Parking Services

Southwestern College is excited to announce our transition from physical parking permits to virtual parking permits beginning Summer 2022.

Spring 2025 permits are now available for purchase at the SWC Permit Store  

How do virtual permits work?

Essentially, your vehicle’s license plate will act as your parking permit. Individuals will register their vehicle information into the new iParq online parking permit system. iParq’s permit software then generates a virtual permit linked to that vehicle's license plate number. You will no longer receive or need a physical permit to park at any SWC campus. 

Officers will use a handheld device to scan and capture the license plate number. It is then referenced against the secure parking database to verify that the individual has a valid permit. Please note, when your license plate is scanned, officers do not see any personal information other than the individual’s SWC permit history.  

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The Spring 2025 parking permit grace period is February 3 through February 16, 2025, in WHITE-LINED SPACES ONLY. All vehicles that park on any SWC campus for the Spring semester must have a valid virtual permit registered to their vehicle by Monday, February 17, 2025.  Virtual permits can be obtained at the SWC Permit Store.  

STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES: Once you're in the permit store (SWC Permit Store), click on the MySWC Login box in the upper right-hand corner and login using your SWC login username and password. 

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Purchasing a parking permit is as easy as logging in, buying a permit, adding vehicles, and paying! See below for step-by-step instructions.

Note: If you are a current employee and have also enrolled as a student in the past, your MySWC account may still recognize you as a student. In this case, please submit a ServiceNow request to IT to get your account switched.

1. Go to SWC Permit Store
   
   Step 1 - Log in
2. Sign in to your account. Afterwards, your name should display in the upper right hand corner, replacing the “MySWC Login”
   For visitors, you must create an account by clicking on the blue text under “Do you need visitor permits?”
   For employees/students, click on “MySWC Login”
   
   Step 2 - Buy Virtual Permit
3. Click on the button titled “<Click Here>” under the “Buy Virtual Permit” header
   Click on “Add Item” for the permit you would like to purchase
   Review the page to make sure you chose the correct permit, the pricing is accurate, and the quantity is right. Afterwards, click “Continue”
   
   Initially Adding Vehicles
4. Click the Vehicle dropdown menu and then select “Add New Vehicle.” Enter vehicle information accurately. 
   If you make an error entering your vehicle information, you may click “Add New Vehicle” to re-enter the correct information
5. Click “Add” and then select the vehicle you just entered under the dropdown menu.
6. You may enter and save as many vehicles’ information as you want to create an inventory. However, only two vehicles can be associated with your permit and only one can be on campus at a time.
   To add your second vehicle, click “Add Another Vehicle” and use the dropdown to enter new information or choose one that has already been entered
   When your two vehicles are chosen, click “Continue”
   
   Pay
7. Delivery Options
   For employees, make sure information is accurate before clicking “Continue”
   For students/visitors/FC Members, enter a payment method
8. Please review your order.
   After reviewing the Terms and Conditions, click “I Agree” to finalize your order
9. You can check your email to ensure your permit was purchased. You will receive two emails confirming your permit purchase and permit activation. Please note that the emails, or at least one of them, might be in your Junk folder instead of your Inbox.

Adding New Vehicles to Your Permit

1. Log in to your account at the SWC Permit Store.
2. Click “Account” in the upper right corner. 
3. Click “Manage Vehicles,” then click on the license plate with the blue circle icon under “Vehicle” to view current vehicle associations.
4. Here, you can manage your inventory through deleting vehicles and adding vehicles.

To add, remove, or switch vehicles associated with your permit

1. Go to SWC Permit Store.
2. Log in to MySWC Login in the upper right-hand corner using your SWC login and password. 
3. Click “Accounts" on the top right corner. 
4. Click "View Permits". 
5. Click the blue edit icon next to "Vehicles". Your current vehicles associated with your permit will be displayed in that box.
   1. To add a vehicle associated with your permit: Select a vehicle from your dropdown box, then click the green plus sign "Add Vehicle" box.
   2. To remove a vehicle associated with your permit:  Click "Remove" next to the vehicle. This does not delete the vehicle from your account. It will simply keep it from being associated with your permit.
   3. To switch a vehicle associated with your permit: If two vehicles are already associated with your permit, you must remove one to switch to another from your inventory list. Follow the steps above to remove a vehicle, then select another vehicle to add. 

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PARKING PERMITS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL VEHICLES THAT PARK ON DISTRICT PROPERTY AT ALL TIMES.

Permits can be purchased at SWC Permit Store

Please note a student parking permit does not guarantee the permit holder a parking space. Please arrive early to avoid campus traffic and to find a parking space. 

