Sidewalk Access
Purpose
To preserve the safe and pedestrian-friendly nature of the Notre Dame campus, the University maintains a permit system to restrict vehicle operation on sidewalks and pathways. Only specially-permitted vehicles are allowed to use sidewalks to conduct approved University business. The permit system is the key provision of the Pedestrian Safety Procedure (pdf, 325 KB) developed by Notre Dame’s Safety Operations Committee.
Only vehicles possessing a valid sidewalk access permit or exemption may operate on pedestrian sidewalks. Vehicles operating on Campus sidewalks must be conducting University business. Unless permitted by Parking Services, over-the-road vehicles, such as Kubotas are prohibited on sidewalks.
Golf carts are not covered under this policy and do not require a Sidewalk Access Permit. Transportation Services will continue to register golf carts. Only trained operators are allowed to drive golf carts.
Applying for a Sidewalk Access Permit
Parking Services will issue permits on a temporary, annual or ongoing basis. Once issued, the permit must be displayed on the lower right portion (passenger side) of the vehicle’s windshield. NDPD Parking Services enforces sidewalk permit requirements. Sidewalk Access Permits can only be requested by active faculty and staff of the University using the link below.
Please note, for events planned on campus, the hosting department is required to request a sidewalk permit for food trucks, vendors, or non-university entity. It is also the responsibility of the hosting department to first ensure that the event has been approved by Campus Safety and University Operations (CSUO) prior to applying for the sidewalk permit. Please complete this Departmental Outdoor Space Request Form (outdoor-space-request@nd.edu) to request the required approval for your event.