Parking Policies and FAQs

Parking Policies

If you are approved for commuter parking at CUIMC, the following policies apply:

1. Personal Use Only: Parking is limited to the registered parker and the vehicle(s) on file. Subleasing, transferring, or sharing of parking privileges is strictly prohibited.
2. Access Control: Access to CUIMC parking facilities is managed through the Metropolis gate control system using your approved license plate. Access will be denied to unapproved users or vehicles.
3. End of Eligibilty: If your affiliation with Columbia University ends, your parking privileges will also end. You must relinquish your parking space by the final day of that month.
4. Vehicle Registration: Only one vehicle per parker is permitted on-site each day. If you use multiple vehicles, you must indicate this on your application and provide valid vehicle registration(s) in your name or that of a spouse/domestic partner (as recognized by Human Resources).
5. Vehicle Changes: If you change or add a vehicle, update your Metropolis account and confirm the change with valet staff. Non-registered vehicles are subject to immobilization ("booting").
6. Update Your Information: Report any changes in your address or contact details to cumc.parking@cumc.columbia.edu. Parking assignments may be reevaluated after a change in residence.
7. Suspension of Parking: Parking may only be suspended for sabbatical or long-term medical leave. Submit your request via email at least 30 days in advance, including your leave reason and start/end dates. Refunds will not be issued if advance notice is not provided. 
8. Vehicle Safety and Liability: SP Plus, the parking facility operator, provides insurance coverage for damage or theft only if you leave your keys with the parking attendant. SP Plus and Columbia University are not responsible for items left in vehicles. Vehicles parked without valet service (self-parked) are parked at the owner's risk. Report any damage before leaving the lot.
9. Unauthorized Vehicles and Booting Policy: The University may deny access or immobilize vehicles that are not registered, belong to unauthorized users, or if more than one vehicle from the same parker is on-site. There is a $200 cash-only fee to remove a boot.
10. Permit Display Requirement: Vehicles must display a valid parking permit on the reverse side of the rearview mirror or have an active access card. Failure to present either may result in denied entry.
11. Parking Cancellations: To cancel your parking, email cumc.parking@cumc.columbia.edu. Cancellations are processed on the 1st and 15th of each month. Charges remain active until written notice is received.
12. Policy Violations: Misuse of parking privileges, including false information, unauthorized use of your access, bringing multiple vehicles, or long-term vehicle storage, will result in immediate loss of parking privileges.

Frequently Asked Questions