ALL STUDENT PERMITS ARE VALID IN WHITE-LINED SPACES ONLY

1-Day permit	$3.00	Valid until 11pm for the date of purchase  (No refunds)
Monthly permit	$10.00	Valid for 30 days from the date of purchase  (Refund available within 5 days or purchase)
Fall semester permit	$40.00	Valid August 25 - December 14, 2025  (Refund avail. within first 2 weeks of start of semester)
Spring semester permit	$40.00	Valid January 6 - May 30, 2025  (Refund avail. within first 2 weeks of start of semester)
Summer semester permit	$22.00	Valid June 9 - August 7, 2025  (Refund avail. within first 2 weeks of start of semester)
Motorcycle permit	$20.00	Valid in motorcycle spaces only  (Refund avail. within first 2 weeks of start of semester)
CCPG Recipient	$20.00	For approved CA College Promise Grant recipients only (formerly BOG Fee Waiver--No refunds)

PARKING & PERMIT FAQS WHERE CAN STUDENTS PARK?  Students can park in any white-lined parking space throughout campus. Parking stalls are color coded to designate where students, employees, and visitors can park. Please be mindful of where you are parking to avoid citations: It is prohibited to park in non-designated areas such as pathways, driveways, crosshatched areas, along roadways, or along parking lot curb lines, even if it’s just for a moment. Please see parking Policies & Regulations tab for full details. Also, if you are a student or SWC employee taking a class at the Fitness Club, or that has a gym membership there, this does not qualify you to park in orange-lined Fitness Club Member parking spaces. Students must park in white-lined student/visitor spaces and employees must park in yellow-lined employee spaces only.  Orange-lined spaces are solely reserved for Community Fitness Club Members who have paid for this permit separately. Fitness Club monthly parking permits are not sold to students or employees. IS THERE A GRACE PERIOD?  There is a grace period the first two weeks of the start of each regular semester.  Please check the Grace Period tab above for exact dates. IF I RECEIVE A CITATION, CAN I APPEAL IT?  Yes. You have 21 days from the date you are cited to appeal a citation.  After 21 days, the citation must be paid.  A dismissal of your citation is never guaranteed.  Please see the "To Appeal Citations" tab below for details.

AVOID CITATIONS Please familiarize yourself with the District's parking policies and regulations before coming on campus.  Please see Parking Policies & Regulations tab for details. Also, the majority of parking violations can be avoided by following these tips:   PERMITS REQUIRED:   With the exception of the above-mentioned grace period, parking permits are required to park at any SWC campus at all times.  DESIGNATED PARKING SPACES:   Parking stalls are color coded to designate where students, employees, and visitors can park. Please be mindful of where you are parking to avoid citations: LOT J ORANGE-LINED COMMUNITY FITNESS CENTER PARKING SPACES:   If you are a student or SWC employee taking a class at the Fitness Club, or that has a gym membership there, this does not qualify you to park in orange-lined Fitness Club Member parking spaces. Students must park in white-lined student/visitor spaces and employees must park in yellow-lined employee spaces only.  Orange-lined spaces are solely reserved for Community Fitness Club Members who have paid for this permit separately. Fitness Club monthly parking permits are not sold to students or employees.  NON DESIGNATED AREAS:   It is prohibited to park in non-designated areas such as pathways, driveways, crosshatched areas, along roadways, or along parking lot curb lines. See parking Policies & Regulations for full details. RESIDENTIAL RESTRICTED PARKING:   The City of Chula Vista has established a residential parking district in the College Estates neighborhood across the street from SWC. City-issued residential parking permits are required to park along the streets in that area. Others will be cited. No exceptions. This is a city ordinance effective 8/22/16. To view the map of restricted streets, please go to City of Chula Vista Southwestern College Estates Residential Permit Parking District page for more information or go to Final Proposed District Boundary and Restricted Streets to view the College Estates boundary map. College parking is restricted within that boundary. Violators may be cited by SWC College Police or CVPD. OTHER RESTRICTED PARKING AREAS NEARBY:   College parking is also prohibited in the nearby Bonita Point Plaza, Otay Lakes Plaza, and College Plaza shopping centers. Violators may be towed.

PERMIT TROUBLESHOOTING ISSUE: When I’m in the SWC Permit Store website, it’s not giving me the option to purchase a student permit.  TRY:  Once in SWC Permit Store, click on the MySWC Login button at the top right-hand corner and log in with your SWC username and password. If you log in through Visitor Login and create an account, the system won’t recognize you as a student and will not provide you with the option to purchase a student semester permit.  ISSUE: I’m a newly registered student and the SWC permit store is not letting me log in when I click on MySWC Login.   TRY:  If you are newly registered, please allow 48 hours before requesting your permit online to allow I.T. time to transfer your information into the iParq system. ISSUE: The parking website is only allowing me to associate one vehicle to my permit, but I have two vehicles that I interchange often.   TRY: iParq allows you to enter as many vehicles in the system as you like, however, only ONE vehicle can be associated to your permit and only one can be on campus at a time. Whichever vehicle you bring on campus, you must log back in to your SWC iParq account and make sure you associate that vehicle with your permit, otherwise you will risk getting a citation. Please click here to view instructions on how to associate a vehicle to your permit.

