FAQ About EVGR Parking Impacts
Construction on the Escondido Village Graduate Residences project is impacting transportation patterns and parking availability on East Campus. Closures will primarily affect 'ES' and 'C' parking permit holders. Impacts are expected through September 2020.
In this FAQ, we will address questions related to the impacts of this project.
Background Information About the Project
What are the parking implications for the Escondido Village Graduate Residences project?
Construction on this project has decreased the number of parking spots available to East Campus residents and commuters. Adequate parking remains for the affected population, but drivers may find parking less convenient and further from their destinations.
In the long term, this project will create two new underground parking structures with a combined 1,300 parking spaces for EV residents and other members of the campus community. [Map of EVGR project with garages]
I read that the plan for this project initially included one garage instead of two. Why was the plan changed?
The plan was revised because there are a number of benefits to having two garages instead of one.
First, the project can now be completed sooner and the parking could be available sooner. The initial design proposed constructing the garage beneath the residences. This would mean the project would have to complete the garage before the residences could be built . It would also mean that the garage could not be used until construction on the residences was complete. With the revised plan, one or both garages could open before construction on the project is complete.
Second, the new approach will enable more surface parking to be reinstated after project completion, as well as allowing for more trees to be replanted. A garage under the complex would have limited the depth that trees could be re-planted. With the new plan, more trees can be planted without that constraint.
Third, the two-garage plan is consistent with existing policy and the approach that has been used elsewhere on campus. The new plan encourages broader campus utilization by placing the garages under common spaces rather than residences.
The new garages look like they are far away from residences. What incentives will be in place for residents in the new buildings to park in the planned garages rather than in the surrounding EV lots?
Both new garages will be located within a three-to-six minute walk of the new EV residences, making them convenient choices. [Walking Times Map] The walking distance is comparable to ‘ES’ parking in surface lots and has the advantage of greater capacity for more consistent availability.
Where can I find more information about this project?
For information on other aspects of the Escondido Village Graduate Residences project, visit the website of Residential & Dining Services for updates related to housing and the website of the Department of Project Management for updates related to construction. You can sign up for regular construction email updates on the Department of Project Management's website.
Parking in EV During Construction
Why does P&TS state that there is sufficient parking within Escondido Village?
P&TS is conducting ongoing parking utilization surveys to ensure that sufficient parking remains available. More remote or distant parking options (e.g., Searsville Lot and Roble Field Garage) were objectionable to residents when proposed earlier.
P&TS plans to have construction materials removed from the Cowell Lot (L-65). Spaces in the lot will be converted from ‘C’/’ES’/’EA’ parking to ‘ES’-only permit parking in conjunction with the start of construction. This will add up to 50 ‘ES’ spaces for EV residents. ['ES'-Permit Parking Options Map, 'C'-Permit Parking Options Map]
I am concerned about parking closures related to construction of the Escondido Village Graduate Residences. What are my parking options?
Parking will continue to be available for ‘ES’ permit holders in Escondido Village during demolition and construction, with phased impacts occurring throughout the project. Residents can expect more crowded lots and more difficulty in finding parking close to their buildings.
Those living in Studio 2, Blackwelder, Quillen, McFarland, Hoskins, and four low-rise units will no longer have access to building-adjacent parking due to their location within the construction zone. Residents of other EV buildings can expect their lots to accommodate a greater number of ‘ES’-permit holders than they have in the past.
P&TS will be relocating trailers currently taking spaces in parking lots and decrease the number of C-permit spaces in EV lots. Both measures will create more parking spaces for EV residents.
Additional alternatives include evening and weekend parking in commuter ('A' and 'C') or Visitor spaces in Maples Lot and the Knight Management Center Garage. ['ES'-Permit Parking Options Map, 'C'-Permit Parking Options Map]
For residents who are able, going car free can be an attractive option for avoiding parking challenges. Learn more about Parking & Transportation Services’ incentive program, the EVGR Car Free Club.
NOTE: Construction schedules can change unexpectedly. P&TS does not control the construction schedule. We will communicate based on the information we have at any given time and work to ease the parking impact as best we can.
