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Campus Parking and Vehicle Policy

2026-2027 Academic Year

I. Overview Statement

Montreat College vehicle regulations are intended to help provide a safe and orderly campus for everyone. All students, employees, guests, contractors and college community members should familiarize themselves with the following regulations and abide by them at all times.

The roads and parking areas on campus are used for pedestrian and vehicular traffic; all vehicles shall be operated at a maximum of 20 mph on or adjacent to college property, while respecting designated signs for slower speeds or, when necessary for safety, yielding to pedestrians.

Parking is limited on campus and, consequently, additional rules and regulations are required to ensure operations continue with as little disruption as possible. Parking permits are issued on a school-year basis and must be displayed when parking on any college campus or college-leased property. Parking is a privilege on college property, not a right. Seatbelts must be worn at all times by all occupants of moving vehicles. Vehicles that do not adhere to these parking policies are subject to removal and temporary or permanent banning. Students who do not comply with the school’s vehicle policies and motor vehicle law are subject to fines, school discipline, and police involvement. 

Unlawful, unsafe, or disruptive actions such as reckless driving, driving while impaired, speeding, hanging over or standing in moving truck beds, hanging out of moving vehicles, spinning tires, violations of traffic laws, and parking in fire lanes may result in revocation of vehicle privileges. Loud music, horns, and/or yelling from vehicles is prohibited by the school and local ordinances. Montreat College’s Campus Police and Safety department, as well as the Town of Montreat Police Department, patrol the parking areas and motorways. Illegal and unsafe motor vehicle driver behaviors can be prosecuted.

From 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, students and employees may park only in designated lots. After 5:30 p.m., parking in campus lots is open except for areas designated for student housing, for official college vehicles, reserved spaces, designated fire lanes, designated handicapped parking spaces, and all areas restricted from any parking at any time.

Montreat College vehicle regulations also comply with all traffic laws in effect in the Town of Montreat and the State of North Carolina. Montreat College police officers are authorized to issue state summonses for violations of both criminal and traffic laws. Any state summons issued will result in a court appearance in the Buncombe County District Court.

II. Liability Statement

Please be aware that the college does not assume responsibility for vehicles or their contents while parked on or adjacent to campus. Vehicles parked on Montreat College campus property are at their own risk. All vehicle operators should lock or otherwise secure their vehicles when parked on campus.

The issuance of parking privileges and the charging of fees for parking in no way imply that the College assumes liability for the care or protection of vehicles parked on Montreat College property. Any damage to a vehicle parked in Montreat College lots is the responsibility of the owner or, if known, the person who caused the damage. For any questions about parking rules and regulations, contact the Student Life office at 828-419-2031.

III. Registration Process, Regulations & Fees

All members of the Montreat College community (employees, residential students and commuters) must complete the Vehicle Registration Form, whether or not they have a vehicle. Those who do not have a vehicle to register must declare so on the form and acknowledge their understanding of all college parking policies. Those who will be parking or driving on campus or parking at any college-leased property for any length of time must register their vehicle online, pay the general student fee, and receive a parking sticker. Failure to properly register a vehicle and/or adhere to the parking policy may result in fines, fees, or tickets. The student may also be subject to additional disciplinary action based on the college’s student conduct policy.

A valid Montreat College-issued parking sticker must be clearly displayed at all times on the lower-left side of the vehicle’s rear window, as it appears in the college’s records. The parking sticker is valid for the academic year only.

For the 2026-2027 academic year, the general student fee covers student parking and shuttle privileges. The general student fee is processed administratively at the beginning of each semester and added to the student’s account, as are all student fees outlined in the Academic Catalog. If a student graduates or withdraws in December, he or she will not be billed for the spring semester. 

Employees are not charged a registration fee, and the employee parking sticker has no expiration as long as one remains employed with the college. The issuance of parking privileges does not guarantee a parking space on campus, and a lack of space is not a valid excuse for parking in violation of regulations.

Registration Process

  1. All students and employees must complete the electronic Vehicle Policy Acknowledgment Form, indicating that they understand the college’s current parking regulations and guidelines, before being issued a parking sticker. Failure to register a vehicle will result in a fine (see fines section).
  2. Forms for students or staff can be completed at the Montreat College Parking Permits form. The link location can be found under the MyMontreat or Campus Safety section of the college website. This form must be completed in full before a sticker will be provided. 
  3. Once the form is completed, the Student Life Office will provide a parking sticker for the vehicle, which must be placed immediately on the lower left side of the rear window. In most cases, parking stickers for incoming or returning students are provided at registration (in August or January). Outside the normal registration times, it is the student’s and/or employee’s responsibility to visit Student Life to obtain the sticker. All students must pick up his/her parking sticker within 5 business days from the first day of classes each semester. 