 

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PARKING PERMITS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL VEHICLES THAT PARK ON DISTRICT PROPERTY AT ALL TIMES.

Vinyl sticker permits are no longer valid beginning Summer 2022. 

How do I obtain an employee permit?

Once you are Governing Board approved, it will take approximately 48-72 hours for your information to be entered into our parking permit system. SWC Employees are allowed to have 2 vehicles per SWC Employee Virtual Parking Permit. Employees are not allowed to hold two permits simultaneously, as doing so will cause iParq to invalidate both permits. If you'd like to change/switch vehicles, please contact the Campus Police Parking Services. To accommodate this timeframe, and of course, to allow you time to settle into your department, new employees are offered a parking grace period for 10-BUSINESS DAYS.  (For a printable version of this information, please Employee Virtual Parking Permit.)

IMPORTANT: Before your 10-business day grace period is over, please log in to the SWC Permit Store to request your employee permit. 

If, by chance, you receive a citation within this 10-business day grace period, please email Parking Services at swcparking@swccd.edu and provide them with your full name, employee ID#, and your citation or plate number. Parking Services will confirm your status with H.R. and void the citation. 

Where can employees park?

Parking stalls are color coded to designate where students, employees, and visitors can park. Full Time Contract Employees, Adjuncts and Faculty may park in any yellow-lined staff spaces throughout campus. Employees are permitted to park in white-lined student spaces if there are no yellow-lined spaces available. Hourlies may park in any white-lined space throughout campus. Employee permits are also valid at all SWC Higher Ed. Centers. 

It is prohibited to park in non-designated areas such as pathways, driveways, crosshatched areas, along roadways, or along curb lines. Please see our Parking Policies and Regulations information tab at swccd.edu/parking for more information. 

Also, if you are a student or SWC employee taking a class at the Fitness Club, or that has a gym membership there, this does not qualify you to park in orange-lined Fitness Club Member parking spaces. Students must park in white-lined student/visitor spaces and employees must park in yellow-lined employee spaces only.  Orange-lined spaces are solely reserved for Community Fitness Club Members who have paid for this permit separately. Fitness Club monthly parking permits are not sold to students or employees. 

What if I receive a citation?

Please do not contact the Chief of Police, a Sergeant, or a College Police employee to void your citation.  This takes away from more pressing responsibilities that require their attention on campus. If you do not understand why you received your citation, please contact Parking Services at (619) 216-6611.  They will let you know the reason for the citation and provide you with options to either pay the citation, or appeal it.  The appeal process is located in the "To Appeal Citations" tab below. The appeal process is designed to provide a fair and objective review of the citation and any associated penalties. This process is the same for students, visitors, and employees.  It is important to follow the appropriate procedures and guidelines to ensure that your appeal is properly considered and evaluated.

What if I visit another San Diego community college, is my virtual permit valid there? 

SWC has a reciprocal parking permit agreement with the following San Diego community colleges and SDICCCA colleges. We accept their staff permits, and they accept ours (Does not apply to student permits).  However, not all colleges have implemented virtual parking permits and still rely on physical permits. If you are an SWC employee that plans on visiting a reciprocal college, please contact their Parking Services department ahead of time to request a physical guest parking permit or to have your vehicle registered in their virtual permit system. 

• Grossmont-Cuyamaca
• Imperial Valley
• Mesa
• MiraCosta
• Miramar
• Palomar
• San Diego City 
• San Diego Continuing Ed.
• San Diego Office of Education 

VPs and Deans, if you are visiting another school district, please contact SWC Parking Services to obtain a physical permit to display. 

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PARKING PERMITS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL VEHICLES THAT PARK ON DISTRICT PROPERTY AT ALL TIMES.