What if I can't find parking close enough to my residence within Escondido Village?
Although we anticipate sufficient parking within ‘ES’ permit areas generally, we have identified alternatives for residents. EV residents may park in the Maples Lot, the Wilbur Field Garage, and Knight Management Center garage for overnight and weekend parking.
- Parking in these locations is available Monday through Friday after 4 p.m. until 6 a.m. the next day in 'A' or 'C' spaces and until 8 a.m. in 'Visitor' spaces.
- Parking is also available in these spaces on weekends—after 4 p.m. on Friday until Monday at 6 a.m. ('A' and 'C' spaces) or 8 a.m. ('Visitor' spaces).
Consult the 'ES'-Permit Parking Options Map and the 'C'-Permit Parking Options Map for more information.
Note: Events and games will restrict access to Maples Lot and Knight Management Center Garage periodically. Please follow posted notices to avoid being cited or towed on event days.
Why can’t I park in the empty lot where the gas station used to be?
Determining the use of this area of campus is not in the purview of Parking & Transportation Services. University leadership has identified this area for the installation of a roundabout.
'ES' Parking Permits and Loading Zones
Will households be able to purchase or extend EV parking permits?
Since sufficient parking is expected in ‘ES’ permit areas, EV residents are not subject to restrictions beyond our standard resident student parking permit policies as of June 2017. Those with ‘ES’ permits will continue to have access to parking in all EV parking lots until construction begins. Prior to construction beginning, notices will be sent and posted and will include alternative parking options.
In light of reduced parking availability, can I get a refund for my 'ES' permit?
Residents who purchased long-term ‘ES’ parking permits may return their permits for a prorated refund or stop future automatic payments being processed monthly through P&TS. Retroactive refunds are not available.
EV residents are encouraged to consider not purchasing or renewing their parking permits, especially for those living within or adjacent to construction areas. Learn about the EVGR Car Free Club, which rewards "car free" residents of Escondido Village, Mirrielees, and Rains in a variety of ways.
Could P&TS create reserved spaces for family parking and loading zones?
Ten loading zones have been established in Escondido Village to make it convenient for residents, including those with young children, to unload items from their vehicles. [See loading zones map]
While EV residents have the option of honoring parking for families on a voluntary basis, family parking is not being enforced.
Getting Around Without a Car
I've heard about an incentives program called the EVGR Car Free Club. How does it work?
Eligible residents can apply to become members of the EVGR Car Free Club to receive incentives, such as Zipcar membership and credits, transit passes, online delivery services credits, and reimbursements for ridehailing services including Lyft and Uber. Check your eligibility and sign up in August 2017.
What if I have concerns about safety if I need to walk further from parking to my residence?
Please review the list of personal safety tips drafted by the Stanford Department of Public Safety. For non-emergencies, contact the Department of Public Safety at 650.329.2413. In the case of an emergency, dial 911.
During the school year, Students United for Risk Elimination (5-SURE) provides escorts to and from a variety of campus locations. Their service can be reached by calling 5-SURE: (650) 725-SURE or (650) 725-7873. Please refer to their website for details, including hours of operation for their service.
I need access to a car, but I am concerned about the inconvenience and costs of parking. What are my alternatives?
Residents are encouraged to utilize alternative transportation resources, including the Enterprise Rent-A-Car branch on campus, Stanford’s free Marguerite shuttle service, and the many resources offered to Stanford cyclists.
Stanford places a priority on helping students get around without driving and to reduce their need to have cars on campus in general. You may be interested in Stanford’s sustainable transportation resources. If you need assistance exploring your options for living car free, please feel free to contact us at commuteclub@stanford.edu. We would be glad to help.
How is P&TS handling EV resident parking concerns?
P&TS takes seriously the comments, concerns, and suggestions raised by East Campus residents and commuters. We are addressing concerns whenever possible, and we welcome your input. Please contact us at parkingoperations@stanford.edu if you have questions, concerns, or suggestions.