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Parking Permit Accommodation Guidelines

Student parking permits are limited, and parking regulations are strictly enforced. However, students with documented disabilities may submit an application to Student Disability Services (SDS) to request a parking accommodation. Please review the following guidelines to learn about the accommodation process.

Accessible Parking Permits

If you have a valid, state-issued accessible parking license plate, placard, or decal, you are immediately eligible to purchase an accessible parking permit directly from Parking and Transportation.

Access information about acquiring an accessible parking permit.

Requesting a Parking Accommodation

Students who cannot obtain a parking permit through the standard process may request an accommodation if they believe they need to have a personal vehicle due to their disability.

Students are encouraged to complete an application at any time and for any reason if they feel they need to request an accommodation for their circumstances. Each request is reviewed, and accommodations determined, on an individual basis.

Commuter Park and Ride Permit Holders

If you have a mobility disability that makes stairs difficult or impossible, please submit a parking accommodation application to SDS. Currently, parking garage B at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum does not have an elevator.

Common Scenarios

The following scenarios are intended to provide general guidance about parking accommodation requests. These are not strict eligibility criteria, as each case is reviewed based on individual circumstances.

The University of Tennessee partners with Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) to provide free transportation to all UTK students. Students may use the KAT bus trip planner to learn how to get from campus to their destination.

KAT also offers a shuttle service for those who are unable to use regular fixed-route buses due to disability. The LIFT, a door-to-door service, is provided by reservation only, and passengers must be approved by KAT to use the service.

  • A one-way commute time of up to 30 minutes is typically considered reasonable for the Knoxville area.
  • Students are encouraged to request an accommodation if the estimated travel time on the trip planner is significantly longer or their disability limits their ability to use public transportation.


There are several pharmacies accessible via campus and city transportation.

Students may inquire with SDS about an accommodation if these pharmacies do not meet their needs.


Students who are unable to use alternative forms of transportation due to the functional limitations of their disability are encouraged to make an accommodation request to SDS for individual consideration.


Student parking permits do not guarantee close or convenient parking at each class location. They are not designed for class-to-class travel.

    • UTK provides T Bus routes that circulate around campus.
    • Students may be approved to use the T-Access shuttle if qualified.

Please contact SDS if you believe you’re eligible for a T-Access pass.


Students are typically expected to utilize campus transportation options to get around campus. Additionally, students who have received a T-Access pass through SDS may use that shuttle service. However, students are encouraged to request an accommodation if their disability limits their ability to use these campus transportation options.