Parking Tickets

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payParkMini.pngPay a Parking Ticket or DROP Tag

The City of Ames has multiple ways to pay parking tickets or DROP tags.

  • ccIcon.png You may pay online with a card through our third party, United Public Safety. PLEASE NOTE: United Public Safety charges a $3.00 service fee per ticket. The fee covers handling and processing charges incurred by United Public Safety. The City of Ames does not receive any portion of the service charge. Please have either your ticket number or license plate number available when making online payments.
  • miniCity.png You may pay in person at City Hall (515 Clark Ave, Ames, IA 50010) with cash, check, money order, or card. Please note, card payments incur a $2.99 fee per transaction, charged by our third party card vendor. Payments in person may be made between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday, excluding City Holidays.
  • miniDroop.png You may place payments in either of our drop boxes. Should you do so, please make sure to include the ticket and payment in an envelope to ensure payments are applied correctly. One drop box is located in downtown, on the west side of Burnett Ave between Sixth and Seventh streets (on the east side of Fareway), on the same median as the USPS mailboxes. The second drop box is located on the 200 block of Welch Ave, in front of City Parking Lot T, and near Pizza Pit.
  • miniMail.png You may also pay by mail. Envelopes may be addressed to our Parking Cashier, 515 Clark Ave, Ames, IA 50010.

PLEASE NOTE: For all violations (with the exception of handicap parking without a permit), a $5 late fee is assessed after 7 days of ticket issuance, and an additional $5 is added after 35 days.

contactParkMini.png Contact Us

If you have questions on making a payment or regarding parking regulations, you may contact us.

  • For questions regarding making a payment, please contact our Parking Cashier by phone or email. The phone number is 515-239-5283. The email address is parking@cityofames.org. Please be aware, the Parking Cashier does not issue tickets, nor is responsible for parking regulations.
  • For parking regulation questions or to appeal a ticket, please contact our Ames Police Parking Enforcement Coordinator, Sheri Nelson. Her phone number is 515-239-5338 and her email address is sheri.nelson@cityofames.org.

 

codeParkMini.png View Parking Regulations and Frequently Asked Questions

You may view the City of Ames parking regulations (City of Ames Municipal Code Chapter 18) and find answers to common questions here. Click any of the tabs below to expand the topic.

City Code Chapter 18

The full text of the City Code, Chapter 18, regarding parking regulations can be found here: Chapter-18-Parking-Regulations.pdf(PDF, 504KB)

 

 

City Wide Violations

There are a number of violations that apply to all streets within the city. Some of these include:

  1. 48 Hour Parking Prohibited
    • It is unlawful for any person to park any vehicle and to permit the same to remain standing continuously and in one place for a period of more than forty-eight hours upon a city street or municipally owned or leased parking lot or upon any other public thoroughfare in the City of Ames.
  2. Parallel Parking
    • Except where angle parking is permitted [in the Municipal Code], every vehicle stopped or parked upon a roadway where there is an adjacent curb, shall be so stopped or parked with the curb side wheels of such vehicle parallel with and within eighteen inches (18") of the curb and not placed closer than four feet (4') end to end from another vehicle.
    • Direction of Vehicle. Every such vehicle shall stop or park with the front end of the vehicle headed in the same direction as vehicles may lawfully travel in the adjacent lane of the roadway.
  3. Angle Parking
    • On streets and parking lots set aside by this chapter for "angle parking" vehicles shall be parked at an angle with the curbline as marked on the street or parking lot surface and the nearest front wheel of such vehicle shall not be more than twelve (12) inches from the curb.
  4. Parking in Front Yards Prohibited
    • The parking of motor vehicles in the front yards of residential structures is prohibited. Any person who parks a motor vehicle in the front yard of a residential structure shall be in violation of this section, provided, however, the aforesaid prohibition shall not apply to the parking of motor vehicles on driveways and parking areas established pursuant to a properly issued building/zoning permit of the City of Ames. As used in this section, front yard means the open space in that portion of a yard between the street and the face of the structure and a line extending from the left side of the lot to the right side of the lot. The line, as viewed from the street, shall extend parallel to the street to the nearest corner of the principal structure and then along the face of the principal structure to the right corner, and from that point on a line parallel to the street to a point on the right lot line. As used in this section, the face of a principal structure shall be any and all portions of the structure fronting on a street. The frontyard shall not include any portion of the city right-of-way. A corner lot shall be deemed to have two front yards
  5. Yellow Painted Curb
    • A yellow painted curb shall designate a "no parking zone".
  6. Additional Circumstances:
    • No person shall stop stand or park a vehicle in any of the following places:
      • on, over or so as to obstruct a sidewalk
      • in front of or as to obstruct a public or private driveway
      • within an intersection
      • along the curb or side of the street within five (5) feet of a fire hydrant
      • within twenty (20) feet or such lesser distance as indicated by a painted curb or a sign, of a crosswalk
      • within ten (10) feet upon the approach to any flashing beacon, stop sign, or traffic control device located at the side of a roadway

