The management and assignment of parking zones is designed to provide a parking space to each permit holder. However, uncontrolled access to parking areas and unexpected parking demand make it impossible to guarantee a parking space in a permit holder's assigned zone. Every effort is made via surveys and limits on permit sales, to ensure that permit holders are not displaced from their assigned zones. The only exception to this is that the sale of blue permits is not limited.

Staff and students are generally assigned to specific parking areas, referred to as zones. Parking zones are color-coded with respect to their price and numbered with respect to the specific parking zone assignment of each permit holder. Permit holders may park in their assigned zone as reflected by the combination of color and number on their permit and corresponding sign, or they may park in other zones as described below.

(1) Orange permits. Orange permit holders may park in their numerically assigned orange zone, or in any green, yellow, red, or blue zone. These permits may be made available on a daily basis.

(2) Green permits. Green permit holders may park in their numerically assigned green zone, or in any yellow, red, or blue zone. These permits may be made available on a daily basis.

(3) Yellow permits. Yellow permit holders may park in their numerically assigned yellow zone, or in any red or blue zone. These permits may be made available on a daily basis.

(4) Red permits. Red permit holders may park in their numerically assigned red zone or in any blue zone. These permits may be made available on a daily basis.

(5) Crimson permits. Crimson 1 permit holders may park in the crimson 1 zone, or in any gray 1 zone, or blue 1 zone. Crimson 2 permit holders may park in the crimson 2 zone, or in any gray 2 zone, or blue 1 zone. Crimson 3 permit holders may park in the crimson 3 zone, or in any gray 2 zone, or blue 1 zone. Crimson 4 permit holders may park in the crimson 4 zone, or in any gray 1 zone, or blue 1 zone. Crimson permit holders must turn in their crimson permit for a refund or credit toward another permit, if applicable, immediately upon moving out of the residence hall. Only residence hall students are eligible for crimson permits. Residence hall students are eligible for crimson, gray, or blue permits only.

(6) Gray permits. Gray permit holders may park in their numerically assigned gray zone, or in any blue zone. These permits may be made available on a daily basis. Gray permit holders must turn in their gray permit for refund or credit toward another permit, if applicable, immediately upon moving out of a residence hall. Only residence hall students are eligible for gray permits. Residence hall students are eligible for crimson, gray, or blue permits only.

(7) Blue permits. Blue permit holders may park in any blue zone. These permits may be made available on a daily basis.