Permits can be purchased at SWC Permit Store

ALL VISITOR PERMITS ARE VALID IN WHITE-LINED SPACES ONLY

1-Hour	$1.00	Valid for 1 hour from time of purchase (No refunds)
1-Day permit	$3.00	Valid until 11pm for the date of purchase (No refunds)
Monthly permit	$10.00	Valid for 30 days from date of purchase (Refund avail. within 5 days of purchase)
Fitness Club 1, 3, and 6 month permits**	$10.00 $30.00 $60.00	Valid in orange-lined spaces only in Lot J. NO STUDENT OR EMPLOYEE PARKING. (Refund available within 5 days of purchase) Recurring billing or Single Month purchase available. ** If you are a student or SWC employee taking a class at the Fitness Club, or that has a gym membership there, this does NOT qualify you to park in orange-lined Fitness Club Member parking spaces. Students must park in white-lined student/visitor spaces and employees must park in yellow-lined employee spaces only.  Orange-lined spaces are solely reserved for Community Fitness Club Members parking permit holders who have paid for this permit separately. Fitness Club monthly parking permits are not sold to students or employees.

 

TO PURCHASE A PERMIT, PLEASE VISIT SWC Permit Store Once in the permit site, click on Visitor Sign In in the upper right-hand-corner. If you already have a Permit Store account: Enter your username and password to continue. If you've never registered at the SWC Permit Store page before: Please click Create New Account. Once the online process is completed, you will receive an email confirmation of your order and your permit will be active. Parking stalls are color coded to designate where students, employees, and visitors can park. Please be mindful of where you park to avoid citations:

 

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Introducing new EV Charging Stations!

RULES FOR USING THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION(S): 

1. You must have any SWC valid parking permit to use the EV charging stations. To buy a permit, please visit SWC Permit Store.   
2. You must make sure to have your SWC parking permit associated to the vehicle being charged at a EV charging station.
3. Vehicle must be charging in order to use the EV charging space.
4. There is a four (4) hour maximum usage. It is not an all-day parking space.
5. Vehicle must be moved when charge is complete or when the 4-hour maximum time has been reached.
6. All SWC parking rules and regulations still apply, such as no overnight parking, no double parking...etc. 

COST: 

FAQS REGARDING EV CHARGING ON CAMPUS

Where are the EV charging stations located? At the Chula Vista campus in parking Lot J, across from the Devore Stadium Ticket booth. And at the HEC Otay Mesa campus in the staff lot, in front of the Administration & Student Services building 4100.

Can anyone use the EV charging stations? Yes, anyone can use the charging stations and the vehicle being charged must have a valid SWC parking permit associated to it. All others will be cited.

I have a hybrid, can I use the EV charging stations? Only if your hybrid is also electric.

Is there a time limit? Out of courtesy for other EV drivers, there is a 4-hour maximum per vehicle.  The electric vehicle owner is responsible for moving their car to their respective parking space once the allotted time is time is reached. White-lined spaces for students/visitors. Yellow-lined spaces for staff.

When my vehicle is fully charged, can I stay parked in the EV charging spaces? If your vehicle is done charging, it must be moved.  This will allow other EV owners access to the charging station.  If your vehicle remains in the charging space, you are subject to receiving a citation.

Can I reserve an EV charging space? Unfortunately, no. EV charging stations are on a first come, first served basis only.

What if I have a technical or payment issue with a charging station? Please contact ChargePoint at (888) 758-4389 and provide them with the serial number of the charging station you are having issues with. Unfortunately, Parking Services cannot troubleshoot or assist with technical or payment issues with the charging stations.  We apologize for any inconvenience.

CHARGING ETIQUETTE

1. Be considerate. As stated, EV charging stations are not all-day parking spaces.  Once our vehicle is done charging, please move your vehicle to your respective parking space. 
2. Never unplug a neighbor. One vital piece of EV etiquette: Never unplug another vehicle. Think of it as bad karma. You’d never want someone to do that to you.
3. Park at the correct plug. When you find a public charging station, make sure you park at the right type of plug-in point. For example, if your vehicle isn’t compatible with DC fast charging, then a Level 2 (240-volt) station is what you’ll need.
4. Avoid skipping the line. Check your surroundings and ensure you didn’t accidentally skip ahead in a line of waiting EVs pulled off to the side.
5. It’s not a resting place. A charging station does not serve as a daylong or overnight parking space place for your electric car. An EV owner will often use a charge point as an hours-long parking spot versus a place to recharge and go. Using these spaces as all-day parking is prohibited.
6. Resist temptation. Drivers of gas or diesel-powered cars can be the culprit, too. In a crowded parking lot, the sight of any open electric car charging spot can be too tempting for some to resist. It sounds obvious, but if the car you’re driving isn’t an EV, please don’t park in EV charging locations. You will be subject to receiving a citation.
7. Consider not topping off. Did you know the closer your EV’s battery gets to a 100% charge, the slower it takes to gain those last few bars or percentage points of energy? It’s true. This applies to all charging levels, including Level 3 DC fast chargers. Unless you truly need to have every ounce of driving range available in your vehicle, consider unplugging your EV when it has an acceptable charge level for your immediate driving needs.

