On the agenda: San Marcos meeting — License Plate Recognition (Feb 23)

City of San Marcos
Regular Meeting
Parking Advisory Board
February 23rd, 2026, 6:00 pm
City Hall: Conference Room
630 E. Hopkins Street
San Marcos, Texas 78666
Please click the link below to join the meeting:

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I.

Call To Order

II.

Roll Call

III.

Citizen Comment Period:
Persons wishing to participate (speak) during the Citizen Comment portion of the meeting must
email [email protected] prior to 12:00PM the day of the meeting. A call-in number to
join by phone or link to join by a mobile device, laptop or desktop computer will be provided for
participation.
MINUTES
1. Consider, by motion, the approval of regular meeting minutes:
a. December 15th, 2025
REPORT ITEMS
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Board questions, if any, regarding the monthly reports from enforcement
Receive an update on items previously requested from the Communications Department
Receive an update on the City Park Paid Parking Pilot Program
Present the updated Parking Income Statement
Receive an update from the Downtown Paid Parking Research Committee

DISCUSSION ITEM

7. Discussion of proposed amendments to Chapter 82 of the City of San Marcos Code of
Ordinances to ensure parking regulation procedures and processes are fully aligned,
including revisions to provide consistency across all parking citation hearings and
appeals and to reflect current operational and technology capabilities.
ACTION ITEMS
8. Consider by motion, Recommendation Resolution 2026-01-PAB the San Marcos Police
Department’s request to reserve four downtown parking spaces from 5:00 p.m. to 3:00
a.m. to support enhanced downtown security.
9. Consider approval, by motion, the adoption of the Parking Advisory Board by-laws.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
1. Board Members may provide requests for discussion items for a future agenda in accordance
with the board’s approved bylaws. No further discussion will be held related to topics proposed
until they are posted on a future agenda in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act.

IV.

QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION WITH PRESS AND PUBLIC. This is an opportunity
for the Press and Public to ask questions related to items on this agenda.

V.

ADJOURNMENT

Notice of Assistance at the Public Meetings
The City of San Marcos is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act.
Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. If
requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48
hours) before the meeting date. Individuals who require auxiliary aids and services for this meeting
should contact the City of San Marcos ADA Coordinator at 512-393-8000 (voice) or call Texas Relay
Service (TRS) by dialing 7-1-1. Requests can also be faxed to 855-461-6674 or sent by e-mail to
[email protected].
For more information on the Parking Advisory Board please contact Charles Campbell at
[email protected]

PARKING ADVISORY BOARD

MEETING MINUTES
December 15th, 2025

PARKING ADVISORY BOARD
MINUTES

REGULAR MEETING
December 15th, 2025

The Parking Advisory Board convened a regular meeting via Zoom online format and in-person on
December 15th, 2025.
I.

Chair, John David Carson called the meeting to order at 6:08 pm.

II.

Board Members in Attendance:
Chair John David Carson
Vice Chair Dr. Rosalie Ray
Mayor Jane Hughson
Council Member Matthew Mendoza
Alana Rosenwasser
Ida Miller
Jovan Marin
Staff Present
Multimodal Parking Initiatives Manager, Charles Campbell
Parking Coordinator, Marissa Roldan
Downtown Manager, Josie Falletta
Iris Castro, Senior Adm Assistant
City Marshal, Tiffany Williams

III.

CITIZEN COMMENT PERIOD
There were no citizen comments

MINUTES

1. Consider, by motion, the approval of regular meeting minutes:
a. November 17th. 2025
A motion was made by Vice Chair Dr. Rosalie Ray and seconded by Jovan Marin to amend
the November 17th meeting minutes, removing the word “signed” from Page 4 of the
November 17th meeting minutes.
A motion was made by Board member Vice Chair Dr. Rosalie Ray and seconded by Jovan
Marin to approve the November 17th, 2025, meeting minutes as amended.
The motion was carried by the following vote:

1

PARKING ADVISORY BOARD
For:

5-

Absent

1-

MEETING MINUTES
December 15th, 2025
Chair John David Carson, Jovan Marin, Ida
Miller, Alana Rosenwasser, and Vice Chair
Dr. Rosalie Ray
Gabrielle Moore

REPORT ITEMS
2. Board questions, if any, regarding the monthly reports from enforcement
a. Staff presented the monthly parking enforcement report including highlighting a
new section showing parking citations issued and paid within the same month.
b. Board requested a chart showing the quantity of citations issued each month,
along with the quantity of citations paid for during that same period, including
citations that were voided or dismissed. And in the future have the report
itemized by parking benefit districts.
c. Staff reported they are revising the font and layout of parking enforcement
citations to ensure accurate and enforceable citations.
d. Board requested additional information regarding mailings for unpaid citations.
Parking Enforcement has received calls in response to the letters, confirming that
the notices are being successfully sent and received.
3. Receive an update on the City Park paid parking pilot program, including Texas State
paid parking operations
a. Staff reported that City Park was closed to paid parking starting on November
17th for Sights and Sounds staging. The Board inquired whether November 17th
was earlier than the Parks Department’s usual lot closure date. Staff indicated
they would follow up with the Parks Department to confirm.
b. Staff reported that Texas State parking operations collected $677 in parking
revenue at City Hall for the game on November 22nd. Texas State did not
operate paid parking at City Hall for the November 29th game citing expected
low volume of parking due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
c. Staff advised they will provide a paid parking summary for the Texas State
football season.
d. Board requested the reports on City Park and City Hall be separated going
forward.
4. Update on items previously requested from the Communications Department
a. No update
5. Receive an update from the Downtown Paid Parking Research Committee
a. Committee is still working through the summary and will present at a future
Parking Advisory Board meeting.
b. The Committee noted that they have received additional occupancy counts from
Texas State students for the following times: 6:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and
Thursdays, 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and 1:00 p.m. on
Saturdays. This data is currently under review and will be incorporated into the
final summary document.
c. Texas State students reported occupancy exceeding 100% on some blocks and
recommended increased enforcement during these periods of overcapacity.
d. The Board discussed the need for additional enforcement staff. Staff
recommended that the Board consider enforcement personnel safety during
nighttime operations, potentially by deploying teams of two officers.
2

PARKING ADVISORY BOARD

MEETING MINUTES
December 15th, 2025

6. Receive an update on City of San Marcos parking during Sights and Sounds
a. Staff received a report from a 3rd party parking management companies. This
company reported the following:
i.
Occupancy was at 75% on Thursday and Friday at the 312 E. Hopkins Lot
ii.
Occupancy was at 100% on Thursday and Friday at the CM Allen Lot
iii. Occupancy was at 100% by 6:30pm on Saturday at the Hopkins lot
iv.
Occupancy was at100% by 7pm on Saturday at the CM Allen lot.
DISCUSSION ITEM
7. Discussion of the San Marcos Police Department’s request to reserve four downtown
parking spaces from 5:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. to support enhanced downtown security.
a. Staff presented four maps illustrating the locations of the reserved parking spaces
and associated signage that will be implemented on January 3rd. In accordance
with the City’s Code of Ordinances, this plan was enacted as a 90-day
emergency action. Staff noted that extending the reserved parking plan beyond
the 90-day period would require an ordinance amendment, along with City
Council review and approval.
b. San Marcos Police Department staff advised the Board that this implementation
is part of a crime reduction plan for downtown. The reserved parking space plan
allows the police to position vehicles in strategic downtown locations.
c. Board requested an overall map showing all requested reserved locations.
d. Board asked if this plan had the support of the downtown businesses. San
Marcos Police Staff advised that the Downtown Business Association did
provide support of this plan.
e. Staff advised they would like to make this plan permanent.
f. Board recommend the Parking Advisory Board provide a written
recommendation prior to the item being brought before Council.
ACTION ITEMS
8. Consider, by motion, the approval of the 2026 Parking Advisory Board calendar of
meeting dates.
a. Staff presented the 2026 Parking Advisory Meeting Dates Calendar.
A motion was made by Board Vice Chair Dr. Rosalie Ray and seconded by Chair John David
Carson to approve the 2026 Parking Advisory Board calendar of meeting dates.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
For:

5-

Absent

1-

Chair John David Carson, Jovan Marin, Ida
Miller, Alana Rosenwasser, and Vice Chair
Dr. Rosalie Ray
Gabrielle Moore

3

PARKING ADVISORY BOARD

MEETING MINUTES
December 15th, 2025

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
9. The Parking Advisory Board to consider, by vote, a resolution recommending support
for the San Marcos Police Department’s reserved parking spaces.
QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION WITH THE PRESS AND PUBLIC
No questions from the press or public
IV.

ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:16pm by Chair John David Carson

Staff Liaison

Board/Commission Chair

Notice of Assistance at the Public Meetings
The City of San Marcos does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to its
services, programs, or activities. Individuals who require auxiliary aids and services for this meeting should
contact the City of San Marcos ADA Coordinator at 512-393-8000 (voice) or call Texas Relay Service (TRS)
by dialing 7-1-1. Requests can also be faxed to 512-393-8074 or sent by e-mail to
[email protected]

4

Downtown Parking Citations Issued and Paid
Month
Number of Citations Paid
Citations Issued
Percent of citations issued that have been paid
January '22
188
441
42.63%
February '22
187
419
44.63%
March '22
248
588
42.18%
April '22
263
551
47.73%
May '22
317
749
42.32%
June '22
323
904
35.73%
July '22
297
909
32.67%
August '22
477
1012
47.13%
September '22
555
1420
39.08%
October '22
521
1033
50.44%
November '22
403
908
44.38%
December '22
385
903
42.64%
January '23
366
982
37.27%
February '23
267
671
39.79%
March '23
337
997
33.80%
April '23
422
1025
41.17%
May '23
395
994
39.74%
June '23
344
1084
31.73%
July '23
378
1037
36.45%
Aug '23
505
1090
46.33%
September '23
529
1048
50.48%
October '23
435
896
48.55%
November '23
362
777
46.59%
December '23
331
708
46.75%
January '24
396
854
46.37%
February '24
394
879
44.82%
March '24
383
669
57.25%
April '24
250
527
47.44%
May '24
199
372
53.49%
June '24
171
373
45.84%
July '24
263
461
57.05%
August '24
260
625
41.60%
September '24
379
777
48.78%
October '24
417
710
58.73%
November '24
369
610
60.49%
December '24
370
391
94.63%
January '25
262
383
68.41%
February '25
234
380
61.58%
March '25
279
311
89.71%
April 25'
340
752
45.21%
May 25'
391
518
75.48%
June 25'
394
570
69.12%
July 25'
378
554
68.23%
August 25'
NuPark Data
NuPark Data
0.00%
September 25'
26
161
16.15%
October 25'
365
1491
24.48%
November 25'
398
748
53.21%
December 25'
583
784
74.36%
January 26'
438
670
65.37%

2022
1400

100.00%
90.00%
80.00%
70.00%
60.00%
50.00%
40.00%
30.00%
20.00%
10.00%
0.00%

1200
1000
800
600
400

200
0
January '22 February March '22 April '22
'22
Number of Citations Paid

May '22

June '22

July '22 August '22 September October November December
'22
'22
'22
'22

Citations Issued

Percent of citations issued that have been paid

2023
1400

100.00%

1200

80.00%

1000
800

60.00%

600

40.00%

400
20.00%

200
0

0.00%
January
'23

February March '23 April '23
'23
Number of Citations Paid

May '23

June '23

July '23

Citations Issued

Aug '23 September October November December
'23
'23
'23
'23
Percent of citaitons issued that have been paid

2024
1400

100.00%

1200

80.00%

1000
800

60.00%

600

40.00%

400
20.00%

200
0

0.00%
January
'24

February March '24 April '24
'24
Number of Citations Paid

May '24

June '24

July '24 August '24 September October November December
'24
'24
'24
'24

Citations Issued

Percent of citations issued that have been paid

2025
100.00%
1400

90.00%

1200

80.00%
70.00%

1000

60.00%
800

50.00%

600

40.00%
30.00%

400

20.00%
200

10.00%

0

0.00%

Number of Citations Paid

Citations Issued

Percent of citations issued that have been paid

CITATIONS PAID BY MONTH
Total Citations
September 25'
October 25'
November 25'
December 25'
January 26'
February 26'

Warnings and Aborted
161
1491
748
784
670
682
4536

Dismissed Citations
11
167
57
81
76
59
392

Voided Citations
3
42
17
13
7
3
85

Payments for Citations Issued <9/26/25
246

As of 2/16/26

Valid Citations
3
153
79
75
72
51
433

Citations Paid
144
1129
595
615
515
569
3567

Total Citations Paid (New System)
2099

116
720
355
363
189
110
1853

Citation Collection Rate
81%
64%
60%
59%
37%
19%
53%

Citation Violations Summary
Dates beginning 12/1/2025 through 12/31/2025
Violation Code

Violation Description

Count of Violation Description

201

Parked Overtime

403

203

Parked in Fire Lane

47

205

Disabled Parking Violation

20

206

Travel Trailer Parked in Residental

2

219

Parked Within 30' of a Traffic Control Device

2

219 230 237

Parked Within 30' of a Traffic Control Device Parked in a No Parking Zone Parked Within 15' of Fire Hydrant

1

219 237

Parked Within 30' of a Traffic Control Device Parked Within 15' of Fire Hydrant

1

219 242 237

Parked Within 30' of a Traffic Control Device Parked Left Side Stree/Facing Traffic Parked Within 15' of Fire Hydrant

1

225

Interfering with Enforcement

2

225 248

Interfering with Enforcement Parked on Street for Sale or Repair

1

230

Parked in a No Parking Zone

60

230 242

Parked in a No Parking Zone Parked Left Side Stree/Facing Traffic

3

234

Parked in Loading Zone

1

235

No Parking Zone - RPP

7

236

Wheels over 18" from Curb

12

236 237

Wheels over 18" from Curb Parked Within 15' of Fire Hydrant

1

237

Parked Within 15' of Fire Hydrant

8

237 242

Parked Within 15' of Fire Hydrant Parked Left Side Stree/Facing Traffic

1

238

Double Parked

6

239

Parked Within 20' of Crosswalk

1

239 242

Parked Within 20' of Crosswalk Parked Left Side Stree/Facing Traffic

1

240

Parked in a Lane of Traffic

2

242

Parked Left Side Stree/Facing Traffic

95

242 219

Parked Left Side Stree/Facing Traffic Parked Within 30' of a Traffic Control Device

1

242 237

Parked Left Side Stree/Facing Traffic Parked Within 15' of Fire Hydrant

1

245

Parked on Sidewalk

22

246

Comm. Vehicle in Res. Area

1

251

Backed Into Head-In Angled Parking

19

252
OLD-PNPZ

Head-In into Back-In Angle Parking
Parked in a No Parking Zone

61
1

Grand Total

784

Citation Violations Summary
Dates beginning 1/01/2026 through 1/31/2026
Violation Code

Violation Description

Count of Violation Description

201

Parked Overtime

201 238

Parked Overtime Double Parked

1

201 251

Parked Overtime Backed Into Head-In Angled Parking

1

202

Parked Blocking Bicycle Lane

2

203

Parked in Fire Lane

13

205

Disabled Parking Violation

17

209

Parked Within 4' of a Mailbox

1

219

Parked Within 30' of a Traffic Control Device

1

225

Interfering with Enforcement

2

230

Parked in a No Parking Zone

59

230 209

Parked in a No Parking Zone Parked Within 4' of a Mailbox

1

232

Parked Blocking Crosswalk

2

234

Parked in Loading Zone

2

235

No Parking Zone - RPP

7

236

Wheels over 18" from Curb

4

236 242

Wheels over 18" from Curb Parked Left Side Stree/Facing Traffic

1

237

Parked Within 15' of Fire Hydrant

17

237 219

Parked Within 15' of Fire Hydrant Parked Within 30' of a Traffic Control Device

1

237 242

Parked Within
Within 15'
15' of
of Fire
Fire Hydrant
Hydrant Parked
Parked Left
Left Side
Side Stree/Facing
Stree/Facing Traffic
Traffic Parked
Parked
Within 30' of a Traffic Control Device

1

237 242 219
238

Double Parked

6

240

Parked in a Lane of Traffic

2

242

Parked Left Side Stree/Facing Traffic

58

242 230

Parked Left Side Stree/Facing Traffic Parked in a No Parking Zone

2

242 237

Parked Left Side Stree/Facing Traffic Parked Within 15' of Fire Hydrant

1

245

Parked on Sidewalk

2

248

Parked on Street for Sale or Repair

3

251

Backed Into Head-In Angled Parking

14

252
Head-In into Back-In Angle Parking
Violation Code Violation Description

50
1

Grand Total

397

1

670

City of San Marcos Parking - Income Statement
Operating Income
Off-street Parking Fees
Off-street Parking Fees
Parking Enforcement Fines
Deliquency
Special Event Fees
Residential Parking Permits
Other Operating Income
Total Operating Income

2/28/2025
535
950
34,656

3/31/2025
349
1,900
41,008

4/30/2025
424
(5,150)
38,213

5/31/2025
452
4,180
35,047

6/30/2025
382
40,572

7/31/2025
234
2,090
39,760

8/31/2025
95
2,090
29,292

9/30/2025
410
2,285
3,355

105

115

95

30

165

(115)

25

45

$

36,246

$

43,372

$

33,581

$

39,708

$

41,119

$

41,969

$

31,502

$

6,095

10/31/2025
2,285
22,873

11/30/2025
758
2,285
25,965

$

12/31/2025
475
2,285
43,803

-

25,158

$

-

29,008

$

46,563

1/31/2026 Total
361
4,474
2,285
17,485
31,938
386,480
465
$
34,583 $ 408,903

Operating Expenses

Depreciation Expense
Fuel (Enforcement)
Maintenance and Repairs
Personnel (Enforcement)
Postage
Signage
Software
Supplies
Telephone
Training
Uniforms
Total Operating Expense

1,500
689
15,710
7

1,500
609
15,850
34

$

199
18,105

$

17,596
89
35,677

$

1,500
698
132
17,776
46
4,399
10
192
24,754

Net Operating Income

1,500
653
(34)
19,354
12

1,500
676
15,915
-

1,500
883
16,949
28

1,500
1,054
251
15,020
16

1,500
698
17,760
11

1,500
613
21,491
2

1,500
844
184
15,877
13

1,500
708
925
13,127
-

1,500
546
(179)
13,091
-

$

21,486

$

8,798
726
27,615

$

239
195
19,795

$

10
181
18,032

$

13,197
3,996
361
562
38,086

48,686
68
242
72,602

$

408
181
19,007

$

16,260

$

14,958

$

18,000
8,672
1,279
197,920
170
92,675
4,732
1,006
199
1,723
326,376

$

18,141

$

7,695

$

8,827

$

18,223

$

13,504

$

22,174

$

13,470

$

(31,991) $

(47,444) $

10,000

$

30,303

$

19,626

$

82,527

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

0 $
$

-

Employee Parking Program
Public Works Expense Allocation
Total Other Expense

$

702
7,794
8,496

$

626
7,794
8,420

$

774
7,794
8,568

$

1,183
11,662
12,845

$

550
7,794
8,344

$

658
7,794
8,451

$

586
7,794
8,380

$

80
7,794
7,874

$

732
8,026
8,758

$

626
8,028
8,654

9,460
110,218
119,678

Net Other Expense

$

(8,496) $

(8,420) $

(8,568) $

(12,845) $

(8,344) $

(8,654) $

(119,678)

