A. Parking Policy
Possession of a Mitchell Hamline School of Law parking permit does not guarantee the permit holder a parking space; it merely guarantees your right to seek, and park in, an available spot in accordance with the following policies.
There are various restrictions on parking on the streets near the law school. These restrictions are designed to ensure that parking is available for the residents of the neighborhood. It is important that all Mitchell Hamline students respect these restrictions because it is a way for the law school to be courteous and respectful of the people with whom we share the neighborhood.
From time to time the City of Saint Paul may post signs restricting parking on neighborhood streets. During the winter, parking is restricted on plow routes. Please be aware of these restrictions and respect them.
MHSL provides parking on its property (“Summit Lot” and “Portland Lot”), and has an agreement to use spaces located across Victoria Avenue in the Summit Avenue Assembly of God Church lot (“AOG Lot”), and an agreement to use the House of Hope Church parking lot located on the corner of Summit and Grotto (the “Grotto Lot”). Collectively, the “MHSL Parking Lots.”
All second, third and fourth year students who desire to park in the Summit, Portland or AOG Lots must apply for a permit (“Campus Parking Permit”). The fee for a permit is $50.00 for the academic year (August 1 through July 31). All first year students may apply for a Grotto Lot parking pass (“Grotto Lot Permit”), which is valid only for the Grotto Lot. Permits for the Grotto lot are free for first year students and other students who do not want to purchase the Campus Parking Permit; however, parking in the Summit, Portland or AOG Lots with the Grotto Permit may result in tagging, towing, or both. The Facilities Department maintains a complete list of the permits issued.
In the northwest corner of the Summit Lot is a designated parking area for motorcycle parking.
Parking in the Portland Lot is restricted to faculty and staff during the day, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. After 5 p.m., students with a valid Campus Parking Permit are permitted to park in the Portland Lot.
The AOG Lot is open for faculty, staff, and students with valid Campus Parking Permits, except on Wednesdays after 5p.m. and on days when the lot is posted for church parking only due to special events (weddings, funerals, etc.). Vehicles with Campus Parking Permits parked in the AOG Lot on Wednesdays after 5 p.m., or when it is posted for church parking only, may be ticketed and/or towed at the vehicle owner’s expense.
Grotto Lot is available for first-year students with Grotto Permits; however, faculty, staff, or students with valid Campus Parking Permits may also park in this lot.
All vehicles parked in one of the MHSL Parking Lots during building hours, Monday through Friday, must prominently display an appropriate parking permit or temporary permit on the rearview mirror or dashboard. Unless a student is going out of town for a school related activity, no overnight parking is allowed in the law school parking lots. Overnight parking must be approved by John Bentfield: john.bentfield@mitchellhamline.edu
Permits may only be sold by the law school and not offered for resale or exchange between, among, or by individuals. Anyone engaging in such activities will have their permits revoked and may be subject to disciplinary action.
Limited reserved parking is identified in the Summit and Portland Lots and may include temporarily reserved spaces for board members, judges and special event speakers. Handicap spaces are designated in each lot. Anyone parking in a reserved space improperly may be subject to ticketing and/or towing.
A vehicle occupying a handicapped space must clearly display a handicapped license plate or a window permit issued by the State of Minnesota. Vehicles not displaying the appropriate handicapped plate or permit or displaying the appropriate signage but not being driven by or used for transporting the person to whom the permit is issued are ticketed by the St. Paul Police Department. Fines can exceed $200 and permit privileges can be revoked for inappropriate use of designated handicapped parking. Minnesota state law requires enforcement of handicapped parking spots on a 24 hours per day, 7-day a week basis, including holidays.
The school issues Campus Parking Permits to all regular part-time and full-time faculty and staff. They are valid for each employee’s term of employment at the school. Based on availability, visitors to the law school are issued temporary guest permits at the security desk. These permits must be prominently displayed on the vehicle dashboard while the vehicle is in the lot. Visitors not displaying their guest permits will be subject to ticketing and/or towing.
During final exam periods, open parking is permitted.
These regulations are subject to change; however, every effort will be made to provide timely notification. Any policy changes, additions, or special instructions will be posted online and on the Video Messaging System.
B. Towing of Vehicles from MHSL Parking Lots
Vehicles parked on any MHSL parking lot may be towed for the following reasons:
- Parking at any yellow curb or other area designated as a no-parking zone;
- Unauthorized parking in any reserved spot; or
- Parking in any MHSL parking lot when the vehicle does not prominently display a valid Campus Parking Permit.
C. Parking Violations
MHSL will issue tickets for all parking violations as follows:
- First offense: warning;
- Second offense: $15.00;
- Third offense: $30.00;
- Fourth offense: $50.00 and the vehicle is subject to booting/towing, and the permit is revoked for the remainder of the fiscal year.
D. Parking Lot Security Tips
- Drive slowly through campus parking lots at a speed of less than 5 mph
- Lock all doors and close all windows. Don’t leave valuable items in plain sight.
- Park in well-lit areas.
- Emergency call boxes are available at several of the outside perimeter entrance doors.
- Report crimes or suspicious individuals to security at 651-290-6330 or 651-227-9171 or by radio at 651-224-8763.
- Report ice or maintenance problems to security at 651-290-6330 or 651-227-9171 or by radio at 651-224-8763.
- Don’t walk alone at night. Call security at 651-290-6330 or 651-227-9171 or by radio at 651-224-8763 for an escort.
