Parking Tips from the City of Iowa City

Here are some parking tips from the city of Iowa City found at the city website. What say you, experienced Iowa Citians? Do you have any other parking tips for newcomers? Let us know in the comments below.

The start of the fall semester is nearly here and with it brings an influx of new residents to Iowa City. Parking in and around downtown Iowa City is always in high demand, so we have listed several commonly occurring parking violations that newcomers to Iowa City may be unfamiliar with.

1. Overtime (Meter Feeding)

The maximum time posted on the meter is the maximum time allowed by Code for the customer to use the parking space. This rule applies even if the customer has deposited funds before the time limit is reached. This is done to promote turnover of parking spaces. Since citations in metered zones can be issued once every hour, customers with longer-term parking needs are encouraged to utilize one of the five parking ramps located in downtown Iowa City.

2. Parking 10 Feet from a Stop Sign

It is a violation of City code to park a vehicle within 10 feet in approach of a stop sign. This is done in order to ensure adequate visibility of oncoming traffic in the intersection. 

3. Commercial Zones

There are two types of loading zones: Public and Commercial. A private vehicle, without proper signage, will be ticketed for parking in a Commercial loading zone. Commercial vehicles will need correct signage displayed on the vehicle in order to park in a Commercial loading zone. For a vehicle to park in a commercial zone, it will need the following:

a. The vehicle shall display signs of at least 72 square inches on both the left and right sides of the vehicle.

b. The signs shall identify the name of the commercial entity in letters at least two inches (2") in height and clearly legible from a distance of ten feet (10').

c. Vehicles so marked may park in Commercial loading zones for a maximum of 30 minutes.

d. The operator of the vehicle parked in the Commercial loading zone must be actively loading or unloading commercial property during the 30 minute time limit.

For the locations of loading zones and all other Parking related questions, please contact the Transportation Services Department at 356-5151 or visit us online at www.icgov.org.