Public Safety

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Parking:

  1. How and where do I purchase a parking permit?
  2. How do I pay a parking citation?
  3. How do I contest a parking citation?
  4. Where can I park?
  5. When are parking permits enforced?

Campus Safety:

  1. How do I report suspicious activity and/or crime?

Other:

  1. Where is the Lost and Found?
  2. Will the Public Safety Department help me if I am locked out of my vehicle?

Parking:

  1. How and where do I purchase a parking permit?

    Parking permits are available for purchase online (via WebSmart) during registration and throughout the term of the permit. All permits are mailed to the address specified on the order. Permits are transferable from vehicle to vehicle.

  2. How do I pay a parking citation?

    Parking citations can be paid via U.S. Mail or by paying online. To pay a parking citation online, please click here.

  3. How do I contest a parking citation?

    Parking citations may be contested by completing a request online by visiting http://www.pticket.com/csm/. You may contest a citation within 21 calendar days of the issue date of your citation. Once you are on the site, select where the citation was issued (Cañada, CSM or Skyline). The appeal will start with a "1st Level Initial Review". There is no fee to contest your citation at this level. You may request a "1st Level Initial Review" by following the instructions below:

    1. Enter your citation # and press SEARCH. If your citation qualifies for an appeal, a CONTEST ONLINE link to the contesting form will appear to the right of the citation number.
    2. Indicate the reason(s) you feel your citation was issued in error.
    3. Include any documentation to support your claim.
    4. Include your citation or reminder notice.
    5. Include your full name.
    6. Include your mailing address.
    7. Make copies of all documents for your records (documents will not be returned).
    8. Mail all information to: Office of Parking Violations SMCCD College of San Mateo PO Box 9003 Redwood City, CA 94065-9003

    The student, staff, or person will receive a written response from the citation processing agency reflecting the results of the appeal.

    If you are dissatisfied with the results of the appeal, you may obtain an administrative hearing. The directions for obtaining an administrative hearing are included on the written response to the citation appeal. You will receive a written response from the citation processing agency reflecting the results of the administrative hearing.

    If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of the administrative hearing you can obtain a hearing before a judge. The directions for obtaining a judicial hearing are included on the written response to the administrative hearing.

    The following reasons are NOT acceptable appeals:

    • It is my first day/week/semester and I am not familiar with the campus.
    • I do have a permit, but I forgot to hang it.
    • I bought a permit, but I didn't have it with me. You can check my records.
    • My permit fell/was blown by the wind/was on the floor/was between the seats/was turned around.
    • I was only parked there for five minutes.
    • I just parked really quick to use the restroom.

  4. Where can I park?

    Please refer to the campus maps for information about where to park.

  5. When are parking permits enforced?

    All persons driving motor vehicles (except motorcycles) onto campus and utilizing the parking facilities during regular class hours (Monday-Friday; 7am - 10pm), including final examinations, are required to obtain a parking permit. Parking permits are not required in Student Lots on weekends or holidays. A parking permit is not required for motorists riding motorcycles and parking must be in designated Motorcycle Parking areas.

    A grace period allowing for purchases of permits will be in effect during the first two weeks of the Spring and Fall semesters, and the first week of the Summer session. The grace period pertains only to permits, with all other parking regulations enforced at all times in all parking lots.

Campus Safety:

  1. How do I report suspicious activity and/or crime?

    Contact the Public Safety Department or dial 9-1-1 immediately to report suspicious activity and/or crime. If you wish to report a crime anonymously, you may do so by completing the Anonymous Crime Reporting Form.

Other:

  1. Where is the Lost and Found?

    The Public Safety office at each campus is the official location for Lost and Found property. If you should lose or find an item, contact the Public Safety Department on your campus or to report an item lost, please enter your information here.

  2. Will the Public Safety Department help me if I am locked out of my vehicle?

    It is the policy of the San Mateo County Community College District Public Safety Department that personnel will not assume the liability associated with attempting to gain entry for a person locked out of their vehicle. Unfortunately, the continued development of anti-theft devices, side airbags, and other technological developments have created a situation where risk to the safety of the Public Safety personnel, the vehicle occupant, and even the vehicle itself exceeds our ability to provide an effective, safe service. The Public Safety Department can assist the person in contacting AAA, Locksmith, or other means necessary.