Net Income

$

9,645 $

(725) $

259 $

5,377 $

5,160 $ 13,722 $

$

Other Income
Parking Fee-in-Lieu
Total Other Income

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0
$

-

$

1,585
11,894
13,479

0
$

-

$

732
8,282
9,014

0

Other Expense

(8,451) $

(8,380) $

(7,874) $

(13,479) $

5,090 $ (39,865) $ (60,923) $

(9,014) $

(8,758) $

986 $ 21,545 $ 10,972 $ (37,152)

PARKING ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION
RESOLUTION NO. RR2026-01RR-PAB
A RECOMMENDATION RESOLUTION OF THE PARKING ADVISORY BOARD REGARDING THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF FOUR RESERVED PARKING SPACES FOR THE SAN MARCOS POLICE
DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE DOWNTOWN AREA AS PROPSED BY THE SAN MARCOS POLICE
DEPARTMENT
WHEREAS, the San Marcos Police Department (SMPD) requests to reserve four (4) on-street parking
spaces within the downtown area from 5:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. to support enhanced downtown security
operations, as further illustrated in Exhibit A, which identifies the map and specific locations of the
proposed reserved parking spaces; and
WHEREAS, the reservation of these parking spaces will improve officer accessibility and response
times, strengthen visible law enforcement presence, and support public safety during peak evening and
late-night activity in the downtown area; and
WHEREAS, reserving these parking spaces during specified hours is consistent with the City’s broader
goals of balancing parking management, mobility, and public safety needs in the downtown area.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PARKING ADVISORY BOARD OF THE CITY OF SAN
MARCOS, TEXAS:
Part 1. The Parking Advisory Board (PAB) supports the San Marcos Police Department’s request to
reserve designated downtown parking spaces in support of enhanced public safety and security
operations, consistent with the Board’s advisory role and prior recommendations.

PASSED AND ADOPTED on _____________, 2026

Attest:

Charles Campbell
Multimodal Parking Initiatives Manager

John David Carson
Chair

EXHIBIT A- San Marcos Police Department Reserved Parking Space Locations

Hopkins Street (Westbound) @ LBJ

LBJ (Northbound) @ San Antonio

Guadalupe St (Southbound) @ Hopkins

Guadalupe St (Southbound) @ San Antonio

TEMPLATE FOR STANDARD CITY BOARD BYLAWS
BYLAWS OF THE

Parking Advisory Board
ARTICLE 1. NAME.
The name of the board is Parking Advisory Board.
ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE AND DUTIES.
The board will serve an advisory function, providing recommendations to the city
manager and city council regarding creation and operation of the parking and transportation
demand management program including, but not limited to, the establishment, modification or
termination of parking benefit districts; on-street parking regulations including areas, hours of
operation, time limits, rates, citations and penalties; off-street parking regulations including
areas, hours of operation, time limits, rates, citations and penalties; parking permit areas and
rates; code and ordinances governing the planning, design, construction, operation and
maintenance of parking facilities; and codes and ordinances governing transportation demand
management policies, programs, or infrastructure investments within any established parking
benefit districts.
The board will develop written guidelines regarding the process for allocation of city
parking benefit district funds, and in accordance with the codes and ordinances governing city
parking benefit districts shall provide oversight for the expenditure of city parking benefit district
funds for the promotion of economic development; transit supporting facilities; active and
shared-use transportation; community vitality; and, quality of life.
The board and its members have no authority to expend funds, make obligations on
behalf of the city or to give instructions to city staff.

ARTICLE 3. MEMBERSHIP.
A. The Parking Advisory Board is composed of seven (7) voting members and two (2) nonvoting city council members appointed by the city council.
B. A member serves at the pleasure of the city council and may be removed if not in
compliance with these bylaws.
C. Qualifications: When considering appointments to the board, the city council shall endeavor
to appoint individuals who represent the variety of downtown stakeholders, and who meet

1

the following qualifications: One member recommended by the Main Street Advisory
Board, one member recommended by the Downtown Association of San Marcos Board, two
members who are either a business owner within the Downtown Parking Benefit District, a
property owner within the Downtown Parking Benefit District, or a resident within the
Downtown Parking Benefit District, three members at-large, and two non-voting city
council members
D. Board members serve for a term of three years beginning March 1st on the year of
appointment. If a member is appointed to fill a vacancy, that member will serve for the
unexpired portion of the term to which they are appointed. All members must complete
required orientation and training as applicable prior to their first meeting.
E. Prior to taking office all newly appointed members shall attend an orientation. This
orientation will include, but may not be limited to, a review of Bylaws, Specific Board
Ordinance and Charge, Open Meetings Act, Public Information Act, Ethics, parliamentary
procedure, how to run a meeting, and procedures on how to file a complaint with the city.
F.

All vacancies shall be filled in accordance with Section 2.071, Vacancies of the City Code
and posted on the city council agenda.

G. Except as specifically duly authorized by their respective board or the City Council, an
individual board member may not:
1) act in an official capacity on behalf of the board;
2) make any representations to third party or any governing body before which such
member appears that the member is authorized to speak for or on behalf of the board; or
3) participate through written or public comment on a matter being considered by another
board or the city council that is an appeal of the decision of or succeeds the
recommendation of the board member’s respective board.
H. Attendance at board meetings shall conform to the requirements outlined in Section 2.069 Absence from meetings of the City Code.
I.

A member who seeks to resign from the board shall submit a written resignation to the chair
of the board and the staff liaison, who shall notify the city clerk’s office. If possible, the
resignation should allow for a thirty-day notice.

J.

Members must comply with Chapter 2, Article 5, Code of Ethics, of the San Marcos City
Code of Ordinances. If, in connection with a decision or matter before the board, a conflict
of interest or appearance of impropriety as to a board member is identified, the affected
member shall:
1) notify the staff liaison who shall provide a conflict-of-interest disclosure form to the
member;
2) complete and submit the conflict-of-interest disclosure form;

2

3) when the matter is taken up by the board, announce the nature of the conflict or
appearance of impropriety;
4) thereafter, leave the room until consideration of the matter is concluded; and
5) abstain from any participation in the matter whether before the board, a city department,
another board or the city council until the matter is finally concluded.
K. In accordance with Chapter 36 of the Texas Penal Code, members of the board shall not
accept gifts from persons in connection with the member’s official duties and
responsibilities.
ARTICLE 4. OFFICERS.
A. The officers of the board shall consist of a chair and a vice-chair.
B.

Officers shall be elected annually by a majority vote of the board at the first regular meeting
on or after March 1 during the agenda item posted for this purpose.
1) In accordance with Section. 12.09 of the City Charter, if the previous chair continues
on the board they will preside over the meeting and conduct the election.
2) If the previous chair is no longer on the board and the vice chair continues on the
board the vice chair will preside over the meeting and conduct the election.
3) If neither the chair nor the vice-chair remains on the board, the staff liaison shall
conduct the election of the chair, at which point the newly elected chair will preside
over the remainder of the meeting, including the election of the vice-chair.

C.

In the event of a vacancy of the chair or vice-chair during the term, the board may hold an
election at the next regular meeting. As needed, the vice-chair shall conduct the election of
the chair, or the chair shall conduct the election of the vice-chair.

D.

The term of office shall be one year, beginning the first day of March and ending the last
day of February.

E.

A member may not hold more than one office at a time.
ARTICLE 5. DUTIES OF OFFICERS.

A. The chair shall be in person at the meeting location, preside at board, review each final
meeting agenda, and execute approved meeting minutes.
B. In the absence of the chair, the vice-chair may preside, if in person, and shall perform all
duties of the chair.
C. In the absence of both the Chair and the Vice-Chair at the meeting location, the board should
elect a temporary chair for that meeting, or until the Chair or Vice-Chair arrives. The staff

3

liaison may conduct the election of a temporary chair, who shall serve only for the current
meeting. The temporary chair must be present at the meeting location.
D. The Chair is responsible for promoting and maintaining order in meetings. The Chair should
ensure adherence to the agenda for the meeting.
E. The Chair should control discussion to ensure that it focuses on the issue and not on any
person. Personal remarks and attacks are not permitted. See also Article 7 (B).
ARTICLE 6. AGENDAS.
A. Agenda items must comply with Article 2. PURPOSE AND DUTIES.
B. The following general order of business should be used for regular meetings of the board:
1. Call to order
2. Roll call
3. Citizen Comments – 3 minutes per speaker
4. Consent Agenda (includes routine items which normally do not need separate
discussion such as minutes from the previous meeting, )
5. Presentations by city staff or outside entities invited by the board
6. Public Hearings as needed
7. Items for action or discussion/direction
8. Reports (report items should be listed individually as needed to comply with Open
Meetings Act requirements)
9. Executive Session (in accordance with Open Meetings Act exceptions)
10. Question and Answer Session.
11. Adjournment
C. The board may only discuss or consider an item on the agenda that is stated within the
assigned scope of work or charge of the board as provided in Article 2.
D. The chair or two or more members may place a discussion item on an agenda for a regular
board meeting no later than 10 business days prior to the meeting. If two or more members
wish to place a discussion item on a meeting agenda, they must separately contact the staff
liaison and the chair in writing or by email with the specific topic. The agenda item must
comply with Article 2 PURPOSE AND DUTIES.
E. After first consulting with and receiving input from the staff liaison, the chair shall review
each final meeting agenda as prepared by the staff liaison. The chair may not remove an
item placed on an agenda by the staff liaison, prior direction of the board under subsection
(B) above or placed on an agenda as a discussion item by two members under subsection (C)
above.
F.

