Chapter 504-13 WAC

Pursuant to the authority granted by RCW 28B.30.125, 28B.30.150, 28B.10.560, and chapter 34.05 RCW, the board of regents of the university adopts this chapter to govern parking and traffic at Washington State University Tri-Cities, hereinafter referred to as WSUTC.

(1) The purposes of these regulations are to:

(a) Expedite university business and provide maximum safety, order, and access;

(b) Regulate parking, with priority given to:

(i) Services of the university;

(ii) Persons who require the use of vehicles in connection with their on-campus work; and

(iii) Staff and students who require the use of private vehicles because of a disability or other approved reason.

(c) Provide and maintain suitable campus parking and traffic facilities.

(2) The vice chancellor or designee whose responsibilities include supervision of the parking department shall have the authority to designate particular locations as parking, temporary parking, restricted parking, or prohibited parking, as well as the authority to designate permanent and temporary areas as being closed to vehicular traffic.

It is the responsibility of all individuals parking on the campus to read and fully understand these regulations. Lack of knowledge of these regulations is not acceptable as grounds for dismissal of parking tickets.

The following laws and regulations apply upon lands owned and/or controlled by WSUTC:

(1) The motor vehicle and other traffic laws of the state of Washington (Revised Code of Washington); and

(2) This chapter.

The president of the university delegates to the WSUTC campus chancellor the authority to suspend, modify, or repeal any or all provisions in this chapter for an authorized WSU special event or in the event of an emergency, disaster, or other like contingency. Such action shall be limited in duration and scope to meet the institutional needs of WSUTC and/or address the dangers of the contingency.

If any provision of this chapter, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the chapter or its application to other persons or circumstances is unaffected.

The definitions in this section are applicable within the context of this chapter.

(1) Campus. Describes all property owned, leased, and/or controlled by WSUTC which is or may hereafter be dedicated mainly to the educational, research, recreational, parking, or other activities of WSUTC.

(2) Day. Unless otherwise specified, the term "day" refers to a calendar day.

(3) Disability authorization. A state-issued disability instrument, e.g., placard, license plate, tab. Disability authorization includes the state-issued registration documentation issued to the person utilizing the authorization.

(4) Disability zone. A parking zone designated for exclusive use by individuals with disability and identified with a sign bearing the associated international symbol.

(5) Fire zone. An area needed for emergency access to buildings, fire hydrants, or fire equipment. Such areas include, but are not limited to, areas with adjacent curbs or rails painted red.

(6) Holiday. See university holiday.

(7) Impound. To take and hold a vehicle in legal custody by towing.

(8) Loading zone. A loading dock or an area signed "loading zone" adjacent to a facility or in a parking area. Such an area is intended for loading and unloading bulky or voluminous material. Loading zones are restricted at all times unless signed otherwise.

(9) Micromobility device. Bicycles, skateboards, scooters, roller skates/blades, and all other human-powered, motorized, or electrically assisted rolling conveyances.

(10) Moped. As defined under RCW 46.04.304.

(11) Motorcycle. As defined under RCW 46.04.336.

(12) Motor vehicle. All motor-driven conveyances except wheelchairs. Also referred to as "vehicle" in this chapter.

(13) No parking zone. Any area not specifically marked and/or signed for parking. Such areas include, but are not limited to, areas with adjacent curbs or rails painted yellow or red.

(14) Officer. Any parking official employed by the university who is designated by the parking administrator to issue parking tickets or to cause vehicles to be towed under this chapter.

(15) Owner. The person registered with any state as the present owner of a vehicle in the most current registration record available to the university, the owner's expressed representative, or any transferee not designated in such records, provided that the parking administrator or police department head has received actual written notice of the transfer.

(16) Park/parking. This refers to the placement or standing of a vehicle, with or without a driver in attendance, and with or without the engine running.

(17) Parking administrator. The manager in charge of the parking department or designee.

(18) Parking appeals committee. Any person or persons appointed to consider parking violations and the application of fees, fines, and sanctions. Said person or persons are appointed by the vice chancellor whose responsibilities include supervision of the parking department or designee.

(19) Parking department. The university department which is charged with the responsibility of managing and enforcing the parking regulations and coordinating commute trip reduction efforts for the WSUTC campus.

(20) Parking payment device. A machine that requires payment and vends a parking permit and/or a paid receipt. Parking payment devices may be located in various places on campus.

