Parking FAQ
The following list of frequently asked questions is intended to be a resource about parking on and near UW Tacoma. Please direct any questions that are not addressed below to Campus Safety and Security at uwtsafe@uw.edu or 253-692-4416.
Metered Street Parking Overview
What is the metered on-street parking area?
Boundaries for the on-street paid parking zone are S. 7th Street (both sides), Market Street (both sides), S. 21st Street and Dock Street (both sides). A total of 1,500 parking spaces are metered, and parking is limited to two hours during enforcement periods. See the boundary map here.
What is the buffer zone?
The parking buffer zone includes city streets west of Market Street to Tacoma Avenue (uphill from campus). Parking in the buffer zone is still free, but limited in some areas to 90 minutes. Areas in the buffer zone with 90-minute time restrictions are clearly marked with city parking signs. See the boundary map here.
When is paid parking enforced?
Metered and buffer zone parking is enforced between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, except holidays.
What about disability parking?
According to the downtown Tacoma parking webpage, the parking system does not affect disability parking. If you have a valid disability plate or placard, you can park free of charge in metered areas for as long as you want.
Metered Street Parking Hours and Cost
How much does metered on-street parking cost?
Tacoma charges an hourly rate of 75¢ per hour, which is the lowest hourly rate in the Puget Sound area. The minimum purchase is 25¢ for 20 minutes.
How do I pay for metered on-street parking?
Fees are taken at electronic pay stations. These stations take only coins, debit or credit cards — no bills. Once you deposit your fee and indicate your requested time, you will receive a parking receipt to stick on your window that shows how long you can park. Watch a video demonstrating how to use the pay stations.
Is there any free parking on city streets in the evening?
Yes. General street parking is free and unrestricted after 6 p.m.
Does UW Tacoma get any of the revenue from the parking meters?
No. All revenue from the city parking meters goes to cover costs of the parking program. It cannot be used for anything else. The university does not receive any of those funds.
Metered Street Parking Enforcement and Violations
Who enforces the parking meters?
The city of Tacoma enforces parking on all city streets and alleys.
Can I just park my car and then “feed the meter” every two hours?
No. The two-hour time limit is strictly enforced by the city of Tacoma. Vehicles parked for more than two hours in the same space are subject to ticketing.
Can I just move my car every two hours?
That depends. Moving your vehicle between different spots on the same block to avoid time restrictions is considered “chain parking” (see below) and is subject to a $50 fine under Tacoma municipal code. Moving your car across the street or to another block or another street is not considered chain parking.
What is chain parking?
Chain parking is illegal and carries a $50 fine (see Tacoma Municipal Code 11.05.190). Chain parking is defined as moving a car from a metered and/or time-limited parking spot to another spot on the same block face to avoid getting a ticket. Moving your car across the street or to another block or another street is not considered chain parking.
What if I park before 8 a.m.?
If you pay for parking before 8 a.m., your metered “start time” would be 8 a.m. For example, if you parked your car at 7 a.m. and paid for two hours of parking, you would be able to park your car legally until 10 a.m.
What if I leave my car parked after 6 p.m.?
You only need to pay for parking time during the enforcement period. For example, if you plan to park from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., you would only need to pay for the first hour of parking.
How can I appeal a ticket, send comments, or make a complaint about the metered parking program?
Please contact the City of Tacoma to comment on the parking program.
UW Tacoma and Private Off-Street Parking Options
What parking lots does UW Tacoma control?
The university operates only two parking lots — the Cragle lot and the Pinkerton lot. Campus Safety and Security officers enforce parking rules (write tickets) in only those lots. Other lots on campus are operated by Diamond Parking, which sets its own fees and enforces violations. View a map of UW Tacoma parking lots and a list of rates.
The university sells permits for both our own lots and the Diamond lots, to make it easier for people to buy permits. For information on buying quarterly parking permits, please visit the parking permit webpage or Diamond Parking at 253-383-5825.
Are the on-campus parking lots free in the evening?
No. The parking lots on campus have evening rates that are posted at the lots.
I bought a parking pass for the Diamond Lot WT31 (above the Cragle lot), but today the lot was full. What do I do?
That happens occasionally during periods of peak demand (such as the beginning of the academic year), when there are temporary increases in the numbers of hourly/daily parkers. If you have a permit for Diamond Lot WT31 and the lot is full, you may park in the Court 17 garage.
Are there other lots I can use?
Yes. Download a list of private lots close to campus and/or close to the Link light rail.
Additional Information
How can I learn more about UW Tacoma parking resources, rules and enforcement?
If you have specific questions about parking on or around the UW Tacoma campus, please contact Campus Safety and Security at uwtsafe@uw.edu or at 253-692-4416.