The staff liaison will submit the meeting agenda, and packet as applicable, to the City
Clerk’s Office for posting no later than 72 hours before the meeting. If the 72-hour deadline
should fall on a weekend or holiday it is the responsibility of the staff liaison to provide the

4

meeting agenda to the City Clerk’s Office by noon on the last business day before the
weekend or holiday.
G. Posting of the agenda must comply with Texas Government Code Chapter 551 (Texas Open
Meetings Act).
ARTICLE 7. MEETINGS.
A. The board meetings shall comply with Texas Government Code Chapter 551 (Texas Open
Meetings Act) in that discussion and action is limited to the items listed on the agenda for
this meeting.
B. If a quorum (a majority of the voting members) does not convene within fifteen minutes of
the posted time for the meeting, then the meeting may be cancelled. If there is not a quorum,
no business can be conducted, no votes or action can be taken, and there are no minutes.
C. The board will conduct its meetings by the rules of common courtesy and procedure
identified in Article 10.
D. The Chair should introduce each item as it appears on the agenda, and in the order in which it
appears on the agenda. The Chair may allow items to be considered out of order with the
informal consent of the board.
E. The following types of actions may be taken, or motions can be made during a meeting:
1. Approval - Means the item is approved as proposed.
2. Conditional approval - Means approval for the item will take effect upon the occurrence
of the conditions.
3. Approval as amended - Means the item is approved with changes from the original
proposal.
4. To Table - Means to temporarily delay the consideration of the item while another item
is brought up for consideration.
5. Remove from Table – Means to bring back the previously delayed item for
consideration.
6. Postpone - Means postponement of consideration of the item, either until a definite date
or event, or indefinitely. Action on the item at a subsequent meeting requires the item to
be placed on the agenda for that meeting.
7. Reconsider - Means to reopen discussion of an item that was already acted upon.
Reconsideration may only occur at the same meeting, or at the next meeting after the one
at which the original action occurred. A motion to reconsider may only be made by a
person who voted on the prevailing side on the original action. Reconsideration of an
item at a subsequent meeting requires the item to be placed on the agenda for that
meeting.
8. Withdraw - Made by the person who made the motion. Does not require a formal vote
unless a member objects to the withdrawal.

5

9. Close debate ("calling for the question") – Requires a motion and second and 2/3 vote.
If it passes, a vote is then taken on the motion that was under discussion, without further
debate. If it fails, debate resumes on the motion that was being discussed.
10. Amend - Usually consists of striking out, inserting, adding, or substituting words,
sentences or paragraphs to the subject of the original motion. This motion is voted upon
separately from the original motion.
11. Recess - A temporary break in a meeting may be called by the Chair. This does not
require a formal vote unless a member objects to the recess.
12. Limited discussion or debate - The Chair may establish a reasonable time limit for
consideration of an item, or a reasonable time limit on each person addressing the board,
or upon each board member who comments on an issue. This does not require a formal
vote unless a member objects to the limits.
F. The board shall meet monthly. In October of each year, the board shall adopt a schedule of
the meetings for the upcoming year.
G. Special meetings of the board shall be called by the staff liaison to comply with a statutory
deadline, or a deadline established by Council or by a vote by the board. A special meeting
may be called upon the written request of the chair or three (two for boards of less than 7)
members of the board no more often than once a quarter.
H. Executive sessions are permitted only when they have been posted in advance and conform
to those requirements of the Texas Government Code Chapter 551 (Texas Open Meetings
Act) which pertain to executive sessions.
I.

A majority of the voting membership of the board members constitute a quorum regardless
of vacancies.

J. To be effective, a board action must be adopted by an affirmative vote of the number of
members necessary to provide a quorum.
K. All votes shall be conducted by roll call rather than simple voice vote.
L. The chair has the same voting privilege as any other member. The voting privileges of
members is defined in the Ordinance defining that board.
M. The board will allow citizens to address the board during a period of time set aside for citizen
communications during their regular meeting. Each speaker will be limited to three minutes,
may speak only once per time period, and may not yield time to others. See Section 2.045 of
the City Code for details.
N. The staff liaison shall prepare the meeting minutes. The minutes of each board meeting must
include the vote of each member on each item before the board and indicate whether a
member voted in favor, against, abstained or is absent. Example:
For: Member 1, Member 2, Member 3, Member 4
Against: Member 6

6

Absent: Member 5 (line only needed if someone is absent)
Recused: Member 7 (line only needed if someone has recused)
O. The city clerk shall retain agendas, approved minutes, internal review reports and bylaws.
The Public Works Department shall retain all other board documents. The documents are
public records under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 552 (Texas Public Information
Act).
P. The chair shall adjourn a meeting not later than 10 p.m., unless the board votes to continue
the meeting.
ARTICLE 8. RECOMMENDATIONS.
A. The board is encouraged to provide the city council with advisory recommendations on
matters of city policy within their purpose and duties provided in Article 2 as necessary.
B. In order to communicate recommendations by a board to the City Council, the board must
develop a recommendation resolution. If the recommendation resolution is approved by a
majority of the membership, the staff liaison must submit the recommendation resolution to
the city clerk and city manager for distribution to the city council within 30 days. In
addition, the staff liaison will prepare a cover memo including Staff Recommendations for
Implementation which may include budget impacts, staff time required, and/or other
considerations.
C. The board will submit an annual report to the city clerk by February 28 of each year.
ARTICLE 9. COMMITTEES.
A.

The Parking Advisory Board shall have the following standing committees:
Outreach Committee: The outreach committee will assist in raising awareness and
advocating for programs that align with the objectives and responsibilities of the
Parking Advisory Board.

B. Each committee must be established by an affirmative vote of the board. Each committee
shall consist of at least two, maximum of three (limit of two if the board has less than 7
members) board members approved by the board. A staff member shall be assigned to each
committee by the director of the Public Works Department.
C. A committee may choose the chair, with the members’ consent, but is not required to do so.
D. Quorum requirements do not apply to committees.

7

E. Committees are not required to post their meetings in accordance with the Texas
Government Code Chapter 551 (Texas Open Meetings Act). A quorum of the membership
is not allowed to be present.
F. Each committee shall update the board at least quarterly on their work.
ARTICLE 10. RULES OF COMMON COURTESY AND PROCEDURE.
A. During meetings, members shall preserve order and decorum, and shall not interrupt or
delay proceedings. Board meetings will adhere to Section. 2.046. - Rules of Decorum for
City Council and City Board Meetings of the City Code.
B. Members shall demonstrate respect and courtesy to each other, to city staff members, and to
members of the public appearing before the board.
C. Members shall refrain from rude and derogatory remarks and shall not belittle staff
members, other board members, or members of the public.
D. The Chair should exercise control over persons who abridge this policy or disrupt a meeting
in the following ascending order of action:
1. Call the person to order, advising the person of the infraction.
2. Advise the person that the infraction must cease immediately or the person will be
ordered to leave the meeting.
3. Order the person to leave the meeting. If the offending person is a member of the board,
the Chair shall call for a vote on the expulsion of the member from the meeting.
ARTICLE 11. GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES
A. Personnel Issues: Personnel matters are not within the purview of the Board and are not
appropriate for posting on an agenda, discussion at a meeting, or as a subject for a board
recommendation. Neither the Board nor any of its members shall recommend, instruct or
request the City Manager or any of the City Manager’s subordinates to change the job
qualifications for a current employee, appoint, or remove any person from, office or
employment. The Board and its members are prohibited from giving order to subordinates
of the City Manager either publicly or privately.
B

All Boards shall adhere only to their specific general powers and duties within their
Ordinance, as provided in Article 2.
ARTICLE 12. AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS.

A bylaw amendment is not effective unless approved by the Council Finance and Audit
Committee.

8

The bylaws were approved by the Parking Advisory Board at their meeting held on February
23rd, 2026.

(Signature of Executive or Staff Liaison)

(Title of Executive or Staff Liaison)

9

Table of Contents
Table of Contents .....................................................................................................1
Executive Summary ................................................................................................. 3
Existing Issues & Objectives ..................................................................................... 4
Downtown Parking Recommendation ................................................................. 1512
Technology Recommendation ............................................................................ 2017
Parking Management Staff Recommendation ...................................................... 3431

WORKING Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary
2. Overview of Existing Issues and Parking Management Objectives
o Occupancy Data
o Enforcement Data
o Public Survey Results
3. Paid Parking as a Parking Management Strategy
4. Downtown Parking Benefit District Recommendation
o PBD Overview
o Proposed Geographic Boundaries & Zones
o Proposed Rate Structure and Policies
o Downtown PBD Revenue & Expense Projection / Proforma
o Strategies to Mitigate Spillover Effects, Equity Concerns, etc.
5. Parking Management System and Technology Recommendations
6. Staffing Recommendations
7. Other Parking Ordinance Updates
8. Goals for Communication Plan [Ask CoSM Communications]
o Downtown PBD
o All parking programs (Utility Bills annually, etc.)
9. Implementation Task List and Timeline
APPENDIX ITEMS:
•
•
•
•

Occupancy Data
Enforcement Data
Survey Results
Downtown Parking Benefit District Application

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Existing Issues & Objectives
For more than thirty years, residents, visitors, and downtown businesses – and their employees –
have expressed frustration with parking in downtown San Marcos. Even non-drivers have
complained about the abundant use of the public curb for private vehicles without sufficient
management. And, while there has long been a public outcry to ‘do something about downtown
parking,’ there has not been a consensus on the problem(s) or how to address them.
Before evaluating solutions, the Parking Advisory Board (PAB) endeavored to catalogue the variety
of issues – whether perceived or substantiated – that have been expressed by frustrated downtown
goers. This section first reviews survey data from 2018 and 2025. It then turns to empirical data,
first on enforcement and then on utilization and turnover. The data are drawn from both past
studies as well as more recent updates from 2024 – 2025 by City staff and Texas State University
students. Finally, it ends with a synthesis of the primary issues with downtown on-street parking
and pairs each issue with a Guiding Objective used by the Parking Advisory Board to derive the
proposed recommendations in Section XX.