Registration Regulations

  1. All employees must complete vehicle registration and will be subject to the unregistered vehicle fine until completed. Employees can be issued up to two stickers, but only one car can be on campus at a time (exceptions may include special events such as music events, athletic events, or the employee Christmas party). Employee parking privileges do not extend to students.
  2. Parking permits (stickers) must be displayed on the lower-left side of the vehicle’s rear window (not the bumper, front window, or side windows) so the sticker is clearly visible without impeding driver safety. The permit must be firmly affixed to the vehicle. Placement in any other location is a violation and may result in a fine for failing to display the permit properly. Note: If the registered vehicle is a soft-top convertible with a small collapsible window, security may, on a case-by-case basis, allow the decal to be affixed to a different location at the direction of Campus Police.
  3. Motorcycles and scooters are also vehicles and must be registered. The sticker must be affixed to the front fork or front portion of the scooter. At no time should motorcycles or scooters be parked on sidewalks, grass or other landscape. Any questions should be referred to Campus Police.
  4. Failure to have a permit on a registered vehicle will result in a fine. If your parking permit is lost or stolen, a new one can be issued by the Student Life Office. Parking Permits are valid for one academic year (i.e. 24-25; note: employee permits are valid indefinitely for the employee and subject to any future changes in parking policy. Employees will be notified of substantive changes).
  5. College students can only have one vehicle registered at a time. One vehicle/student also applies to motorcycles and scooters.
  6. Permits are non-transferable. Permits may not be shared from car to car. If a new vehicle is obtained or a decal is lost or defaced, a new decal must be obtained. A $25 replacement fee will be charged to issue a new sticker. Decals must at all times correspond to the license plate and the vehicle for which they were issued. If a student or employee changes cars or license plates, it is his/her responsibility to notify Student Life of the updated information. New license numbers must be reported immediately to Student Life. Improper transfer of an issued decal, attempted removal of another vehicle’s decal, or tampering with temporary permits will result in disciplinary action, which may include loss of campus vehicle privileges and/or fines.
  7. Remember, ALL vehicles MUST be registered. 

Parking Pass System

All students and employees are expected to park in the designated areas according to the color system as outlined in the Parking Map.

Gold Pass: Montreat campus in designated parking areas

Silver Pass: Day pass is for commuter students in designated locations on Montreat campus from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. — NO OVERNIGHT PARKING 

Blue Pass: Blue parking passholders are expected to park at the Black Mountain Campus Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and should not park “inside the Gate” within the Town of Montreat city limits. Failure to comply will result in follow-up with the Dean of Students or a representative in Student Life. 

Green Pass: employees

Parking Pass Prioritization

Parking pass priority is given to students based on 1) date of entry, and 2) earned college credit hours. 

Note: Silver Pass – If a silver commuter pass holder has a school-sponsored overnight trip, the silver pass holder may park in the Belk parking lot. If ticketed, the student may appeal. Freshmen who are living in Honors Lodges are eligible for a Gold pass. 

With limited parking on the Montreat campus, new students (first-time freshmen and transfers in August) will be eligible for the blue parking pass. Freshman student status is defined by 29 or fewer earned college credits. Should additional gold spaces become available, the Student Life office will maintain a waitlist, with priority given to transfer students. The college provides a shuttle service for students to reach Black Mountain and the Black Mountain campus to access his/her vehicle in the designated “Blue” parking areas.  

Remember, ALL vehicles MUST be registered.

IV. Handicapped Parking

Handicapped parking is enforced and requires a state handicap parking permit. Parking in a designated handicapped parking spot without the proper permit displayed may result in an automatic fine. Handicapped parking violations cannot be appealed.

Students with temporary physical limitations may request a short-term parking pass from the Student Life office by email at studentlife@montreat.edu.

V. Visitor Parking

Visitors should have a visitor tag clearly displayed on their vehicle. Visitor day passes are available from Student Life, the President’s Office, or Advancement. Visitor Day passes must be placed on the rear-view mirror by the guest.

VI. Parking Areas

Please refer to the college map for designated parking lots. Alternative Housing (i.e., Webbwood, Anderson House, and Lookout Lodge) residents must register their car. Montreat College students and their guests must abide by all parking policies, including parking only in spaces designated specifically for their use.

  1. No student vehicles are allowed in Faculty/Staff-marked spaces or lots between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. After 5 p.m. and until 7 a.m., students may use Faculty/Staff marked spaces. Conversely, employees are expected not to park in designated student parking areas between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. After 7 a.m., all student vehicles must be removed from Faculty/Staff reserved parking, or the vehicle is subject to a violation. Residence Director parking spaces and designated maintenance parking spaces are reserved 24 hours per day.
  2. All blue parking passholders must move their vehicles to a designated blue area at the Black Mountain campus by Sunday at 10 p.m.
  3. Fire lanes are marked by a sign or red paint on the curb or asphalt. Only fire or other emergency vehicles may park in fire lanes. Parking in a fire lane will result in a $150 citation and towing of the vehicle (note: this $150 fine does not include towing expenses).

