification of cancellation to Columbia Parking.

If You Take a Leave of Absence

Parkers on a University-approved leave may suspend their parking privileges upon 30 days' written notice to Columbia Parking ([email protected]). Supporting documentation must be provided.

If You Want to Suspend Parking Over the Summer

Parking may be suspended over the summer; this is limited to May through August. Email [email protected] with a minimum of 30 days' prior notice.

If You Leave the University

Parkers who retire and wish to continue parking must apply for extension of privileges via email request submitted to [email protected]; such requests will be reviewed by the University Parking Committee at its monthly session. Parkers who otherwise terminate their affiliation with the University are no longer eligible for parking and must relinquish when they cease to be affiliated with the University. See “Cancelling Your Parking Account.”

If Your Vehicle Changes

Parkers who change vehicles or add new vehicles must submit a copy of the vehicle registration to [email protected] in advance of parking. Non-registered vehicles are subject to booting. There is a $200 cash fee to remove the boot.

In the case of an emergency that requires the use of a temporary vehicle, send an email to [email protected] to avoid booting.

New parking permit stickers are issued for commuter parkers and 24/7 parkers annually, and are mailed to your home address in December. If you haven’t received your permit sticker by December 31, send an email to [email protected].

Part-Time Commuter Parking Limitations

Adjunct faculty, including part-time lecturers and instructors, approved for part-time parking may park only on the days indicated on their application. To change the days, parkers must submit a request in writing to [email protected] for approval.

24-Hour and Commuter Parkers (Applicable to full-time Columbia faculty and administrators)

24-hour and commuter parkers must pay parking fees via payroll deduction. A refundable parking deposit paid via check payable to Columbia University is also required for 24-hour and commuter parkers.

Adjunct Faculty, Student and Summer Parking

Adjunct faculty and students must pay the semester parking fee in full prior to receiving their permit. Summer parkers must also pay the semester parking fee in full prior to receiving their permit. 

Parking Fees Paid by a University Department

Parkers whose fees are paid by a University department must provide an authorized Departmental Paid Parking Fees Authorization Form. Non-qualified parking paid by a department may be considered to be a taxable benefit under IRS regulations; please see IRS Publication 15-B for more information.

Manhattan Resident Parking Tax Exemption

Parking rates include 18.375% total parking taxes, comprising 4% New York State tax, 8% Borough of Manhattan tax, 6% New York City local tax, and the .375% Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District tax. Parkers who are Manhattan residents may be eligible for an exemption from the 8% Borough of Manhattan parking tax.

• To receive an exemption from the 8% Borough of Manhattan tax, Manhattan residents must complete an application and submit it to the NYC Department of Finance (DOF). Applications (both an online version and a mail-in form) are available from the NYC Department of Finance. Upon approval, a Parking Tax Exemption Certificate will be mailed to you by the Department of Finance. Please send a copy of the Parking Operator's Certificate to the Parking Office by mail, email, or fax.
• As per Department of Finance policy, you must apply for tax exemption renewals. Please note that the certificate has an expiration no later than two years from issuance, dependent on the application date (all certificates expire on August 31). You should receive a reminder notice from DOF, but please note that Columbia Parking cannot apply on your behalf and is required to collect the additional tax if a renewal certificate is not submitted. Please see the Manhattan Resident Parking Tax Exemption Brochure for details. There is no exemption available from the remaining tax.

Manhattan Resident Parking Tax Exemption

Parkers who are Manhattan residents may be eligible for an exemption from the 8% Borough of Manhattan tax.

• To confirm eligibility, Manhattan residents must complete an application and submit it to the NYC Department of Finance (DOF). Manhattan Resident Parking Tax Exemption applications (both an online version and a mail-in form) are available from the NYC Department of Finance. Upon approval, a Parking Tax Exemption Certificate will be mailed to you by the Department of Finance. Please send a copy of the certificate to the Parking Office by mail, email, or fax (see Contact Us page).
• As per Department of Finance policy, you must apply for renewals - you should receive a reminder notice from the DOF, but please note that the Parking Office cannot apply on your behalf and is required to collect the additional tax if a renewal certificate is not submitted to the Parking Office. Please see the Manhattan Resident Parking Tax Exemption Brochure for more details. There is no exemption available for the remaining tax.

Loss of Parking Privileges

Parkers who falsify their applications, allow others to use their stickers or card access, park more than one vehicle in the lot at any one time or use their space for long term vehicle storage will have parking privileges revoked. Parkers whose accounts are 90 days past due are also subject to termination of their parking privileges.

Violations of Rules/Vehicle Booting

The University reserves the right to refuse admittance to the parking facility or place a boot on any vehicle that is not the vehicle of record or is a parker's second car (including carpools) if they have a vehicle of record already parked in the lot. There is a $200 cash fee to remove the boot.

Neither the University nor its contracted garage management firm(s) assume any responsibility for self-parked cars. For vehicles valet-parked, the University assumes no responsibility for removable radios and other equipment and personal items left in the vehicle. All damage claims must be reported to the garage manager or attendant on duty by the parker before exiting the lot. 

The University does not provide insurance for individual vehicle owners and accepts no responsibility for vandalism, theft, malicious mischief, or other damage not caused by University parking attendants.