Public Survey
Survey Context
Despite its seemingly dull nature, parking in America has become an emotional, triggering topic for
many. Anecdote and personal experience often obscure consideration of systematic issues,
especially those that challenge the status quo. The car-dominated landscape of contemporary
development can also create an impractical expectation for parking in downtowns and other
compact, walkable areas. Desires for convenience of parking often ignore the spatial realities of
historic urban cores built before the dominance of automotive transportation. If the city were to
attempt to provide the kind of expansive free parking found in sprawling suburban areas, geometry
would simply dictate the destruction of places like downtown San Marcos. And yet, that
experience colors perspectives and desires. It is therefore understandably difficult for the average
driver to refrain from demanding abundant, free parking at all times and places.
Acknowledging the resulting difficulty for a survey to effectively guide parking policy, the Parking
Advisory Board ultimately favors a data-driven approach that is principally informed by experts and
best practices to assess the performance of downtown parking and develop solutions. That said,
the PAB is not dismissive of the experiences, challenges, and hardships of residents, visitors, and
employees accessing the Downtown by personal vehicle. There are valuable insights to be
captured to better inform parking management policy from surveying the opinions of stakeholders
and residents.
Prior to developing recommendations for downtown parking, the PAB requested that City staff
furnish the most recent downtown parking survey(s) for review and conduct two new ones: one

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open to the general public (called the “Community” survey hereinafter) and another open to
downtown business owners (called the “Stakeholder” survey hereinafter).
2018 DASM Stakeholder Parking Survey
It appears the most “recent” stakeholder survey focused primarily on downtown parking was
conducted in 2018 by the Downtown Association of San Marcos (DASM) shortly after the City first
launched License Plate Recognition (LPR) enforcement. That survey collected 46 responses from
downtown business and property owners and revealed a near even split of opinions of the
implementation of paid parking. However, there were areas of broad agreement. 88% of
respondents stated that the blanket 2-hour time limit was not meeting the needs of customers,
employees, and visitors. 75% responded that, if the City were to implement paid parking, they
would favor a Parking Benefit District where any excess revenue was spent solely on downtown.
Open comments highlighted several sentiments including requests for a public downtown parking
garage, concerns about downtown employees and affordability, a lack of longer stay parking
options, support for alternative transportation, and the need for improvements to enforcement.
2025 City-led Stakeholder Parking Survey
The 2025 surveys largely reinforced public sentiment but did offer some new insights. Beginning
with the Stakeholder survey, the effort collected 41 responses. Of those respondents, 71% of
private businesses indicated they relied almost exclusively on public, on-street parking for
customers and employees. In fact, only 5% indicated they did not rely on public, on-street parking
at all – demonstrating an exceptional reliance on a public asset for private commerce.
When asked to convey their top concern, Stakeholders overwhelmingly highlighted two issues: a
lack of parking availability (46%) and the restricted time limit (32%). However, when asked to
prioritize improvements to on-street parking the issues flipped with 56% favoring more “options for
parking on-street longer than two hours” and 32% prioritizing “increased availability of short-term
parking.” It is notable that just over a third of responses to this question selected answers that
related to enhanced enforcement and stiffer consequences for violating parking ordinances. And,
consistent with the DASM survey, respondents were split on whether paid parking would benefit
them with 56% responding with “Yes” or “Indifferent” and 44% responding “No.”
For any funds generated by paid parking or a Parking Benefit District, Stakeholders showed a clear
preference for creating additional public off-street parking and expanding employee programs and
enhancing downtown maintenance, safety, and security.
In terms of framing the perspectives of stakeholder respondents, 65% were affiliated with a
business north of Hopkins, 68% operated an entertainment or restaurant business, and 50% felt
there was “minimal or no parking available.” The respondent pool was deemed too small for any
statistically significant assessment of cross tabulation group analysis.
Open responses referenced similar themes to the 2018 DASM survey, including concern for
employee parking, the impact paid parking could have on their business, some skepticism that
parking revenues would be spent downtown, notes regarding overnight parking by residents and
5

guests of downtown housing, and continued references to the desire for a downtown public
garage. Several respondents expressed support for paid parking but with an exemption for their
employees.
2025 City-Led Community Survey
The open Community Survey received the most sizable data set with 574 respondents,
predominately (69%) from residents that visit downtown but do not live or work there. Only 66
responses came from non-residents and 99 (17%) from Texas State University students.
Interestingly, nearly 70% felt that parking was “Sometimes” or “Always” available, though when
asked to identify the top issue with downtown parking 55% indicated a “Lack of parking
availability.” While most respondents indicated daytime parking (8AM – 5PM) nearly 2/3rds (64%)
also indicated they used parking during the 5PM to 10PM hours and 20% stated they visit very late
night / early morning.
Like the Stakeholders, many (17%) noted support for downtown parking funds being spent on
“additional public off-street parking” but there was collectively strong support for non-automotive
transportation modes led by expanding pedestrian (14%), transit (10%), and bike (8%)
infrastructure which would be supported by enhanced streetscaping (13%).
On the matter of paid parking, the likely payers were similarly split on paid parking with 53% noting
opposition and 47% supporting or expressing indifference. When considering this query was
asking users to pay for a currently “free” service, these responses were viewed as surprisingly
favorable to paid parking by some on the PAB.
The PAB expressed interest in isolating the responses of non-residents as a proxy for tourism. Most
(77%) indicated they came Downtown primarily for Dinning and Entertaining or Shopping. 64% of
this response group supported paid parking with proceeds used for Downtown improvements and
50% indicated their top priority was pedestrian improvements.
Open comments in the Community Survey varied somewhat from the Stakeholder responses with
more respondents referencing students parking downtown to access campus, notes regarding
safety issues when maneuvering vehicles that are parking or exiting a space, and many that noted
their openness to paying was dependent on the pricing.
Some commenters indicated that they’d be more likely to come downtown with paid parking
creating more available spaces. Other comments indicated they’d be less likely to come
downtown if they had to pay. Still others wanted on-street parking to remain free but with the
addition of paid garages, a recommendation in conflict with parking research and best practice.
A significant number of comments questioned whether there was even a parking problem as much
as an issue with people not being willing to walk a modest distance. Others encouraged less

6

dedication of downtown space to vehicles, whether parked or moving, and asked the City to
prioritize housing, transit, and alternative forms of mobility in the core.
Perhaps more than the percentages themselves, the open comments of all the surveys highlighted
for the Parking Advisory Board the challenges with forming parking policy based predominately on
public sentiment.
Summary of Survey Insights
• Extreme reliance on free use of a public asset for commercial purposes
• Lack of longer stay options felt to be harming businesses
• A near even split on whether paid parking is desired
• Clear support for a parking benefit district, if paid parking is implemented
• Desire for more off-street supply and increased turnover of on-street spaces
• Otherwise divergent priorities for use of parking revenues with Stakeholders favoring safety
and maintenance and the Community favoring streetscape and alternative transportation
• Caution basing parking policy on public sentiment outside points of clear consensus

Enforcement Protocols and Data Analysis
San Marcos has modernized its enforcement technology and processes over the years, including
the deployment of mobile License Plate Recognition to scan parked vehicles during regulated time
periods, and flag potential violations for ticketing. The City recently upgraded both its enforcement
software and hardware, which are discussed in more detail in Section XX. Additionally, the parking
enforcement function has also evolved in recent years by transitioning primary enforcement from
the San Marcos Police Department to the City Marshal’s Office, which is discussed in more detail
in Section XX regarding Staffing Recommendations. And finally, a 2024 update of citation fees and
immobilization (aka ‘booting) policies and the 2025 roll-out of Barnacle1 immobilization devices for
exceptionally delinquent parkers have added more consequence to parking violations.
The result has been a material increase in the percentage of citations paid. While the City’s
backend reporting module has not historically facilitated precise matching of the date of citation to
date of payment, the City has been tracking paid vs. issued citations monthly since at least April
2019 (per Jan 2022 PAB Agenda Packet). The 2019 average collection rate was just 33%, meaning
two out of every three parking citations were simply ignored by the violator. In contrast, through
July of 2025 the average collection rate had increased to 68%.
[Insert Enforcement Chart from August 2025 PAB Packet]
This is marked improvement toward a goal of policy compliance, but room for improvement
remains. Industry targets for collection rates vary substantially based on the mechanisms the
ticketing entity has at its disposal. Generally, parking citations are a civil offense in San Marcos
A modern immobilization device that fully obscures a vehicle’s window shield until removed by the offender
upon credit card payment. The device includes GPS tracking and must be returned after removal.
1

7

without the ability to place a hold on vehicular registration renewals. However, the City has gained
the ability to look up registered owners and mail collection notices to the registered owner of
vehicles with unpaid tickets. Taken together, the Parking Advisory Board believes the City of
San Marcos should target a collection rate of at least 80%.
Effective and respected enforcement is a prerequisite for a parking operation that ensures
compliance to City parking ordinances without providing additional taxpayer burden, but it is not
sufficient on its own for efficient, equitable management of the valuable space along the
Downtown public curb. To fully assess the efficacy of a parking management program, utilization
and financial data must be gathered and analyzed.

