Parking on Campus: What You Need to Know for 2026/27

What’s New (effective May 1, 2026)

Staff Permits

• Staff permits will now be available only through payroll deduction, except for motorcycle and daily permits.
• If you already use payroll deduction, your permit will automatically renew in May. · If not, visit the online parking portal to select your permit and set up payroll deduction.
• Payroll deduction permits remain active until you request cancellation.

Restricted Overnight Staff Permits (Dec 1 – Mar 31)

• Departmental approval is required before purchase. · Once approved, you may buy an overnight permit through the online parking portal.
• This permit allows closer parking to your building during winter restrictions.
• Without an overnight permit, vehicles must park in P13, P17, P18, or P19.

Daily Permits

• Available to students, staff, and faculty.
• Most daily permits can be purchased in advance, except Red Zone Daily, which is same-day only.
• Quantities are limited and may sell out; choose another option if your first choice is unavailable.

Student Permits

• Fall permits go on sale mid/late July (updates will appear on the website).
  • Graduate students: Black, Red, or Yellow.
  • Commuting students: Red or Yellow.
  • Residence students: Yellow.
• · Permits are available on a first come, first served basis; waitlists may open once zones fill.

U of Guelph Commute App

• Helps you travel more efficiently, save money, and reduce your environmental impact.
• Find carpool matches for daily commuting or longer trips home.
• Plan transit-friendly routes and compare your best travel options.
• Available at no cost to students, staff, and faculty. · Learn more at uofguelphcommute.ca

Parking Maintenance

• Ongoing repairs to roads, parking lots, and sidewalks.

Updated Parking Policies & Regulations

• Revised policies will be published on the Parking Services website.

Parking Rates (May 1, 2026 – April 30, 2027)

How to Purchase a Permit

1. Create a Parking Account
   • Complete the Student or Faculty/Staff Parking Account Request form.
   • Skip this step if you had a 2025–26 permit.
2. Log in to the Online Parking Portal using your central login.
3. Select and purchase your permit.

Payroll Deduction Permits:

• Current payroll deduction permits automatically renew for May 1, 2026.
• To cancel, submit the Permit Cancellation Form before May 1.
   

Non-Payroll Deduction Black Zone permit holders:

• Renewal instructions will be sent in a separate letter.
• To cancel, submit the Permit Cancellation Form before May 1.
• To join the waitlist for a new Black Zone permit, add yourself through your online account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  Do I need to buy a permit in July if I won’t be on campus until September?

• Yes. Permits are limited and sold first come, first served.
• Payment is required at purchase.

Q:  I’m only on campus a few days a week. What permit should I buy?

• Determine how many days you’ll need parking each month, then compare costs.
• Daily permits are limited
• Yellow Zone, P18, P30, P59 and Gordon Hall can be purchased in advance.
• Red Zone Daily permits are released daily at 12:01 a.m.

Q:  What permits can students buy?

• Graduate students: Black, Red, Yellow
• Commuter students: Red, Yellow
• Residence students: Yellow
• Permits availability permitting.
• All student permit types cost the same per month regardless of term length.
• Learn more about student parking permits.

Q:  What permits can faculty and staff buy?

• Black, Blue, Red, or Yellow.
• Permits availability permitting.
• Permits will now be available only through payroll deduction, except for motorcycle and daily permits.
• Learn more about faculty & staff parking permits

 Q:  How do I cancel a payroll deduction permit?

• Submit the Permit Cancellation Form before May 1.

Q:  How do I create a parking account?

• If you have purchased a permit in the past, you should be able to access your parking account using your central login and password.
• Students will automatically have an account set up for them mid/late July.
• New Staff:  complete the online request form. You’ll receive an email once your account is active.

Q:  Will I be able to find parking?

• Historically, more than 100 parking spaces have been available daily throughout the Fall and Winter semesters.
• All parking operates on a first‑come, first‑served basis. If your preferred lot is full, please proceed to the next available lot within the appropriate colour zone.
• If you’re running late or prefer to avoid searching for a spot, we recommend parking in P59 or P30 on the west side of campus.

Q:  I buy permits for my department. What are my options?

• Use the simplified Departmental Event or Guest Permit Form.
• Costs vary by selection.
• For guidance, email questions@parking.uoguelph.ca