Parking Meters

Where is parking metered?

Parking meters can be found for street parking in Downtown, Campustown, and on Campus. Downtown and Campustown meters and parking stalls are maintained by the City of Ames.

Meters on Campus are maintained by Iowa State University. Rates, limits, and tickets are all assessed by Iowa State University for on Campus locations.

How much do meters cost? Is there a limit to how long I can be parked in a meter?

Rates and time limits for meters differ depending on location, and are posted on each individual meter.

When are meters enforced?

  • In downtown, parking meter enforcement is in effect from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Saturday, except on City Holidays.
  • In campustown, parking meter enforcement is in effect from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Saturday, except on City Holidays.

Do I need to pay the meter if I'm disabled?

Yes, while persons with valid disability permits may park in metered spaces during the hours indicated above, without regard to maximum time limitation, this does not exclude persons with disabilities from needing to pay the meters during the prescribed times.

What options do I have to pay the meter?

Meters can be paid by utilizing coins (quarters, dimes, and nickels), by Smart Card, or by credit/debit card.

  • Smart Cards can be obtained at City Hall (515 Clark Ave). They operate in a similar fashion to a reusable gift card. You insert the card into the meter until it displays the time you want to pay for, then take the card out. When you return to your car, place the card back in the meter to have any remaining time refunded to the card.
  • You may pay with a credit or debit card by utilizing the ParkMobile App. You can find out more about the ParkMobile App here: ParkMobile.pdf(PDF, 9MB)

How do I report a faulty meter?

From time to time our meters do run into issues. To report a faulty meter you may either call our Parking Cashier, at 515-239-5283, or by utilizing the Ames on the Go portal or app.

Alternate Side Parking

Parking is prohibited on certain sides of certain streets during specified times as set out in Section 18.31 of the City Code. Most streets affected by alternate side parking regulations are in the vicinity of Iowa State University campus, Campustown, or Downtown.

 

Below is a list of the affected streets (listed alphabetically). Please be aware, this is not an exhaustive list. For an exhaustive list, please refer to the City Code.

 

ARBOR STREET. Parking is prohibited on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the south side, and on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on the north side, from Midnight to 9:00 p.m.

ASH AVENUE. Parking is prohibited on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the west side and on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on the east side from a point one hundred (100) feet south of the south line of Lincoln Way to Country Club Boulevard from midnight to 9:00 p.m.

BAKER STREET. Parking is prohibited on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the south side and on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on the north side from midnight to 9:00 p.m. from Stanton Avenue to Lynn Avenue.

BURNETT AVENUE. Parking is prohibited on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the west side and on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on the east side from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Seventh Street to Thirteenth Street.

CAMPUS AVENUE. Parking is prohibited on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the west side and on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on the east side from Midnight to 9:00 p.m. from Lincoln Way to Oakland Street.

CLARK AVENUE. Parking is prohibited on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the west side and on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on the east side from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Seventh Street to Thirteenth Street.

COUNTRY CLUB BOULEVARD. Parking is prohibited on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the west and/or south side and on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on the east and/or north side from Midnight to 9:00 p.m.

DONALD STREET. Parking is prohibited on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the south side and on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on the north side from midnight to 9:00 p.m. from Stanton Avenue to Ash Avenue.

DOUGLAS AVENUE. Parking is prohibited on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the west side and on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on the east side from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Seventh Street to Tenth Street.

EIGHTH STREET. Parking is prohibited on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the south side and on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on the north side from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Grand Avenue to Duff Avenue.

