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Parking at the University of South Carolina's Pendleton Street Garage

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What the Pendleton Street Garage offers

The Pendleton Street Garage is a multi-level parking structure operated by the University of South Carolina, located on the downtown Columbia campus near the historic Horseshoe. It serves students, faculty, staff, and visitors who need short-term or long-term parking while on campus. The garage is one of several parking options available through USC's parking system, and it operates under the university's permit and payment structure.

The garage provides covered parking, which protects vehicles from weather and sun exposure. It is accessible from Pendleton Street and connects to nearby academic buildings and campus facilities. Parking rates, permit requirements, and access rules are managed through USC's Department of Parking and Transportation Services.

Key Takeaways

  • Pendleton Street Garage is a covered, multi-level structure on USC's downtown campus near the Horseshoe.
  • Parking requires either a valid USC permit or payment through the university's visitor parking system.
  • Rates and permit types vary depending on whether you are a student, employee, or visitor.
  • The garage is managed by USC's Department of Parking and Transportation Services, which handles all permit sales and enforcement.
  • Accessibility features and specific garage hours are available through USC's parking website or by contacting the department directly.

Permit types and who needs one

USC students, faculty, and staff must obtain a parking permit to use the Pendleton Street Garage. The type of permit you need depends on your status at the university. Students typically purchase permits through their student account or in person at the parking office. Faculty and staff permits are often bundled with employment or can be purchased separately.

Visitors and temporary parkers do not need a permit. Instead, they can pay for parking at the garage entrance or through USC's parking payment system. Rates for visitor parking are posted at the garage and may vary by time of day or day of the week.

How to pay and where to get a permit

Permits are sold through USC's Department of Parking and Transportation Services, located on campus. You can also purchase or renew permits online through the university's parking portal if you have a USC login. Payment methods typically include credit card, debit card, and direct billing to your student or employee account.

Visitor parking payment can be made at pay stations located at the garage entrance or through a mobile app linked to your vehicle's license plate. Some visitors may also pay attendants directly, depending on the garage's current staffing and payment setup.

Accessibility and vehicle restrictions

The Pendleton Street Garage accommodates vehicles of standard size. Oversized vehicles, trailers, and commercial trucks may not be permitted or may require special authorization from USC's parking department. Accessible parking spaces for people with disabilities are available throughout the garage and require a valid disability parking permit.

If you have a disability and need accessible parking, contact USC's Department of Parking and Transportation Services to request a permit. You will need to provide documentation of your disability status and register your vehicle. Accessible spaces are reserved and monitored to ensure they remain available for those who need them.

Rules and enforcement

All vehicles parked in the Pendleton Street Garage must display a valid permit or have an active paid parking session. Vehicles without proper authorization are subject to citation and towing. Permits must be displayed according to USC's specifications, typically on the dashboard or windshield.

Parking violations are enforced by USC's parking enforcement staff. Fines for violations vary depending on the infraction and may include citations for expired permits, improper display, or unauthorized parking. Repeat violations can result in higher fines or suspension of parking privileges.

Hours and access

The Pendleton Street Garage is typically open during standard campus hours, though access may extend beyond regular business hours for students and employees with valid permits. Specific hours of operation, including any seasonal changes or holiday closures, are posted on USC's parking website and at the garage entrance.

Access to the garage is controlled by permit readers at entry and exit points. If you have questions about specific hours or need after-hours access, contact USC's Department of Parking and Transportation Services directly. They can provide current information and may be able to arrange special access if needed.

Alternatives to Pendleton Street Garage

USC operates several other parking facilities on and near the downtown campus, including additional garages, surface lots, and reserved spaces. Depending on your needs and location, other options may offer different rates, convenience, or availability. The university's parking website provides a map of all parking facilities and their current availability.

If the Pendleton Street Garage is full or does not meet your needs, you can check real-time availability at other USC lots or contact the parking department for recommendations. Some visitors also use street parking in surrounding neighborhoods, though those spaces are subject to city of Columbia regulations and time limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the Pendleton Street Garage has open spaces?

USC's parking website and mobile app show real-time availability for many campus parking facilities, including the Pendleton Street Garage. You can also drive to the garage and look for available spaces, or call the Department of Parking and Transportation Services for current information.

Can I park overnight in the Pendleton Street Garage?

Overnight parking policies depend on your permit type and university status. Students with residential permits may have different rules than visitors or commuters. Contact USC's parking department to confirm whether your permit allows overnight parking.

What should I do if I get a parking citation at the garage?

Citations include instructions for payment and appeal procedures. You can pay online through USC's parking portal or in person at the parking office. If you believe the citation was issued in error, you can request a hearing to contest it.

Is the Pendleton Street Garage safe?

The garage is on USC's main campus and is monitored by university security and parking enforcement. Like any public parking facility, it is wise to be aware of your surroundings and take standard safety precautions. USC's Department of Public Safety can provide additional information about security measures.

Can I reserve a specific space in the Pendleton Street Garage?

Reserved spaces are typically available only for specific permit types, such as accessible parking or premium permits. Standard permits do not include reserved spaces. Contact USC's parking department to learn whether reserved parking is available for your permit type.