Policy

Any person cited for a violation of any portion of the Traffic and Parking Ordinance for which a civil penalty is imposed may appeal the citation and /or towing or “booting” to UNC-Chapel Hill Transportation and Parking. Appeals must be submitted in writing on the appropriate appeals form or include the necessary information to consider the appeal and render a fair decision. Appeals can be submitted in person, email, U.S. Mail,  or through the Transportation and Parking website Online Services within 10 calendar days of its issuance. If the Hearing Officer denies the appeal, the appellant may submit a second appeal, in writing, to the Parking Appeals Committee within 10 calendar days of the date of the Hearing Officer’s decision.

First or second appeals submitted after 10 calendar days are considered a “No Action” meaning the appeal did not meet the time requirement and all appeal rights are forfeited.

Citation Appeal

An appeal should be submitted to Transportation and Parking providing information and documentation to support the appellant’s request for consideration of a citation issued for a violation of campus parking rules and regulations. Appeals must be submitted in written form and include all relevant information related to the circumstances of the appeal. It is important to provide any documentation, including pictures, to support the appeal.

Online

Complete the Online Appeal Form and decision will be mailed to the email address listed on the appeal. Normally, a response is sent within one to two days of the appeal unless extensive research is required.

In Person

Complete the Parking Violation Appeal Form and submit to the Appeals Officer at the service desk in the Public Safety Building. In most cases, the Appeals Office renders an immediate decision. Occasionally, the appeals staff may need time to gather additional information to make a fair and appropriate decision.

Email / U.S. Mail

To submit an appeal in writing by email or U.S. Mail, the following information is required:

1. Name, address, phone number of appellant
2. Citation and plate number (include state)
3. Reason for appeal (include supporting documentation)

Email Address: parking@unc.edu

Mailing Address:

Transportation and Parking
285 Manning Drive
Campus Box 1610
Chapel Hill, NC 27599

Parking Appeals Committee

A second appeal may be submitted for consideration by the Parking Appeals Committee, if the Transportation and Parking’s Hearing Officer issues an unfavorable disposition for the original appeal. The appellant may submit a second appeal, in writing, utilizing the Reappeals Form to the Parking Appeals Committee within 10 calendar days of the date of the Hearing Officer’s decision. The Appellate Procedures outline the process for second appeal hearings. Any additional documentation to support the appeal should be provided allowing the Committee access to all relevant information to consider in the review process. All reappeals are submitted through Transportation and Parking and processed in the system for submittal to the Committee. It may take up to a month to receive a notice of the Committee’s decision. Reappeals may be submitted:

In Person

Complete the Parking Violation Appeal Form and submit to the Appeals Officer at the service desk in the Public Safety Building.

Email / U.S. Mail

To submit an appeal in writing by email or U.S. Mail, the following information is required:

1. Name, address, phone number of appellant
2. Citation and plate number (include state)
3. Reason for appeal (include supporting documentation)

Email Address: parking@unc.edu

Mailing Address:

Transportation and Parking
285 Manning Drive
Campus Box 1610
Chapel Hill, NC 27599

Appeal Status Definitions

• “NO ACTION” means that the appeal did not meet the appeal period requirement (10 days), and all appeal rights have been forfeited (including right to re-appeal to the Appeals Committee).
• “WARNING” means that the citation and fine have been waived in accordance with the Appeals Guidelines.
• “DENIED” means that the citation has been upheld in accordance with the Appeals Guidelines, and payment is due within ten days of the date of the appeals decision.
• “REDUCED” means that the appellant has a valid permit for the zone, but the permit was not properly displayed at the time of the citation issuance, or that the person has multiple violations and the citation has been reduced for financial consideration. Payment is due within ten days of the date of the appeals decision.
• “VOID” means that a citation was issued, but the fine was dismissed due to an error. This action will remain on record but will not count against an appellant’s violation history.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time do I have to appeal?

You have ten (10) calendar days from the date of the citation to appeal.

Can I appeal if I’ve had a citation “Warned” in the past?

Each appeal is reviewed individually based on the facts and circumstances presented. However, an existing history of parking violations is a consideration in the review process.

What if my appeal is denied or reduced?

You have two options: You may either appeal the decision to the Traffic and Parking Appeals Committee within ten (10) calendar days of the decision date, or you may pay the fine/late fees. Remember that a No Action forfeits any further appeal actions, including re-appeals.

Will I be billed while I await a decision?

No. The appeal will be entered into the computer system and the billing process will be halted until a decision is made. If you have submitted an appeal and receive a billing notice for the citation, please contact Transportation and Parking at 919-962-3951 so billing errors can be corrected.

When and how will I be notified about the decision?

In-person appeals are normally decided at the time of the appeal unless additional research is needed to render a decision. Online appeals are generally responded to within a 24-hour period. Appeals sent through U.S. will receive a response through the mail within two (2) weeks.

What if I don’t pay an outstanding citation amount?

A student will have a hold placed with the University Registrar that will not be released until the outstanding fine and late fee are paid to Transportation and Parking. A University or Hospital employee will have the fine and late fee payroll deducted from their paycheck. A non-affiliate will have the late fee and fine forwarded to a collection agency.

What if I have other questions?

Please call 919-962-3951 or email parking@unc.edu.