ELEVENTH STREET. Parking is prohibited alternately, Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the south side and Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on the north side from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Kellogg Avenue to Grand Avenue, and between Duff Avenue and Carroll Avenue.

ELLIS STREET. Parking is prohibited on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the south side and on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on the north side from Midnight to 9:00 p.m. from Hillcrest Avenue westward 566.5 feet.

FOREST GLEN. Parking is prohibited on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the west side and on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on the east side, from Midnight to 9:00 p.m.

GRAEBER STREET. Parking is prohibited on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the south side and on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on the north side from midnight to 9:00 p.m. on the north side from Ash Avenue to Country Club Boulevard.

GRAY AVENUE. Parking is prohibited on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the west side and on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on the east side from Midnight to 9:00 p.m. from Sunset Drive to Greeley Street.

GREELEY STREET. Parking is prohibited on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the south side and on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on the north side.

LITTLE STREET. Parking is prohibited on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the south sides and on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday  and Sunday on the north side from 2:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. from Hayward Avenue to the west end of Little Street.

LYNN AVENUE. Parking is prohibited on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the west side and on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on the east side from midnight to 9:00 p.m. from Knapp Street to the south end of Lynn Avenue.

PEARSON AVENUE. Parking is prohibited on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the westerly side and on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on the easterly side.

SEVENTH STREET. Parking is prohibited on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the south side and on Tuesday and Thursday, on the north side from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Duff Avenue to Grand Avenue.

SOUTH HYLAND AVENUE. Parking is prohibited on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the west side and on Tuesday, Thurs-day, Saturday and Sunday on the east side from Midnight to 9:00 p.m. from Lincoln Way to Arbor Street.

SOUTH SHELDON AVENUE. Parking is prohibited on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on the west side and on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on the east side from 2:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. from Arbor Street to Knapp Street.

STANTON AVENUE. Parking is prohibited on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the west side and on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on the east side from midnight to 9:00 p.m. from Baker Street to the south end of Stanton Avenue.

STORM STREET. Parking is prohibited on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the south side and on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on the north side from midnight to 9:00 p.m. from Stanton Avenue to Ash Avenue.

STORY STREET. Parking is prohibited on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the south side and on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on the north side from Midnight to 9:00 p.m. from Colorado Avenue to Howard Avenue.

SUNSET DRIVE. Parking is prohibited on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the south side and on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on the north side from Midnight to 9:00 p.m. from a point 230 feet east of Ash Avenue to Beach Avenue.

TWELFTH STREET. Parking is prohibited alternately, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the south side and Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on the north side, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., between Duff Avenue and Carroll Avenue and between Kellogg Avenue and Burnett Avenue.

WEST STREET. Parking is prohibited on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the south side and on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on the north side from Midnight to 9:00 p.m. from Franklin Avenue to Woodland Street.

WILMOTH AVENUE. Parking is prohibited on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the west side and on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on the east side from Midnight to 9:00 p.m. from Lincoln Way to West Street.

WOOD STREET. Parking is prohibited on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the south side and on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on the north side from Midnight to 9:00 p.m. from State Avenue to South Hyland Avenue.

Public Parking Lots

The City of Ames has multiple public parking lots, of which you can find information for below. If you are interested in reserving a space in a lot, please contact the City of Ames Public Works Department at 515-239-5160.

Downtown Parking Lots

  • Lot N is located North of City Hall, it includes metered and reserved parking spaces.
  • Lot M is located adjacent to City Hall on the West, it includes a few 30-minute parking spaces, handicap spaces in the Southeast corner, metered spaces in in the Southeast of the lot,Tier 2 electric vehicle charging spaces, and city employee reserved parking.
  • Lot MM is located to the West of City Hall, and directly next to Lot M. All parking in Lot MM is free.
  • Lot P is located on the Northeast corner of 5th St and Kellogg Ave. It features metered spaces and reserved parking spaces.
  • Lot PA is located on the Southwest corner of Gilchrist St and Kellogg Ave, and features a small amount of metered spaces
  • Lot Q is located is located directly North of the Library and features metered spaces, reserved spaces, and Tier 2 electric vehicle charging spaces
  • Lot V is located next to the old railroad depot on Main St, it includes free parking and handicap parking.
  • Lot W is located at the junction of Sherman Ave and Gilchrist St, south of the railroad. It features both reserved and free parking.
  • Lots X, Y, and Z (CBD) are located directly South of Main St. They feature two-hour limit parking, four-hour limit parking, and reserved spaces.

