When it comes to parking on campus, solutions are often hard to find. Many students bring their cars to school, space is limited and it’s hard to get your hands on a permit. But say hello to the newest idea: a lottery system.

This winter, Cal Poly Transportation & Parking Services (TAPS) is launching a brand new process for the way students can access parking permits. The lottery will not only ensure that every student interested in a permit has an equal chance to purchase one, but also that every student has the option to pick their parking location of choice. (Check out this map of all the campus parking lots!)

Here’s the breakdown. From now until Dec. 2, students can enter through the Parking Portal. On Dec. 3 and 4, each student’s name will be randomized and assigned a lottery number. When a number comes up, the corresponding student will be automatically awarded a permit based on their parking preferences available at the time. These lucky winners will then have the following six days to purchase the permit online.

What happens if the permits sell out? Don’t worry. If they all sell out, a waitlist will keep track of all students’ parking preferences. At the start of winter quarter, the system will release any unclaimed permits to waitlisted students.

Still fuzzy on the whole idea? Here are some frequently asked questions.

Frequently asked questions

Q: How many preferred parking lots can I include on my form?

A: Students will have the opportunity to select two preferred parking lots — a first choice and a second choice.

Q: When will the winners be announced?

A: The lottery will be awarded for two consecutive days during the week of Dec. 3. Not all awards will occur on the same day.

Q: How will I know if I win?

A: Once a permit has been awarded, students will receive an email with instructions on how to purchase. The permit must then be purchased in the following six days.

Q: What happens if I don’t purchase a permit within the six-day window?

A: If the purchase isn’t made in six days, the permit will expire and be awarded to the next lottery number in line.

Q: How will I know if I’m on the waitlist?

A: All names not contacted for an initial parking permit will be included on a waitlist and available for unclaimed permits.

Still have questions?

If you have further questions regarding parking at Cal Poly, please e-mail parking@calpoly.edu or calling 805–756–6654.