Simplified Permit Parking, Mobile Pay Availability to Take Effect in University District on August 9 On Monday, August 9, the new University District Parking Plan takes effect with streamlined permit parking zones, adjusted meter rates and availability of the ParkColumbus mobile payment app in The Ohio State University campus area. Implementation of the plan prioritizes parking for University District residents and provides other parking convenience and management benefits such as virtual permitting and replacing most parking meters on campus side streets with mobile pay-only using the ParkColumbus app. Residents who live in the three UDA, UDB and UDC permit parking zones, consolidated from the previous 15 zones, may view the zone map, apply for permits online and get more information on each zone's details at https://www.columbus.gov/UDPermits/. They may also apply in person at Parking Services, 2700 Impound Lot Road, Columbus, 43207. Other plan features to better manage parking in this densely populated campus area include: - Implementing progressive pricing for on-street parking in zones UDB and UDC between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. The rate is $2 per hour for the first three hours, then it progressively increases by 50 cents every two hours up to 14 hours. This will encourage parking turnover and prioritize access for residents. Metered parking outside of residential permit zones will remain at a fixed rate per hour.
- Adjusting meter time limits to three hours at an hourly rate of $1 to align with Short North and Downtown daytime parking rates. These rates will also be implemented at all mobile pay areas outside of residential permit zones.
- Installing parking kiosks on Neil Avenue to provide cash and credit payment options.
- Offering businesses within permit zones the ability to purchase parking permits for employee use.
Following the plan's launch on August 9, Parking Services will adjust final signage, drop reminder cards on vehicles in the permit zones, and enforce parking safety violations and metered and mobile-pay only locations in the University District. However, students who are moving into the zones before the OSU fall semester starts on August 24 will have time to apply for their permits before enforcement of permit parking begins. If an eligible permit holder has applied for a permit and is awaiting approval but gets a ticket, they may contest it at https://www.columbus.gov/publicservice/parking/Contesting-a-Parking-Ticket/. The University District Parking Plan was developed with extensive engagement and feedback from residents, students, businesses and higher education. The plan is part of Parking Services' comprehensive City of Columbus Strategic Parking Plan to prioritize residential parking and improve access, availability and turnover in urban areas with high demand. Those who are unfamiliar with the ParkColumbus app may learn how to use it at https://www.columbus.gov/publicservice/parking/ParkColumbus-Mobile-Payment-Application/. ### | 