Campustown Parking Lots

  • Ames Intermodal Facility is located on the 200 block of Hayward Ave. It provides a variety of parking options, including reserved spaces.
  • Lot T is located on the 200 block of Welch Ave, South of Pizza Pit. It includes reserved parking, metered parking, and a handicap parking space.
  • Lot X is located on the 100 block of Welch Ave, behind multiple buildings, and with an access drive off Welch Ave. It provides metered parking and a handicap parking space.
  • Lot Y is located on the corner of Chamberlain St and Welch Ave, and includes metered parking spaces.
  • Lot Z is located on Chamberlain St, between Stanton Ave and Lynn Ave. It offers metered parking, reserved parking, handicap parking, and two Tier 2 electric vehicle charging spaces.

Game Day Parking

To combat difficult to navigate roads as a result of an increasing number of vehicles illegally parked during home football games, the Ames City Council approved the Game Day Parking Ordinance, which went into effect during the 2019 football season.

What is the fine for parking illegally in the restricted areas?

This ordinance increases fines for illegal parking from $20 to $40 in designated neighborhoods from 6:00 am to midnight on home football game days.

Where are the penalty zones?

Neighborhoods around Jack Trice Stadium are the ones included in the Game Day Parking ordinance. Signs are posted in these neighborhoods, and a map below has the areas affected highlighted.

Where can I park?

Parking in the affected areas is still allowed, so long as all parking regulations are observed. Legal parking is also available in the game day lots on Iowa State University's campus, as well as in additional campus lots and along certain residential streets, as posted. You may click here to view Iowa State University's parking options.

Football fans are encouraged to walk, take CyRide, park remotely, and carpool as much as possible to reduce congestion near the stadium.

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Snow Routes

During snow storms, the city may put its snow ordinance into effect. This affects parking along most major thoroughfares through Ames, as well as some larger residential streets. Please be on the lookout for announcements from the city for when the snow ordinance begins and ends during any given storm.

 

SNOW ROUTES PROHIBIT PARKING ON PORTIONS OF CERTAIN STREETS DURING SNOW STORMS.
 Failure to observe the snow route will result in a ticket and potentially a tow of your vehicle.

 

Portions or all of the following streets are affected by the snow routes. Please visit the city code, chapter 22, for a full list. All snow routes are marked by red and white signs. Please note, the list below is not exhaustive.

  • Airport Rd
  • Allan Dr
  • Ash Ave
  • Beach Ave
  • Bloomington Rd
  • Buckeye Ave
  • Chestnut St
  • Clark Ave
  • Crystal St
  • Dayton Ave
  • Dickinson Ave
  • Duff Ave
  • Emerald Dr
  • Garden Rd
  • Garnet Ave
  • Grand Ave
  • George Washington Carver Ave
  • Hayes Ave
  • Hayward Ave
  • Hoover Ave
  • Hyland Ave
  • Jewell Dr
  • Ken Maril Rd
  • Knapp St
  • Lincoln Way
  • Mortensen Rd
  • Mortensen Pkwy
  • Ninth St
  • North Dakota Ave
  • North Loop Dr
  • Northwestern Ave
  • Oakwood Rd
  • Ontario St
  • Ridgewood Ave
  • Roy Key Ave
  • Sheldon Ave
  • Sixteenth St
  • Sixth St
  • South Fourth St
  • South Fifth St
  • South Sixteenth St
  • South Third St
  • South Bell Ave
  • South Dayton Ave
  • South Dayton Place
  • South Duff Ave
  • South Dakota Ave
  • South East Fifth St
  • South East Third St
  • South East Sixteenth St
  • Sough Grand Ave
  • Stange Rd
  • State Ave
  • Steinbeck St
  • Storm St
  • Thackeray Dr
  • Thirteenth St
  • Todd Dr
  • Twentieth St
  • Twenty-Fourth Street
  • University Blvd
  • Viola Mae
  • Walnut Ave
  • Welch Ave
  • West St
  • Wheeler Ave
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