Parking Data Collection and Analysis
There are over 50 parking violation codes monitored by parking enforcement, but most citations
relate to overstaying the nearly blanket 2-hour maximum parking stay in downtown. Three common
metrics for assessing compliance with parking time limits (whether paid or unpaid) are Occupancy,
Turnover, and Violation Rate. For the purposes of this report, “Occupancy” refers to the
percentage of parking spaces on a block-face that are occupied at the time of measurement.
“Turnover” refers to the number of vehicles that use a typical parking space within a studied area
over a given time, which for the 2018 Kimely-Horn study was per regulated day from 9AM – 5PM.
Overtime “Violation rate” is the number of vehicles in violation of regulated time limits.
Industry targets for these metrics may vary by circumstance, but the generally accepted heuristic is
to avoid exceeding an 85% average occupancy on any block-face. This number ensures public
parking assets are well-utilized while an open space or two remain available for new parkers
arriving at their destination. Targets for turnover and violation are less established, but the report
conducted by Kimley-Horn for the City suggested a target of five to seven vehicle “turns” per day
per space and a Violation Rate of 3 – 5%.
In August and September of 2018 (one day each month), Kimley-Horn conducted an analysis of the
City’s License Plate Recognition system and spot readings of select high-demand blocks to
extrapolate occupancy, turnover, and violation rates at 10AM, 1PM and 7PM. A more detailed
breakdown of their results can be found in the source study, but Kimley-Horn reported the peak
collection hour during its 2018 collection effort to be 1PM with an overall downtown parking
occupancy rate of 70% but with 19 high-demand blocks exceeding 85% Occupancy and those
over-threshold spaces representing 42% of the 722 spaces included in their study. Kimley-Horn
also conducted some limited analysis of Turnover at only 2.3 vehicles per space per day and of
Overtime Violation Rate at 11%.
While the 2018 data was informative and supported Kimley-Horn’s recommendation to implement
paid parking at that time, it is now out of date. Current staff and the Parking Advisory Board desired
both a more up-to-date and thorough study. A combination of City parking staff and Texas State
University students enrolled in GEO 4356 Urban Infrastructure Management completed “feet-to-

8

pavement” direct observational counts in 2024 and 20252. Those data collections included
observations during early morning, weekend, and late-night hours which Kimley-Horn had not
included. These systematic counts were completed along a prescribed, consistent route for
observation with each discrete collection event taking 90 to 120 minutes.
The 2024 collection was completed by City staff across 16 individual observations between
February and September surveying the 867 catalogued downtown parking spaces at various
periods Monday through Saturday from 10AM to 7PM. Subsequently, from September to October
2025, Texas State University students collected 63 unique observations3 of 787 parking spaces with
collection days and times aimed at filling in data gaps in the early morning (6AM), Thursday –
Saturday nights (8PM and Midnight), and Saturday daytime (1PM). Collectively, these latest data
collection efforts represented over 3,000 individual block observations and created a data set for
parking analysis previously unavailable.
For actionable results, Turnover and Overtime Violation Rate require continuous monitoring either
by sophisticated fixed cameras or manual collection over the consistent time period. Conducting
these methods across the study area are beyond the current resources of the City, but spot
analysis may be useful in the future to validate the success or shortcomings of any
recommendations.
The PAB focused on analyzing occupancy across several dimensions: overall, per block for 50
blocks, across parking zones, by time of day, and by day of week. Detailed result tables are
included in the Appendix but will be discussed in more detail in this section.
For analysis, Average Occupancy was placed into bands matching those originally established by
Kimley-Horn:
• RED: Greater than 90% indicating parking demand is in severe need of management
• ORANGE: Greater than 85% indicating occupancy that exceeds industry best-practice
• YELLOW: Greater than 75% indicating a well-used public resource to monitor
• GREEN: Greater than 50% indicating ample parking availability
• BLUES: Less than 50% indicating a block with open capacity
First, Kimley-Horn’s 2018 observed single afternoon peak weekday4 occupancy was compared to
the average weekday afternoon occupancy collected in 2024-2025. Occupancy was observed to
increase from 70 → 78% and 19 → 26 blocks were observed with occupancy above the 85%

2

A 2023 collection exercise was also completed by Texas State students and delivered key insights into collection methodologies, but
its data is excluded as a more honed process was utilized for the 2024 and 2025 collections
3
For student collections, multiple students collected during the same periods for comparative and accuracy purposes. Some student
observations were excised from the data set where outlier information indicated the rigor of the sample may not be sufficient
4
As noted, Kimley-Horn reported a peak at 1PM on a weekday. 2024-2025 weekday afternoon collections were conducted at 2PM and
the average of all collected 2PM readings are utilized for the comparison instead of simple one peak day

9

threshold. Those 26 blocks represent 52% of blocks and 50% of the observed spaces in the 20242025 study.

Expanding out to all measured time periods from the 2024-2025 collection 10AM to Midnight5, the
overall downtown average occupancy was measured 76% with 36% of blocks 18 blocks exceeding
the 85% threshold.

Notable, the number of blocks averaging above 85% occupancy is nearly 50% (24 blocks) when
evaluating whether a block averaged over 85% during either the current regulated period (M-F, 8AM
– 5PM) or “After Hours” (Thursday/Friday after 5PM and all day Saturday). [Note that this collection
is comparing average occupancies across all days and times period collected, not only at the
afternoon weekday peak as in the prior paragraph.]
Based on a visual analysis of blocks exceeding the 85% during currently regulated times, the
Parking Advisory Board grouped blocks into three parking areas, as shown in the map within the
Recommendations Section XX. A Core Zone includes the main courthouse square and is generally
bound by University Dr. to the north, LBJ Dr. to the east, San Antonio St. to the south, and
Fredericksburg St. to the west. A North Zone includes all blocks north of Hopkins St., excluding
those in the Core Zone, and a South Zone includes all blocks south of Hopkins St., excluding those
in the Core Zone. These zones were used in the analysis of days of the week and times of day to
inform final recommendations.
During the weekday, peak occupancy is observed in the North zone measuring at nearly 95%
across all northern blocks at 11AM, dipping slightly over lunch, and then returning to near 90%
during the 2PM collection. These results support the thesis that public, free downtown parking
closer to Texas State campus is being used for access to the University.

5

6AM excluded as an outlier collection period with limited on-street parking use

10

While only exceeding the 85% threshold during 8PM collections (taken Thursday and Friday
evenings), the Core zone demonstrated the most consistent occupancy demand throughout the
weekday and the South zone had the lowest parking demand pressures.
A different picture emerges in the late-night hours of Friday through Saturday at midnight. One of
the key additional insights gleaned from the 2025 samples is that the midnight parking
occupancies were among the highest of all the collected time periods. Perhaps surprisingly,
the late-night demand extends well into the South zone boosting its overall occupancy almost
identical to the Core at midnight. Demand in the North Zone wanes noticeably after hours.
Thursday midnight collections were not taken, but are assumed to also show elevated parking
demand based on anecdotal reports.

Conversely, there were more limited instances of early morning (i.e., 6AM) occupancy exceeding
the industry target of 85% across zones, though certain blocks did show indications of relatively
high 6AM occupancy indicative of some downtown residents using on-street parking for regular
vehicular storage that could be detrimental to adjacent businesses’ morning customer base.

11

Blocks near or above 50% occupancy at 6AM were limited to the following, all being near Texas
State campus, dormitories, or downtown residential complexes. Occupancies were generally
below 60% except directly abutting Texas State University where some counts may have
incorporated Texas State-owned parking spaces into the counts:
• San Antonio between Guadalupe & Fredericksburg
• San Antonio between Fredericksburg & Comanche
• Comanche between Lindsey & Pat Garrison
• Lindsey between Comanche & Fredericksburg
• North St. between Burleson & Lindsey
• N. LBJ between University and Concho
• Concho between N. LBJ & Guadalupe
• Fredericksburg between Pat Garisson & Lindsey
• Hutchison between Comanche & North St.
• S. Guadalupe between MLK and the Railroad Tracks
• MLK between Guadalupe and Fredericksburg
Given the breadth and collection methods, the Parking Advisory Board has a level of confidence in
the utilization data collected by City staff and Texas State students in 2025. While the Kimley-Horn
data from 2018 has served as a useful benchmark, the comprehensive nature of this collection
provides a firmer foundation off which the Parking Advisory Board can draw conclusions about
existing conditions and derive recommendations toward a more effective public parking program
for the future.
Despite substantial the improvements in enforcement since 2019 described above, the 2024
and 2025 data demonstrate deteriorating conditions and utilization far above recommended
industry targets during peak demand periods, particularly daytime in the Core and North Zone
and in the Core and South Zones at the midnight collection. While early morning parking
occupancies were generally low overall, some blocks indicate overnight residential parking
use that may impede morning access to downtown businesses. These observations support
the case for additional parking management strategies beyond enforcement alone.

12

Parking’s Impact on City Finances
[Insert commentary on Parking Income Statement reviews conducted by PAB.]