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Retirees can request a retiree parking permit at no cost by visiting SWC Parking Services and presenting their Golden Jaguar (Retiree) ID card.  A retiree permit is valid for 10 years.

Golden Jag ID cards can be obtained at the Student Center.  Please contact Nick Fox at nfox@swccd.edu or (619) 421-6700 x-5433 to set up a good time to process your Golden Jaguar card. 

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If you display a valid DP placard or DP license plates while parking on campus, you do not need to purchace a virtual SWC parking permit.  Please note that placards MUST be properly displayed in your rearview mirror and/or your state-issued DP License Plates must be affixed to the vehicle for which they are issued in order to park in a disabled person parking space to avoid citations. 

Disabled person blue-lined parking spaces are located in various lots throughout campus. Please view campus map (PDF Document) for locations. Depending on the violation, the minimum fine for illegally parking in disabled-accessible zones is $250, while the maximum fine is $1,000.

When your valid DP placard/DP license plate is properly displayed, you may park in or on: Parking spaces with the International Symbol of Access (wheelchair symbol) - Blue zones Next to a blue curb authorized for persons with disabilities parking Next to a green curb (green curbs indicate limited time parking) for as long as you wish An area that indicates it requires a resident or merchent permit White-lined student spaces throughout campus Yellow-lined staff spaces throughout campus

However, even with a valid DP placard/DP license plate, you are not allowed to park in or on: Any area marked as “No Parking” or “Tow Away” zone Crosshatch marked spaces next to disabled person parking spaces (area is for wheelchair/wheelchair lift access) Designated loading or unloading zones Any area that is not a designated parking spot (i.e. on sidewalks, grass, crosshatched areas, driveways) Stalls marked "reserved" for a specific person or a specific type of vehicle Orange-lined Fitness Club permit parking spaces It is illegal and punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both fine and imprisonment (CVC §§22511.5, 22511.6, 22511.57) to: Allow someone to use your DP parking placard if you are not in the vehicle Possess or display a counterfeit DP parking placard Display a placard unless the disabled owner is being transported Lend your placard to anyone, including family members or friends (CVC §4461) Use someone else's placard Display a placard that has been cancelled or revoked Alter, forge, or counterfeit a DP parking placard or placard identification card DP placard misuse is a misdemeanor (Section 4461VC) and can result in cancellation or revocation of the placard, loss of parking privileges, and/or fines. You must present identification and the DMV Disabled Person Placard Identification Card/Receipt upon request of a peace officer or a person authorized to enforce parking laws. (CVC §§5007, 22511.56).

 

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Visit the SWC Permit Store to purchase a Monthly Community Fitness Club virtual parking permit: SWC Permit Store

There are three options when purchasing a Fitness Club parking permit:

• Fitness Center - 1 Month permit ($10.00) (Valid for 30 days from day of purchase and you will not be automatically billed nor have an active virtual permit the following month.)
• Fitness Center - 3 Month permit ($30.00) (Valid for 90 days from day of purchase and you will not be automatically billed nor have an active virtual permit the following month.
• Fitness Center - 6 Month permit ($60.00) (Valid for 180 days from day of purchase and you will not be automatically billed nor have an active virtual permit the following month.

IMPORTANT:  If you are a student or SWC employee taking a class at the Fitness Club, or that has a gym membership there, this does not qualify you to park in orange-lined Fitness Club Member parking spaces. Students must park in white-lined student/visitor spaces and employees must park in yellow-lined employee spaces only.  Orange-lined spaces are solely reserved for Community Fitness Club Members who have paid for this permit separately. Fitness Club monthly parking permits are not sold to students or employees. 

 

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**** Please allow Parking Services at least 48 hours processing time ****  FOR INDIVIDUAL GUEST PERMITS : (For multiple guest permits, please contact Parking Services to determine the best solution for your needs.)  Please email Parking Services at swcparking@swccd.edu (with a "CC" to your Supervisor) and provide the following details:  Virtual permit start and end date:  Guest’s full name: Guest’s email: Vehicle plate #: Vehicle year/make/model/color: In subject line of your email, please type:  REQUEST FOR GUEST PERMIT [date(s) needed].  Parking Services will let you know what the guest permit has been confirmed. Guest permits are valid in white-lined spaces only.

FOR VENDOR PERMITS: (A one-year permit will be provided to approved vendors.) Please email Parking Services at swcparking@swccd.edu  and provide the following details:  Vendor's full name: Company name: Work email: Vehicle plate #: Vehicle year/make/model/color: In subject line of your email, please type:  REQUEST FOR VENDOR PERMIT. Vendor permits are valid in white-lined spaces only.