(21) Parking permit. A vinyl, plastic, paper, or other instrument sanctioned by the parking department that is displayed from a vehicle and authorizes parking in specified areas. Some parking permits may be purchased online and may be virtual in nature and identified by other means such as by license plate. Also referred to as "permit" in this chapter.

(22) Parking ticket. The first notice of a parking violation which is usually placed in a visible location on a motor vehicle.

(23) Pay parking facility. A location where parking is provided and payment is made on-site via a parking payment device, cashier, application, website, or other means.

(24) Pedestrian mall. A space that is designed primarily for pedestrian use, but with limited authorized use of motor vehicle and other motorized and nonmotorized conveyances.

(25) Individuals with disability. For the purposes of this chapter, individuals with disability refer to an individual or individuals with disability or disabilities who qualify for a state-issued individual with disabilities parking identification and authorization.

(26) Service vehicle. A vehicle used to provide a service for WSUTC or a tenant or contractor of WSUTC (e.g., a university-owned vehicle or a privately owned vehicle with a valid service vehicle authorization displayed).

(27) Service zone. Parking spaces or area designated for the use of service vehicles, other government-owned vehicles, and vehicles displaying a service indicator or commercial permit. Authorized vehicles may park in these zones for a maximum of 15 minutes, except for vehicles that display a service indicator issued for an extended time. Service zones are restricted at all times unless signed otherwise.

(28) Staff. For the purposes of these regulations, "staff" includes all nonstudent employees of the university, and the nonstudent employees of other entities located on or regularly doing business on campus. Teaching assistants, research assistants, and other students employed by the university or other entities located on or regularly doing business on campus are not "staff." They are considered as students for the purpose of these rules.

(29) Standing. "Standing" is the stopping of a vehicle with the driver remaining in it.

(30) Student. The term "student" includes all persons who are not staff, who are taking courses at the university, enrolled full-time or part-time, pursuing undergraduate, graduate, professional studies, or auditing one or more classes.

(31) Summer session. The summer session includes all summer sessions beginning on the first day of the earliest session and ending on the last day of the latest session.

(32) University. Refers to Washington State University Tri-Cities.

(33) University holiday. A day regarded by the university as an official university holiday.

(34) Unpaid. A full or partial outstanding balance due. This definition includes parking tickets which are pending appeal.

(35) Vacation. A period of time when classes or final exams are not in session. Except for holidays that fall within this period, the business offices of WSUTC typically are open during this time.

(36) Visitors. Persons who are not staff or students and who only visit the campus on an occasional basis.

(37) WSUTC. Refers to Washington State University Tri-Cities.

WSUTC campus safety and security is charged with the impartial enforcement of these regulations. Personnel in these departments have authority to issue parking tickets, to impound vehicles, and to control access to areas.

Parking regulations are subject to enforcement at all times.

(1) Restricted spaces. These spaces are restricted for their designated purpose at all times unless signed otherwise:

(a) Disability zones;

(b) Load/unload;

(c) Service;

(d) Reserved; and

(e) Areas which are specially signed or physically set apart by barricades, traffic cones, tape, or other devices.

(2) Pay parking facilities. Some parking areas provide parking on an hourly basis. Hours of operation and restrictions are posted at the facility entrance. Both the hours of operation and schedule of fees are available at the point of payment. Vehicles that are parked over the duration of time that was paid and for nonpayment are subject to parking tickets.

(1) Parking on campus is permitted only in the marked and/or signed spaces in parking areas and on streets. All other areas outside these designated areas are "no parking zones." Each parking area has signs or markings to indicate the type of parking permit or parking payment required and the times they are required.

(2) Individual parking spaces are marked, and no vehicle may be parked so as to occupy any portion of more than one parking space. The fact that other vehicles were parked in a manner requiring a vehicle to occupy a portion of more than one space shall not constitute an excuse for a violation of this regulation.

(3) Standing (the stopping of a vehicle with the driver remaining in it) is permitted in marked parking spaces, except restricted spaces, even though the vehicle does not have a valid parking permit. Double parking while "standing" is not permitted.

(4) Should there be a conflict between these regulations, map designation, and on-site signs regarding parking instructions, the on-site sign takes precedence.

(5) Permit areas and restricted spaces are not always signed individually.

(1) The general traffic regulations applicable to motor vehicles apply to motorcycles and mopeds. Motorcycles or mopeds may not be driven on sidewalks or in pedestrian mall areas. Owners of motorcycles and mopeds are responsible for all violations issued.