Issue Summary
•

•
•
•

•
•
•

•

Limited Parking Availability Hinders Access to Downtown Businesses: Occupancy
exceeds industry recommendation on nearly all blocks north of Hopkins and in select other
areas; 2-hour time limit accommodates non-customer uses, such as parking for visits to
Texas State campus or long-term residential use
Overstaying Time Limits: Overstay rate double industry standard. University, overnight,
and employee parking are contributing factors.
Limited Longer-stay Options: No / limited options for parking needs greater than 2-hours;
limited incentive for off-street lots
Loopholes & No Consequences: Cumbersome old immobilization tech; Tolerance for
what is known as “musical chairs” which refers to the practice of drivers relatedly shifting
their vehicle to nearby spaces to avoid exceeding the 2-hour parking lime; Collection rate
well-below target
Technology Limitations: Existing tech/software does not facilitate collection or accurately
capture occupancy data without manual process
Public Support: Motorists have culture of non-compliance without consequence. Public
may view paid parking as extractive vs. supportive
Inequity: Lack of access to downtown due to parking; parking fines may impact certain
groups; current system socializes public parking costs instead of allocating to motorists
[Staff study of census tracts pending]
Financial Burden on City

Guiding Objectives
•

•
•
•
•
•

Limited Parking Availability → Increase on-street availability to 1-2 spaces on all blocks
(85% industry standard), prioritize customers; support alternative transportation options
that reduce parking demand; guide users to areas with available spaces
Overstaying Time Limits→ Increase enforcement efficiency and efficacy; add options for
needs >2 hours; target overstay violation rate: <5%
Limited Longer-stay Options → Create options for longer-stay customer parking; support
more employee parking options; encourage use of underutilized off-street lots
Loopholes & No Consequences → Modernize policies to better support enforcement;
deploy modern immobilization tools. Target 80% collection rate
Technology Limitations → Upgrade enforcement tech to enable automated mailing of
past-due notices; pilot solutions for automated occupancy data collection
Public Support → Demonstrate benefits to parking availability; expand parking options;
reinvest revenues to enhance downtown; publicize successes

13

•

Inequity → Add parking options and enhance alternative transportation to expand
downtown access. Reduce total fines by increasing compliance. Investigate tools such as
discounts, grace periods, etc. to promote equity. Fund programs via user-motorists, not
general public

14

Downtown Parking Recommendation
Overview
The Parking Advisory Board recommends that a Downtown Parking Benefit District (PBD) and a
municipal paid parking program be implemented to manage both on-street parking spaces and
publicly available off-street lots in downtown. This program would maintain free parking time for
short stays while introducing the ability for downtown drivers to pay for extended stays – rather
than forcing them to move their vehicle every two hours as required by current policies. City
residents that register their vehicle would receive a 25% discount to hourly rates. Businesses
would also have the opportunity to buy/validate parking for their customers at the discounted 25%
rate. Downtown employees would gain access to a permit program for off-street and some limited
on-street spaces. To maintain access for all, the Parking Advisory Board recommends that
accessible (ADA) spaces and parking for low-income City residents be free.

Parking Benefit District
A parking benefit district (PBD) is designed to ensure that the revenues generated from paid parking
are used within the area where the paid parking is located. They are considered a parking
management best practice because they link payment to the resources and areas the user is
using—you’re paying to park downtown to experience downtown, and a PBD ensures that your
payment gets reinvested back in downtown.
San Marcos passed a parking benefit district ordinance in January 2024. In the ordinance parking
benefit districts are defined as areas in which a percentage of revenues generated will go to fund
improvements that:
1) Promote walking, cycling, and public transit
2) Enhance the public realm
3) Improve parking efficiency or availability
Under the ordinance, districts need to include at least 100 potential paid parking spaces. They can
be created by city council, either on their own initiative or by recommendation from another board
or commission. Each district requires a separate ordinance, and there are no PBDs currently in San
Marcos. If one is established, revenues first go to cover the costs of operating the district. Once
costs are covered, not less than 80% of revenue remaining will be reinvested in the district.
Establishing a PBD for downtown would create a stable revenue stream for downtown
improvements, like street trees, sidewalks, and maintenance workers, freeing up tax dollars
currently spent on these items to go to other parts of the city. It also provides a potential revenue
stream for any future bonds necessary to expand parking availability.

15

Parking Regulation Specifics: Hours, Geographies, and Rates
Hours
Based on its review of existing parking demand and utilization information, the Parking Advisory
Board recommends that paid parking would be enforced 8am-5pm Monday-Thursday and 8ammidnight Friday-Saturday. Parking would be free on Sunday.
Geographies
The recommendation divides downtown into three parking zones:
• A Downtown Core bounded by University Dr. and San Antonio St. to the north and south
and Fredericksburg St. and Lyndon Baines Johnson Dr. (LBJ) to the west and east
• A North of Hopkins area running from Hopkins St. up to the Texas State University campus,
bounded on the west by Moore St. and on the east by CM Allen Pkwy
• A South of Hopkins area that extends south from Hopkins to one block south of the Moore
St / North St / San Antonio St intersection along San Antonio to Commanche, down
Commanche to Martin Luthur King Jr. Blvd (MLK), over to Guadalupe St, down Guadalupe St
to Cheatham St, and over to CM Allan Pkwy
[Insert map]
Map #
These zones were created after analyzing the existing demand and utilization patterns of downtown
parking with a goal of promoting more turnover along the most heavily trafficked blocks and
incentivizing longer-stay parkers to utilize parking spaces with less demand. Because students,
teachers, and guests of the University substantially increase the demand for long-term parking
near campus, the Downtown Core and the North of Hopkins area are recommended to have 30
minutes of free time, while the South of Downtown zone would have 60 minutes free.
On-Street Hourly Rates and Time Limits
Across all of downtown, the first paid hour (after the applicable free time) would be $1. In the
Downtown Core, where current parking space utilization frequently nears 100%, additional hours
would increase to $2/hr, up to a maximum of 8.5 hours per parking session. Outside of the
Downtown Core, the rate would be $1/hr, up to a maximum parking session of 12 hours. Parking
maximums would be inclusive of any free-time applicable, and parking would be sold only in
increments of $1.
To discourage most residents of downtown from using on-street parking for long-term vehicle
storage that reduces available space for downtown businesses and visitors, the Parking Advisory
Board recommends eliminating free overnight parking in the downtown. To accommodate special
circumstances and discourage intoxicated driving, overnight parking would continue to be allowed
for a fee. Overnight parking rates would allow parking from midnight to noon for $15 in the
Downtown Core and $10 in other parking zones.
Resident Discount
The Parking Advisory Board recommends that residents of the City be eligible to register their
vehicle license plate and receive a 25% discount to the posted rates. The registration should be
16

integrated with existing city parking programs that provide parking benefits to City residents, such
as the City Park permit program to reduce administrative burden on the citizenry and staff. Any
resident that enrolls in either program should automatically receive the benefits of the other. As
discussed further in the Technology Recommendation, to receive the discount residents may need
to pay via mobile app or website instead of an on-street pay station based on technical limitations.
Downtown Business Validation
While not required of any business, the Parking Advisory Board recommends the City deploy an
option for downtown businesses to offset part or all of any paid parking charges for their
customers. This is commonly referred to as “validating” a customer’s parking. The functionality of
this feature and deployment options are discussed in further detail in the Technology
Recommendation, but it is recommended that downtown businesses be able to purchase
validations on behalf of their customers at the same 25% discount available to residents.
On-Street Permits
For downtown businesses (and a limited number of downtown residents6), the Parking Advisory
Board recommends a permit system in which businesses can pay $75/month to park in select onstreet spaces which have historically seen lower demand7. Permits will be allocated annually, with
one permit per qualified applicant until supply runs out. If there are more permits than applicants,
additional permits would be allocated by business size and available off-street parking —
businesses with no other parking options would be prioritized over those with some available
parking. On-street parking spaces would also be available to hourly parkers so on-street permit
holders would not be guaranteed an available spot, but an on-street permit would provide a
significant discount to the hourly parking rates.
The recommended permit rate of $75 / month is believed to be below market rate, but the Parking
Advisory Board recommends this reduced rate be maintained for at least the first two years to help
ease the transition for downtown employers and employees. While the limited number of resident
on-street permits will be valid 24/7/365, on-street business permits cannot be used for overnight
parking. All permits are non-transferable but may be reassigned to a different license plate no more
than once per month.
Off-Street Permits and the Employee Parking Pilot Program
In addition to the on-street permits, the Parking Advisory Board is also recommending that the city
implement a permit system across three of the four surface parking lots it currently owns or
partially leases. The lot at Hopkins St. and CM Allen Pkwy, which is currently used for the Employee
Parking Pilot Program (EP3), would initially be priced at $__/month for unreserved spaces and
$__/month for reserved spaces. Two other lots would only have unreserved options, but both would
be open to the EP3 as well. The lot at the corner of MLK and S LBJ would be priced at $__/month.
Because it is in the higher demand Downtown Core, the lot at Hutchinson St. and Guadalupe St.
would be priced at $__/month. The EP3 would continue, with the city subsidizing 50% of the cost
for qualifying downtown businesses.

6

Only residents of an existing 6-plex or smaller residential property without an off-street parking space for their unit
(See Map #, but generally available on Hutchinson St. between North St. and Blanco St.; Fredericksburg St. south of San Antonio St.
and north of MLK; MLK between Fredericksburg St. and Guadalupe St.; Guadalupe between MLK and the railroad tracks; S LBJ inbetween the railroad tracks; Edward Gary south of San Antonio St.; and, San Antonio St between Edward Gary St and CM Allen Pkwy).
7

17

After the Kissing Alley construction project is completed, the Parking Advisory Board recommends
that the existing surface parking lot leased from Texas State University and adjacent to the current
Fire Station on the south side of Hutchinson between Guadalupe St. and LBJ become an hourly offstreet parking lot open to all with pricing that matches the North of Hopkins zone.

