As students returned to campus this semester, they learned parking permits will now be required each term for the foreseeable future.
Beginning Sept. 8, all cars need to have a permit, which is now digital only, according to Jennifer Kearns, the director of Public, Government, and Community Relations for the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District.
“This is a benefit for students, as the virtual permits allow for instant registration, and there are no more physical hangers or stickers, which means no more lost permits,” Kearns said.
The virtual parking permits are valid for Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges, Kearns said, adding that students can include a second vehicle on their permit.
The district historically charged for parking until the 2020 pandemic. Sarhar Abushaban, vice chancellor of Business Services for the district, said when COVID-19 hit nationwide, the majority of classes moved online and parking permits were suspended.
Abushaban said the district planned to continue to suspend parking permits until 2024; however, it ended up waiting another year until more students arrived. The federal and state governments had been providing funds to Grossmont, and some went to parking and services. Abushaban said this COVID-19 funding was spent as of July 30.
Fees from the parking permits now required of students, guests and staff will help enable the district to pay its necessary expenses. The citation for not having a permit is $45.
“We are projecting that parking fees for 2025-26 will generate about $400,000,” Abushaban said, adding that with the funds, there would be maintenance and repairs for the lots and spaces in the parking areas, as well as other areas of campus.
Student parking permits cost $40 each semester, or $20 with a California College Promise Grant (CCPG) Waiver.
Melissa Murphy, assistant college cashier for Grossmont, works with students paying for tuition and citation parking payments. Murphy said students can make purchases on Self-Service.
Kearns said Self-Service has step-by-step guides to help students purchase a permit.
Motorcycle permits are not required for Grossmont. Students who have a disabled placard are not required to have a GCCCD parking permit, but must be able to show placard and registration. A one-day parking fee for guests is $2, payable via a QR code displayed around campus.
Campus and Parking Services, or CAPS, can provide more information about parking and permits. Call 619-644-7654, dial 7654 from a campus phone, or email [email protected].