(2) The university classifies mopeds and motorcycles by engine displacement (also referred to as engine size). This definition applies only to university property and does not replace or supersede the definitions established by the state of Washington for licensing purposes.

(3) Motorcycles and mopeds: Motorcycles and mopeds may park only in spaces which are marked by signs or the letter "M" painted on the parking surface. During all other times, these spaces are restricted to use by motorcycles and mopeds only.

Owners of vehicles are held ultimately financially responsible for parking tickets issued to their vehicles.

WSUTC reserves the right to close any campus parking area at any time it is deemed necessary for maintenance, safety, events, construction, or to meet special needs. WSUTC public safety will provide notice to users when possible.

Public safety and maintenance personnel performing official duties may deviate from these regulations as required to conduct emergency procedures.

The university assumes no responsibility for the care and protection of any vehicle or its contents at any time the vehicle is on university property.

(1) The storage of vehicles, including motorcycles and mopeds, is prohibited on campus unless otherwise authorized by the parking department.

(2) No person may use any vehicle parked on campus as a living unit without specific approval from the parking department. Violators may be cited and the vehicle impounded.

(3) Vehicles are to be maintained in operating condition at all times on university property, except those in an automotive shop designated by the parking department for parking such vehicles. Vehicle repairs or maintenance is prohibited on campus unless authorized in advance by the parking department.

(4) A vehicle which appears to be abandoned, with or without a current parking permit or license plates, may be cited and impounded after an attempt is made to locate and notify the owner of the impending action.

Parking permits are available from campus safety and security for use in loading and service areas. Permits will be issued only to those who have university business which requires accessing these areas and shall be issued for a limited duration, including the expiration date on the permit.

No person shall obtain, attempt to obtain, or use in a manner contrary to these regulations, a modified parking permit or a permit issued upon false information. A violation of this section includes giving a false name, address, identification number, and/or other information known to be false. It also includes the use of a commercial permit by staff or students. Violation of this provision shall constitute the illegal use of a parking permit and is subject to the issuance of parking tickets.

Parking permits are the property of WSUTC and may be recalled by the parking administrator when:

(1) The purpose for which the permit was issued changes or no longer exists;

(2) A parking permit application is falsified; or

(3) A counterfeit, modified, or lost/stolen permit is used.

Parking permits must be displayed from the rear-view mirror post or in the lower corner of the windshield with permit numbers and relevant dates visible. Vehicles with permits which are not displayed in accordance with the provisions of this section are subject to impound. Service and contractor permits are issued only for motor vehicles, not for motorcycles and mopeds.

(1) Service permits. Service permits may be issued to:

(a) Personnel who are working on a construction site on campus. These permits are assigned to a specific parking area;

(b) Vendors, suppliers, and service representatives of outside companies performing a service for the university; and

(c) University employees performing duties which require vehicle access to loading and/or service areas.

(2) Carpool. Upon application, a bona fide carpool as defined by the campus policies and procedures is given preference in the assignment of parking zones, and issued a permit that facilitates the carpool. Obtaining or using a carpool permit under false pretenses constitutes the illegal use of a permit.

(1) The provisions of this chapter cover the purchase and display of parking permits and the payment of fees and fines associated with parking for individuals with disability.

(2) For the purpose of this chapter, individuals with disability shall refer to an individual or individuals with disability who qualify for a state-issued individuals with disability parking identification and permit.

(3) Unless otherwise authorized, parking in spaces designated for individuals with disability requires a valid university individual with disability parking permit to park on campus.

(4) Persons with an individuals with disability parking permit may park in an individuals with disability parking space and any other nonrestricted permit space.

(5) Individuals with an individuals with disability parking permit may not park in restricted spaces, with the exception of individuals with disability parking spaces.

(6) Unless otherwise posted, individuals with disability parking permits are not valid in lieu of payment of regular posted fees in pay parking facilities.

(7) A state-issued persons with disability license plate, placard, or permit is valid in lieu of a university persons with disability parking permit in parking zones during times when a university permit is not required.

(8) The university intends to retain control of access to the pedestrian malls on campus. For that reason a university persons with disability parking permit is required in lieu of a state-issued persons with disability license plate, placard, or permit as authorization to use a pedestrian mall to access marked persons with disability parking spaces within the confines of a pedestrian mall.