FOR CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR PERMITS: Please contact our Facilities Department at facilities@swccd.edu

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For conferences, special events, and non-citing lot requests, please contact our Civic Center Facilities & Leasing (CCFL) department at swcciviccenter@swccd.edu and provide them with the following details:  

Event title: 
Event date: 
Event location: 
Number of attendees expected: 
In the subject line of your email, write: Non-Citing Lot Request for [enter date]

If your event qualifies for suspended citing and there are no lot/parking conflicts, CCFL will approve the request and send you and Parking Services a confirmation.  Dispatchers and Officers will be made aware not to cite vehicles.

Please note that the CCFL requires ONE WEEK prior to your event to allow for processing and approval time (ONE MONTH in advance for larger events with 200+ people).

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Q: Will virtual permits change any parking rules?

A: No, all current parking rules will remain in effect. A citation may be written for not following the college's parking policies and regulations. The enforcement rules will not change because of this new technology.

Q: Where can students park?

A: Students are permitted to park in white-lined student spaces only.  Student lots are located in Lot B, C, D, E, F, G, I, J, L, M, N, O, & T.  Please see campus map for locations. Please be mindful of designated parking areas. 

Q: Will a permit be mailed?

A: No, you will no longer receive a physical permit in the mail. Your license plate that is registered with our system acts as your permit. 

Q:  I forgot my handicap placard, can your office provide me with a temporary handicap placard/permit?

A: No, Southwestern College Parking Services does not issue temporary disabled placards/permits. If you suffer from a temporary disability, you must get a temporary placard from the State of California. If you forget or misplace your disabled placard, you cannot use a disabled space. It is your responsibility to have your disabled placard visibly displayed at all times while parked on campus.

Q: How will my license plate information be used? 

A: It is only used for parking permit verification. The license plate information collected in this process is referenced against the campus database for the strict purposes of verifying SWC parking permits on campus. All registered information through our parking services is confidential and will not be used or sold to any third-party entities. Additionally, iParq does not retain credit card information. 

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Please familiarize yourself with the District's parking policies and regulations before coming on campus.  They are listed below in this accordion.  Please also note the following tips to avoid citations:  

PERMITS REQUIRED:  With the exception of the above-mentioned grace period, parking permits are required to park at any SWC campus at all times.

DESIGNATED PARKING SPACES:  Parking stalls are color coded to designate where students, employees, and visitors can park. Please be mindful of where you are parking to avoid citations:

LOT J ORANGE-LINED COMMUNITY FITNESS CENTER PARKING:  If you are a student or SWC employee taking a class at the Fitness Club, or that has a gym membership there, this does not qualify you to park in orange-lined Fitness Club Member parking spaces. Students must park in white-lined student/visitor spaces and employees must park in yellow-lined employee spaces only.  Orange-lined spaces are solely reserved for Community Fitness Club Members who have paid for this permit separately. Fitness Club monthly parking permits are not sold to students or employees. 

NON-DESIGNATED AREAS:  It is prohibited to park in non-designated areas such as pathways, driveways, crosshatched areas, along roadways, or along parking lot curb lines. See parking Policies & Regulations for full details.

RESIDENTIAL RESTRICTED PARKING:  The City of Chula Vista has established a residential parking district in the College Estates neighborhood across the street from SWC. City-issued residential parking permits are required to park along the streets in that area. Others will be cited. No exceptions. This is a city ordinance effective 8/22/16. To view the map of restricted streets, please visit the City of Chula Vista's parking page for more information or click here to view the College Estates boundary map. College parking is restricted within that boundary. Violators may be cited by SWC College Police or CVPD.

OTHER RESTRICTED PARKING AREAS NEARBY:  College parking is also prohibited in the nearby Bonita Point Plaza, Otay Lakes Plaza, and College Plaza shopping centers. Violators may be towed.  

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The SWC Parking Citation Appeal Process, Administrative Hearing Process and Court Appeal Process are mandated by California Vehicle Code Article 3, Sections 40200.7 and 40215, which was enacted by the State Legislature, Assembly Bill 408, effective July 1, 1993, and Assembly Bill 1228, effective January 1, 1996. All time restrictions, with respect to different appeal levels, are made pursuant to the aforementioned legislation.

