Parking Citation Appeals

Parking citations are issued for infractions of established college parking regulations. The Appeal Board attempts to make its decision based on the parking regulations of this institution found at the Campus Safety Office or online.

An appeal should be based on the premise that the violation issued was not consistent with the Hope parking regulations, or that special extenuating circumstances exist that should excuse the appellant from compliance with those regulations. Appeals must be submitted in writing within 30 calendar days of the violation date. Appeals that are submitted more than 30 calendar days after the violation date will not be considered.

The Appeal Board has authority to deny an appeal of a violation, partially grant an appeal of a violation, reduce the violation to a warning or grant the appeal. The Parking Citation Appeal Board is the final college ruling regarding parking citations.

The following situations  are typically not accepted as valid extenuating circumstances for parking in violation of Hope’s parking regulations:

Lack of a parking permit

All motor vehicles possessed or used on campus must be registered with Campus Safety as soon as operation of said vehicle begins on campus.

How long you were parked in violation

Officers will issue a citation to any vehicle parked in violation of regulations. An appeal that states that the vehicle was only parked for two minutes, five minutes, etc., is not considered valid. A parking restriction holds for parking for any period of time.

Your need to get to class/work/an appointment on time

It typically requires a few minutes to locate a parking space within the campus' parking system. It is suggested that drivers plan their schedules s0 there is sufficient time to find and park in a legal space and allow for extra walking time. 

Lack of a parking space near your destination

Parking spaces are very competitive, and the campus' parking system doesn't guarantee a space in a specific lot. Drivers must park in a legal space in a lot valid for their permit.

You do not live on campus

A visitor/guest is defined as anyone not currently enrolled in classes or part of the faculty/staff at Hope College. Students and commuters living off campus are not considered visitors to the college and may not park in visitor spaces.

Did not see the sign or line markings

It is the driver's responsibility to note and comply with all posted signage, notices and line markings. When a space does not have a sign, line markings must be followed. Faculty and staff parking spaces are marked with white spaces. Student parking spaces are marked yellow.

Lack of knowledge of the regulations

It is the driver’s responsibility to read and be familiar with the parking regulations. Your opinion that the parking rules are unfair is not a legitimate basis for appeal. 

Someone else was using your vehicle

Loaning a vehicle to another driver does not excuse the owner from violations incurred by the vehicle. 

Vehicle malfunction

Drivers who experience a vehicle malfunction or otherwise disabled vehicle and cannot move their vehicle (for example: out of a lot that prohibits overnight parking) must report their vehicle as disabled to Campus Safety immediately, 24/7. 

Use of four-way hazard flashers

Four-way flashers are designed to warn other motorists that your vehicle may be a hazard. Use of four-way flashers does not allow you to park illegally for any period of time.

You are picking up a permit from Campus Safety and reporting the office is closed

Campus Safety staff is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The lobby doors are locked from midnight to 7 a.m. If you come to Campus Safety to pick up a parking permit during these times, call Campus Safety at 616.395.7770, and a dispatcher will remotely unlock the exterior door. You may purchase a permit, pick up a pre-ordered permit, pay a parking ticket, etc.

If after reviewing the above information, you believe you have not violated the parking regulations and have just cause to file an appeal, you may agree to the terms below and fill out the appeal form.

I hereby certify that I have read the Parking Violation Appeal Process Information presented herein and I believe I am making such an appeal in accordance with these conditions. I understand that providing false information in this appeal could result in further action under the college’s handbook.

I understand the decision of the appeal board is final and binding without further right of review.

I agree 

Failure to agree with the above terms will result in the appeal not being considered.