(1) Schedules for parking fees, parking administrative fees, late payment fees, parking fines and sanctions, parking meter rates, prorate and refund schedules, and the effective date thereof are submitted to the president or his/her designee and to the board of regents for approval by motion, provided however, that increases in fees and fines do not exceed limits established by the board of regents. Increases in fees and fines that do not exceed limits established by the board of regents are not submitted to the board of regents so long as the board of regents has delegated authority to the president or his designee to approve all such fees and fines. The schedules described above for all parking fees and fines are thereafter posted in the public area of the parking department office and posted on the parking department's website.

(2) Payments. Parking fees and fines may be paid at the parking department by cash, check, approved payment card, or money order. A payroll deduction plan is available for eligible university employees and eligible graduate students.

(3) The proper fee must be paid for all vehicles parked in hourly or daily fee spaces unless otherwise authorized.

(1) Purpose. The university can enter into reciprocal parking agreements with other universities and Washington State University campuses for the purpose of enhancing the accessibility to various campuses for staff and students participating in various courses and programs.

(2) The university faculty, staff, and students assigned to, enrolled at, or who pay fees to the WSUTC campus or employees of other entities located on the WSUTC campus must display a valid university parking permit when parking at the university. Any attempt by the above personnel to use a parking permit from another university campus in lieu of a valid university WSUTC campus permit may result in a fine for illegal use of a parking permit.

(1) Violations and fines. Parking violations are processed by the university. Fines must be paid at the parking department or at other authorized locations. Schedules for parking violations, fines, and sanctions are posted in the public area of the parking services office and on the parking department's website.

(2) Reduction of fines.

(a) Fines for violations of overtime/nonpayment at meter and overtime in time zone paid within 24 hours of issuance are reduced by one-half. Eligible violations received on Friday or Saturday can be paid on the following Monday to satisfy the 24-hour requirement. Mailed payment must be postmarked within 24 hours to receive the one-half reduction.

(b) Visitors. The first violation of notices for "no parking permit" and "no parking permit for this area" issued to a visitor is considered a warning notice upon presentation to the parking department.

(c) If a permit holder of record neglects to display his or her permit and receives a notice of violation for "no parking permit," a reduced fine is assessed when possession of a valid parking permit for the location is verified by the parking department within 24 hours.

(d) Internal policies regarding disposition of parking tickets may be established on approval of the vice chancellor or designee whose responsibilities include supervision of the parking department under the advisement of the university's internal auditor.

(3) Inoperable vehicles. It is the owner's responsibility to immediately contact the parking department in the event that the owner's vehicle becomes inoperable when the vehicle is present on campus.

(4) Payment of parking fines. All parking fines are due upon issuance of a parking ticket. Thirty days after date of issuance of a parking ticket, a late fee shall be added to all unpaid parking fines. For example, a parking ticket issued on May 1st would be assessed a late fee on May 31st. Failure to pay the fine and fee assessed for any violation results in referral to the university controller's office for collection. The controller (or designee) may, if other collection efforts fail, withhold the amount of the outstanding fines and fees from deposits or other funds held for any student in order to secure payment.

When collection efforts are unsuccessful, the controller (or designee) may notify the registrar to refrain from issuing student transcripts or to withhold permission to reenroll for a subsequent term until outstanding fines and fees are paid. The procedures discussed above are not exclusive, however, and failure by anyone to pay fines and fees may also lead to towing. Nor are the procedures discussed above a precondition to towing.

(5) Failure to pay fines. Failure to pay a fine or comply with other penalties assessed pursuant to these regulations, and exhausting or failing to exercise appeals provided for in these regulations, may result in the inability to renew a vehicle license through the state pursuant to RCW 46.16.216.

The parking ticket represents a determination that a parking violation has been committed and the determination is final unless otherwise provided for or appealed as provided in this chapter.

(1) Purpose. The parking appeals process serves the following functions:

(a) To hear parking ticket appeals; and

(b) To hear appeals of impoundments.

(2) Procedure. Any person who has received a parking ticket may appeal the alleged parking violation.

(3) Written parking ticket appeals. The appeal must be in writing and received at the parking department within 10 calendar days of issuance of the parking ticket. Forms for this purpose are available from the parking department. The parking appeals committee makes an initial decision regarding the appeal within 20 calendar days during the academic year and 30 calendar days during the summer months after receipt of the appeal. The committee provides a brief statement of the reason for its decision to the appellant within 10 calendar days of the decision.