Please note the following common reasons do not support dismissing a citation:

• I did not know I needed a permit to park on campus
• I did not know the parking policies and regulations (Available at Parking Page)
• I thought my semester permit was valid for the entire academic year
• I forgot to purchase my permit
• I thought my old vinyl sticker permit was still valid (Vinyl stickers are no longer valid as of summer 2022)
• I forgot to associate/switch my vehicle to my virtual permit
• I was in a hurry/running late
• I could not find a parking space
• I was only parked for a short period of time
• I did not know that I couldn’t park there
• I did not see the sign or curb markings
• I cannot afford to pay for a parking permit (Please visit SWC Cares if you need assistance paying for a parking permit.)
• I cannot afford to pay the citation fine (Payment plans are available. Please visit swc.thepermitstore.com, log in and click Pay. Continue through until you get to payment method, select Payment Plan instead of credit card option.)
• The lot was almost empty
• I was told by another student or visitor that I could park there (When in doubt, please contact Parking Services 619-216-6611)
• I've never had a ticket before
• I will never do it again
• Others were parked in a non-designated area, I thought it was okay to park there too
• I never received the citation on my vehicle
• I did not receive the notification in the mail (It is not SWC's responsibility for lost mail/wrong address at the DMV)

THE APPEAL PROCESS: 

The first step to appeal your citation is to determine if the citation was validly issued. 

Please answer the following:   

1. Is the information on the citation accurate?
2. Did the driver comply with Southwestern College’s Parking Policies and Regulations? (Found on this page in the Parking Policies & Regulations tab.)
3. Were there mitigating circumstances that prevented the driver from complying with the parking policies and regulations and, if so, did the driver take reasonable and timely steps to avoid the violation?

If the answers to questions number 2 and 3 are "No", there is little choice but to uphold the citation. The citation will not be voided.

If the answers to questions number 2 and 3 are "Yes", please proceed below. Please note, citing officers take photos of each violation. These photos are seen by the reviewing panel to assist in determining the outcome of your appeal.   

If the answer to question number 1 is “No”, please proceed with the appeal process. 

LEVEL 1 - ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW You must request an Administrative Review appeal within twenty-one (21) calendar days from the date you received the citation. If you do not submit an appeal within 21 calendar days, your right to an appeal is forfeited, all fines must be paid, and no further appeals can be requested. To request an Administrative Review (Citation Appeal), please visit the SWC Permit Store and click on Citations: Pay or Appeal. During the review process, your citation is put on a temporary hold and no delinquent fees are incurred. DO NOT PAY FOR THE CITATION UNTIL YOU GET YOUR RESULTS BACK.  Payments cannot be refunded.  The Administrative Review is conducted by SWC students.  The review panel members are not directly affiliated with SWC Parking Services and will make fair and unbiased decisions on the appeal based on the Parking Services parking policies and regulations, and any evidence provided.  If your appeal is voided: No fees are due, and your citation will be dismissed. If your appeal is denied/upheld: Citation was not voided and must be paid in full. Appellant has the right to contest citation further (see Level 2).

LEVEL 2 - ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING (Must have completed level 1 Administrative Review before requesting an Administrative Hearing.) At this level, your Administrative Hearing is conducted by the City of Chula Vista Parking Division.  PLEASE CLICK HERE BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR LEVEL 2 ADMIN. HEARING REQUEST. California vehicle code 40215 (b) requires payment for the citation at the time the Administrative Hearing is requested.  Please pay for your citation at the SWC Permit Store, then submit an Administrative Hearing form within twenty-one (21) calendar days from the initial Administrative Review results. If you do not submit an appeal within 21 calendar days, your right to an appeal is forfeited, all fines must be paid, and no further appeals can be requested. The Administrative Hearing is conducted by a hearing official employee with the City of Chula Vista who is not directly affiliated with Southwestern College but is well versed in our parking policies and regulations. The City will mail you a notice informing you of your hearing date. Click here to print the Administrative Hearing Form (PDF Document). Please email the completed form within the stated timeframe to swcparking@swccd.edu. If the appeal is accepted: A refund will be issued and your citation will be dismissed. If the appeal is denied/upheld: The College keeps the citation fees to satisfy the citation. Appellant has the right to contest citation further (see Level 3).

LEVEL 3 - COURT APPEAL (Must have completed level 1 Administrative Review and level 2 Administrative Hearing first before requesting a Court Appeal.)  If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the Administrative Hearing, you may further appeal your case to the South County Superior Court (500 3rd Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910) within 30 calendar days after personal delivery or within 35 days after mailing (Code Civ. Proc. §1031) of the issuing agency’s final decision. You bear all fees for this appeal level. For court filing fees and instructions, please visit: San Diego Superior Court.  The College Police office does not provide these documents for you. If the appeal is accepted: The College refunds the citation fees. Court fees are non-refundable. If the appeal is denied/upheld: The College keeps the citation fees to satisfy the citation. Court’s decision is final.

 

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Visit SWC Permit Store and enter your license plate number or citation number under the Enforcement Services box.  