Special Event Parking

On occasion, the college will host events that may bring many visitors to campus. Special Event parking procedures will be in place to ensure that visitors, students and employees have parking on or near campus. There may be instances where the shuttle service will assist students and/or employees with getting to campus from remote locations in Montreat or Black Mountain.

VII. Breaks and Holidays

Students and employees needing to leave a vehicle on campus during an official college break or holiday may do so upon being granted permission in advance by the Campus Police department, with basic vehicle information and contact information.

VIII. Campus Regulations, Violations, Fines, Booting, and Towing

Campus regulations:

  1. Drivers of all vehicles must obey campus speed limits on posted signs.
  2. Drivers of all vehicles must yield the right of way to pedestrians.
  3. Driving and/or parking on sidewalks is prohibited.
  4. Parking on the grass for any reason is prohibited.
  5. All vehicles must be registered.
  6. The registered owner of a vehicle is responsible for how and where it is parked or driven on campus, even when the vehicle is loaned to another.
  7. Parking stickers must be clearly visible, with the number facing outward, in the car’s left rear window. Scooters/motorcycles should display their sticker affixed to the front fork or front portion of the scooter.
  8. All vehicles must have a valid license plate.
  9. Students must comply when asked to move a vehicle for a campus-wide event, road repair, construction or any other reason deemed necessary by Campus Police.
  10. Second or subsequent violations for failure to register will result in the student’s loss of parking permit privileges unless all backlog fines are paid in full. If a vehicle is parked on campus after being rejected, it is subject to immediate towing.
  11. When it is discovered that a student has attempted to circumvent the vehicle registration requirement, the violation of student conduct rules is subject to college disciplinary procedures.

Fines Applicable to Students and Employees

  1. $150: Unregistered vehicle/no parking permit
  2. $100: Determine ownership of unregistered car  
  3. $100: Car registered, but no sticker on the car
  4. $150: Parking in a designated Visitor Parking spot
  5. $150 and possible tow: No parking zone (fire lane, non-designated space)
  6. $150: Handicap zone
  7. $150 and tow if not moved: Blocking traffic
  8. $100: Parking in a reserved parking spot
  9. $100: Failure to notify the college of a change in cars and/or license plate
  10. $25: Replacement of lost or damaged sticker
  11. $200: Altering of permit. This violates student conduct rules and is subject to college disciplinary procedures.

Parking citations issued to students will be charged directly to their accounts.

Additional citation expenses will be added as needed by the Parking Task Force.

Towing Policy

The college reserves the right to tow any vehicle in violation of the current parking policy/regulations. The college also reserves the right to tow any vehicle that poses a threat to safety or the environment, or that creates a nuisance noise. Charges incurred for storage and/or towing will be at the vehicle owner’s expense. The authority to tow vehicles resides with the Campus Police Department and the Dean of Students. In instances where a vehicle is violating college or town parking policy on a public road or area, the Town of Montreat Police, in conjunction with Campus Police, also has the authority to tow the vehicle.

When a registered vehicle receives (3) citations and an unregistered vehicle receives (3) citations during the academic year, the vehicle can be booted, banned, or towed off campus. The vehicle owner will be responsible for any towing costs, storage costs, etc., and these costs cannot be appealed. The student may also be subject to additional disciplinary action based on the college’s student conduct policy.

1. Vehicles that are double-parked, blocking doors or dumpsters or parked in traffic lanes may be towed at the owner’s expense.

2. Unregistered vehicles can be booted. Cars that have been booted may be released by the Campus Police after payment of a fee and proper vehicle registration (if permitted). 

3. Vehicles belonging to chronic violators of parking regulations (3 or more violations) may be towed or booted at any time, at the owner’s expense, and campus parking privileges may be revoked.

VIII. Appeals Procedure

The Student Life Office will support and manage the appeals process.

1. An email notice will be sent to each registered address when a ticket is issued, notifying them of the violation, location, procedure to pay for the ticket online and informal appeals procedure.

Students can appeal their ticket by following the link at the bottom of the email or the ticket. 

2. All appeals must be made within 10 business days of receipt/ 14 calendar days. Any appeal past that point will not be heard.

3. Appeals may be made directly from the website listed in the email. 

4. Appeals will be reviewed by a committee of your peers and Montreat staff. 

5. There are monthly Parking Committee meetings. Appeals are discussed in that meeting for the current month. Once that month is over, the appeals are locked, and the appeal will not be heard. Notice of your appeal status will be sent within 72 hours of the decision.

IX. Refunds

Consistent with the stated Academic Catalog’s refund/repayment policy, fees are nonrefundable once classes begin. If you have any questions about parking policy rules and regulations, please contact the Student Life office at 828.419.2031.