(4) Review hearing of initial decision. If the appellant is dissatisfied with the initial decision, he or she may request a hearing before a hearing officer or the parking appeals committee. Such a request must be made within 10 calendar days of the date of the initial parking appeals committee decision. If no such request is received, the initial decision shall be final. During the hearing the appellant and representatives of the parking department may present and cross-examine witnesses. The hearing officer or appeals committee shall render a decision in writing and provide the appellant with the decision within 10 calendar days after the hearing.

(5) Appeal to district court. RCW 28B.10.560 provides that a person who is not satisfied with the final decision of the university may appeal to district court. The application for appeal to district court shall be in writing and must be filed at the parking department within 10 calendar days after the date of the review hearing. The parking department forwards the documents relating to the appeal to the district court.

(1) Pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, an officer shall cause a vehicle to be towed if the vehicle displays a lost, stolen, or counterfeit parking permit.

(2) Any vehicle may be towed away at owner's/operator's expense if the vehicle:

(a) Is illegally parked in a marked tow-away zone;

(b) Is a hazard or obstruction to vehicular or pedestrian traffic (including, but not limited to, vehicles parked at curbs or rails painted yellow or red or in crosswalks);

(c) Is illegally parked in a disability space;

(d) Is parked in an area designated to be used for emergencies, maintenance, events, or construction; or

(e) Is otherwise illegally parked based on the executive authority of the parking department.

(3) The process for towing of vehicles under any other circumstances to include those not described in this section will be in accordance with chapter 46.55 RCW.

(4) The driver and/or owner of a towed vehicle shall pay towing and storage expenses.

(5) The university assumes no responsibility in the event of damages resulting from towing.

(6) A person wishing to challenge the validity of any fines or fees imposed under this chapter may appeal such fines or fees as provided in WAC 504-13-860. However, in order to secure release of the vehicle, such person must pay the amount of such fines or fees as a bond which shall be refunded to the extent the appeal is successful.

Driving on campus roads and streets is permitted at any time, unless otherwise posted or restricted by signs and/or by these regulations. The maximum speed limit unless otherwise posted is twenty-five miles per hour.

In certain designated areas on campus, such as the pedestrian mall in the campus core, driving is restricted to mall service vehicles.

(1) The riding and use of micromobility devices is restricted as defined in this section. Exemption: Wheelchairs, "knee walkers," and other mobility aids used because of a disability or injury are exempt from subsections (2) and (4) of this section.

(2) Use of micromobility devices is prohibited in all interior building spaces and stairways, on all steps, ledges, benches, planting areas, and other fixtures, and in any other posted area.

(3) Micromobility devices may be ridden and used on sidewalks outside the prohibited areas when a bike path is not provided, subject to the restrictions described in subsection (9) of this section.

(4) When operated in high-traffic or congested pedestrian areas, including building plazas, pedestrian malls, and sidewalks, motorized or electric-assisted micromobility devices must:

(a) Respond to automatic controls as described in subsection (9) of this section; or

(b) Be operated only using human propulsion.

(5) Operators must move at a safe speed and yield to pedestrians at all times. Reckless or negligent operation of micromobility devices on any part of campus is prohibited.

(6) Operators must obey all applicable traffic laws when operating micromobility devices on roadways.

(7) Bicycles and scooters may be secured only at bicycle racks and storage facilities designed for such purpose.

(8) Abandoned and inoperable micromobility devices. Internal policies regarding abandoned and inoperable micromobility devices, including the impoundment of micromobility devices, may be established upon approval by the campus chancellor or designee whose responsibilities include supervision of the campus security department.

(9) The campus may implement automatic controls on the operation of certain micromobility devices based on any or all of the following:

(a) Location of the device;

(b) Time of day; and

(c) Weather conditions.

Controls may include speed restriction, shutoff of motorized assist, or complete shutoff of the device.

(10) If there is a conflict between these regulations and on-site signage, the on-site signage takes precedence.

(1) When traffic control signals are in place at intersections, pedestrians shall be subject to them.

(2) When traffic control signals are not in place or not in operation at pedestrian crossings, a vehicle must yield the right of way, by slowing down or stopping, when the pedestrian in the crossing is upon the same half of the roadway as the vehicle, or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.

(3) No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.

(4) Pedestrians who are between adjacent intersections at which traffic control signals are in operation must not cross at any place except in a marked crosswalk.