PARKING CITATION PAYMENT PLAN INFORMATION

As set forth in CVC 40220, the Processing Agency will allow payment plan options for unpaid parking tickets for those that are indigent.

You may be eligible to appeal without first paying the fine if you can demonstrate “Indigent Status” (financial need). Indigent Status can be demonstrated by providing proof of your income and/or participation in public assistance programs such as TANF, SSI, Unemployment, etc... Approval of your application allows you to have a Hearing or Trial by Declaration without first paying the fine; it does not relieve you of responsibility for paying the fine if your citation is upheld at Hearing.

Payment Plans are not available for citations on vehicles that are currently booted or towed.

If approved, all late fees will be removed from the citation(s) and the Agency will set up a payment agreement for the responsible individual to pay outstanding parking tickets owed within a maximum of 24 months. Individuals who fall out of compliance with the payment plan have 45 days to resume before the Agency reassigns late fees and files a hold with the DMV.

You may enroll your citations in a monthly payment plan within 120 days of issuance, or within 10 days of an administrative hearing determination. The timeline for completion and minimum monthly amounts due are based on the total amount enrolled in a payment plan. There may be a processing fee for payment plans.

TO SET UP A CITATION PAYMENT PLAN: Enter your citation number in the Enforcement Services box at SWC Permit Store and proceed to the Pay option. Once you get to Payment Method, select Citation Payment Plan from the scroll-down menu.

TO APPEAL A CITATION: Enter your citation number in the Enforcement Services box at SWC Permit Store and proceed to the Appeal option.

For assistance with the appeal or payment plan option, please contact Parking Services at (619) 216-6611 or swcparking@swccd.edu

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The Southwestern College Governing Board has established these policies and regulations to regulate the safe and orderly movement of vehicular traffic and the parking of vehicles on District property, including the Chula Vista Campus, Higher Education Center at Otay Mesa, Higher Education Center at San Ysidro, Higher Education Center at National City, and the Crown Cove Aquatics Center on Silver Strand. All provisions of the California Vehicle Code are applicable on both paved and unpaved roadways. Overnight parking is not allowed without prior approval from campus police. 

 

• Parking permits are required to park at any Southwestern College campus at all times with the exception of the above-mentioned grace period.
• All regulatory signs on the District's campuses must be obeyed.  Violators may be cited under the appropriate California Vehicle Code.
• The maximum speed limit on campus is 20 MPH. No stopping, parking, or passing is allowed on the perimeter road of the Chula Vista campus at any time.
• Parking is allowed in designated parking stalls only. It is prohibited to park in non-designated areas such as marked triangle zones, pathways, driveways, cross hatched areas, along roadways, or along parking lot curb lines.
• All vehicles must have a parking permit in order to park on the District's campuses, with the exception of marked disabled person parking spaces. It is imperative that a valid disabled person placard is visible when parking in a marked disabled person parking space.
• Employee parking spaces are identified as yellow-lined spaces. Vehicles parked in employee spaces require a valid employee parking permit at all times. Employee permits are valid in both student and staff parking spaces. They are not valid in disabled person parking spaces.
• Student parking spaces are identified as white-lined spaces. Vehicles parked in student spaces require a valid 1-day, monthly, or semester parking permit from Monday through Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. 1-day, monthly, and semester permits are available for purchase online at SWC Permit Store.
• Visitor parking spaces are identified as white-lined spaces and require a 1-hour, 1-day, or monthly permit which can be purchased online at SWC Permit Store. Cost: 1-Hour permits $1.00 | 1-Day permits $3.00 | Monthly permits $10.00.
• 1-day permits are valid until 11 p.m. for the date of purchase only and are valid in any white-lined space throughout campus. 
• Motorcycles may be parked in areas designated for motorcycle parking or regular spaces and require a valid 1-hour, 1-day, monthly, or semester permit.
• As with any college district, the purchase of a parking permit does NOT guarantee a parking space. The responsibility of arriving early to find a space or finding a legal parking space rests with the operator of the vehicle. Lack of available parking spaces is not an excuse for illegal parking. Also see #4 above.
• The Southwestern College District is not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles.  As with any parking lot, please do not leave valuables in your vehicle or leave your vehicle unlocked.   
• Guest parking permits may be requested by school administrators only and may be done so by contacting Southwestern College Parking Services. For event parking, please contact Civic Center Leasing.
• Unaccompanied vehicles that are left parked in a loading zone for longer than 15 minutes may be cited.
• Parking and loitering on campus after 11:00pm or after special events is prohibited.
• Fraudulent or misuse of parking permits may result in a citation and referral to Student Affairs for disciplinary action.

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