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Parking Information

Parking Information

 

On-campus student parking at San Marcos High School is limited and in high demand. Seniors receive priority for student parking permits before the start of the school year.

Parking on campus is a privilege. A valid student parking permit is required to park on campus.

Students may park only in the designated student parking lot. Student permits do not allow parking in staff, visitor, reserved, or other unauthorized areas.

All available student parking spaces are assigned before the start of the school year. Any remaining spaces will be assigned by lottery to eligible juniors and seniors who missed the initial application deadline.

2026 Construction Exception

Due to construction impacting student parking during the 2026–2027 school year, a second lottery drawing will be held in late fall 2026 for any additional student parking spaces that become available.

Students who park on campus must follow all SMHS parking regulations. Parking violations may result in disciplinary action, citation, towing, and/or loss of parking privileges.

Key Reminders

  • A valid student parking permit is required.
  • Students may park only in the designated student parking lot.
  • Remaining spaces will be assigned by lottery.
  • Students may not park in staff, visitor, reserved, or other unauthorized spaces.

Parking Permit Requirements

To be eligible for a parking permit, students must complete all of the following requirements:

  • Attend a Start Smart class in person with a parent or guardian
  • Possess a valid driver's license
  • Provide current vehicle registration
  • Provide proof of valid insurance
  • Submit a signed parking agreement

Parking spaces cannot be reserved for students who have not completed all parking requirements by the applicable application deadline.

For questions, please contact the Assistant Principal's Office.

  • Start Smart Program – Required for On-Campus Parking

    Planning to park on campus during your senior year? Make sure you complete the Start Smart Program! Completion of the Start Smart Program is mandatory for students who wish to park on campus during their senior year (and possibly junior year).

    Open to students in any grade (driver’s license or learner’s permit are not required to attend), the program only needs to be taken one time. Both the student and a parent or guardian must attend. The session lasts approximately two hours, no RSVP is required. 

    Next date Start Smart date is Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

    Students may complete the Start Smart program at another approved location. To receive credit, students must submit a certificate of attendance to the AP Office as proof of completion.

    Please note that only in-person Start Smart classes satisfy the requirement for obtaining a student parking permit.

    For questions, please reach out to the Assistant Principal's office.

  • SMHS Parking Regulations:

    1. All student vehicles parked on campus must display a current SMHS parking permit affixed on the inside lower left corner of the front windshield.
    2. Students must attend a Start Smart class before applying for a  parking permit. No exceptions.
    3. All students must provide a copy of their driver's license, current proof of insurance, and current DMV registration. 
    4. Priority will be given to Seniors, then Juniors based on availability. 
    5. Parking privileges may be revoked at any time due to unsafe driving, poor attendance, excessive tardies, and/or disciplinary infractions.
      1. 1st offense - warning is given to the student and documented
      2. 2nd offense - loss of permit for the remainder of school year
      3. Reckless driving will result in immediate loss of parking permit 
    6. Students are prohibited from sharing or loaning their permit to other students. Violations will result in disciplinary action and/or loss of permit.
    7. A replacement parking permit issued for a new vehicle costs $20 and must be purchased through the Finance Office. Only one permanent parking permit may be issued per student.
    8. Temporary parking permits for additional vehicles are available through the Assistant Principal’s Office. Valid insurance and current vehicle registration are required for any temporary vehicle.
    9. Student parking is allowed ONLY in the designated student parking lot. Parking in the front staff lot is prohibited until after 3:45 PM.
    10. SMHS is NOT responsible for theft, damage, or accidents involving vehicles on campus or off campus.
    11. The campus speed limit is 5mph and is strictly enforced. Running stop signs or any form of reckless driving may result in disciplinary action and loss of parking privileges. 
    12. Students may NOT loiter in the parking lot during school hours, including before and after school. (Parents/guardians who need to access the parked car, must check in at the front office before going to the student lot)
    13. Students may NOT access their vehicle during school hours. Vehicles may NOT be used as lockers.
    14. Vehicles parked on campus are subject to search by school administration and law enforcement at any time.
    15. Illegally parked vehicles are subject to ticketing or towing at the owner's expense.