Parking Manager Adjustments
The hours of enforcement and rates stated above are the Parking Advisory Board’s
recommendation for the initial implementation. Despite the care and thought that have been put
into this recommendation, it is possible that situations may arise in which modifications to the
hours and rates are necessitated for the efficient and equitable administration of the Parking
Benefit District.
As such, the Parking Advisory Board recommends that the Parking Manager be empowered to
modify the hours and rates within predefined ranges. The Parking Manager would be permitted to
take immediate action to change a rate; however, the Parking Manager must bring any changes to
the Parking Advisory Board for ratification at its next regularly scheduled meeting. Additionally, it is
recommended that City Council review the Downtown Parking Benefit District’s policies, including
hours and rates, no less than every three years.
The recommended Parking Manager Authorized Ranges are: Hourly Rates (free to $4/hr.); Permit
Rate ($5 to $150 per month); Maximum Hourly Parking Time (2 to 12 hours); Maximum On-Street
Permit Time (2 days to Unlimited); Hours of Enforcement (All Days/Hours, except Sunday).

Strategies to address spillovers and equity concerns
Spillovers
A major consideration for paid parking programs is what happens just outside the boundaries. If
boundaries are drawn too small, drivers park just outside the regulated area and walk creating
spillover problems for residents of those streets. To mitigate potential spillovers, the Parking
Advisory Board recommendation covers all of downtown (not just the highest occupancy areas)
and uses the zones to adjust rates and regulations to match demand for different areas. Even so,
there could be potential spillover effects to the East Guadalupe, Dunbar, and Heritage
neighborhoods. For these neighborhoods, the Parking Advisory Board recommends that revenues
from Parking Benefit District be used to cover the Residential Parking Zone application fees (if any)
and ongoing permit costs of any residents that live within a Residential Parking Zone established or
proposed within a ¼ mile of the proposed Parking Benefit District. The decision to form a
Residential Parking Zone would continue to sit with the residents of each block per existing City
ordinance.
ADA accessibility
The Parking Advisory Board recommends that ADA spaces remain free, and that a vehicle with an
accessibility tag may remain parked in an ADA space up to the maximum time of the applicable
parking zone (i.e., 8.5 or 12 hours). If this results in difficulties for other ADA permit holders, the
Parking Manager is authorized to reduce the maximum time as per the Parking Manager Adjustment
policy.

18

Preserving access for low-income neighbors
The Parking Advisory Board recommends that residents who are already registered with the city for
other forms of assistance (e.g. residents of the housing authority, section 8 voucher recipients,
utility assistance, WIC) be eligible to request either a unique code to use for free downtown parking
or a free permit attached to their license plate, depending on what technology ends up being most
effective at the time of implementation. As with ADA, the free spaces would be valid up to the
maximum time of the applicable parking zone. If this results in difficulties for other permit holders,
the parking manager is authorized to reduce the maximum time as per the Parking Manager
Adjustment policy.

Parking Benefit District Revenue & Expense Projections
Section pending

19

Technology Recommendation
Objective:
Reliable access to parking can be vital to residents and visitors moving about a city. A wellmanaged public curb and parking resources helps promote equitable public access to goods,
services, entertainment, and opportunity. Historically, San Marcos has not had the capacity to
manage a complete public parking system; but, as it has hired experienced parking personnel and
built organizational capability, the city has now positioned itself to move forward with the
development of a more robust parking management system. This document provides
recommendations for the technology needed to support this work, with the goal of providing
seamless, efficient, centralized, and transparent public parking services across the city.

Recommendation Summary
•

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Implement a Parking Management System that requires vendors to utilize Open APIs
o System modules include Enforcement, Payment, Permits, Validation, and Reporting
o Customer interfaces include a parking website, mobile app, and physical meters
Track parking sessions via LPR (license plate recognition) (i.e., no physical tags or tickets)
Enhance enforcement with ticket-by-mail and defined enforcement zones
Consolidate all payment interactions (e.g., fine payment, rate payment, permit payment) to
a consistent user interface experience
Ensure customer interfaces are natively bilingual (English-Spanish) with more languages via
automation
Deploy some physical parking meters for accessibility, but predominately configure system
for digital payments (i.e., web or mobile app)
Use pay-by-app and website to unlock modern parking features beyond meter capabilities
Acquire a stand-alone URL, such as ParkSMTX.com, that prioritizes clear customer
interactions and transactions. Link back to main City website for policy documentation
Maintain limited in-person and by-phone payment options
Merge all permit types (e.g. parks, residential, any future paid parking) into a single system
and interface for consistent and clear customer relationship management
Implement a validation module that allows the City to provide discounts (e.g., to residents)
and businesses to offset all or a portion of customer parking, if they so choose
Create Parking Management Dashboard(s) that track Key Performance Indicators that map
to the City’s Parking Management Goals
Create Parking Benefit Districts and a more robust series of general ledger codes to more
precisely track financial performance of municipal parking management
Continually monitor the market for new parking technologies, such as real-time fixed
occupancy sensors, that can provide multi-purpose benefits to Parking Management
Investigate innovations such as electronic user notification prior to citations and using lightduty, zero-emission vehicles (e.g., ebikes, eCab, LSV) for downtown LPR scans
20

Introduction to Parking Management System Technology
Parking management technology has evolved significantly since the days of chalking tires to
measure time-of-stay and feeding coins into single-space meters. Digitalization and automation
have become commonplace, but capabilities continue to rapidly evolve and the City must take
care in selecting both the specific features to deploy as well as the underlying system architecture.
This document is intended to catalogue the various components of a modern parking management
system and provide the Parking Advisory Board’s recommended technology, both hardware and
software, to modernize the City’s parking management.
Proprietary Systems vs. Open APIs
Generally, systems can be divided in two structures:
1. Proprietary Systems where a single vendor controls the entire suite of parking management
system modules (e.g., Enforcement, Payment, Permitting, etc.)
2. Open Application Programing Interfaces (API) Based Systems where system modules from
various vendors and service providers can share information and interoperate to create a
complete parking management system
A proprietary system delivers a single point of contact for vendor management, but typically with a
less diverse feature set and limited flexibly to adapt or improve the system with the agility often
required to tune parking policy. In practice, a hybrid system may be deployed where a primary vendor
provides most modules and interfaces but utilizes open APIs that allows for some modules,
interfaces, or features to be provided by another vendor.
The Parking Advisory Board (PAB) recommends the City implement a parking management
technology architecture based on Open APIs and standardized data formats. This approach
expands opportunities for parking operation to benefit from evolving best-in-class solutions
available for each module and minimizes lock-in to a single provider, regardless of how many
vendor(s) are ultimately awarded initial contract(s).
Systems & Features vs. Process
Generally, this document is focused on systems and features and not the specific processes for
implementation. For example, the PAB will recommend herein a type of physical meter and priority
features it should have; however, it will not detail the process flows of completing a payment at a
meter. Process flows can be vendor-specific and are best left for a future implementation phase.
Trade-offs and Priority Features
Even with a Parking Management System based on Open APIs, the City should be prepared that it is
unlikely every recommendation in this document can be feasibly deployed, even mixing and
matching best-in-class vendors for the various modules of the system.
Feature parity may eventually come to the industry, but parking management systems continue to
rapidly change, and industry-wide adoption of new features takes time. Further, the specific
configuration of some desired features described herein may not (yet) be available from any vendor
or require cost-prohibitive customizations. As such, certain “Priority” features are highlighted in this
document with an ❉ to help manage future decisions when trade-offs are identified.

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Overview of Parking Management Systems Modules and Customer Interfaces
Parking Management System Modules
The Parking Advisory Board has identified the following modules of parking management systems:
• Enforcement: The enforcement module must integrate hardware and software for tracking
vehicle stays in real-time, issuing citations when required, and collecting data on utilization
of public parking facilities. It must be accurate and user-friendly for the City’s parking
technicians and managers. The enforcement module must also be able to track delinquency
for unpaid fees/rates/citations and assist with collections or other enforcement action, such
as immobilization. Frequently, this module forms the heart of the parking management
system, synthesizing information from other modules to apply the parking polices that apply
to each parking session.
• Payment: The payment module must be able to efficiently charge and receive payments
from motorists based on information received from other modules. The City will need to
receive payments for parking fines/penalties as well as fees/rates. It is important to provide
motorists multiple payment interfaces such as a website, mobile app, meter, and other inperson locations.
• Permit: The permitting module should allow the City flexibility to create programs which
provide certain vehicles special entitlement either to utilize restricted public parking
facilities or to use standard public parking facilities under special terms.
• Validation: A validation module may be required to provide third parties an opportunity to
pay for other motorists parking fees/rates (such as a business owner paying for its
customer’s time) or to provide discounts to motorists that quality (such as residents).
• Reporting: A reporting module can be important to aggregate data from the various other
modules, commonly in the form of a dashboard. Monitoring and managing to key parking
performance indicators is critical to an efficient use of the public curb. A public dashboard
or data reporting can be useful in communicating the benefits and purpose of a robust
parking management program to citizens.
Each of these modules will receive a section below with specific recommendations from the PAB.
Ideally, a single-vendor or platform would control each module as defined in this document.
Customer Interfaces
Motorists will need to interact with these modules indirectly through interfaces. The primary
interfaces contemplated by this document are:
• Physical Meter (aka Pay-Station) ❉: A meter or pay-station enables a motorist to pay
parking rates in person at the time of parking.
• Mobile App: A mobile app can increase user convenience, expand feature sets not available
at a meter, and accommodate motorist that do not have access to a PC or full web browser.
•

Parking Website❉: The City’s parking website should endeavor to allow a motorist to
complete most City parking transactions in one place. It should also contain or link to all
information available regarding public parking facilities and policies.

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Text, phone, or in-person interactions should also be available but will typically direct the user (or
city staff member) to utilize one of the primary interfaces above to complete a transaction.

Enforcement Module
Existing Conditions
The City of San Marcos currently uses a License Plate Recognition (LPR) camera system for on-street
parking compliance. The LPR system uses cameras mounted on enforcement vehicles to
automatically read license plates and track parking durations. This technology helps ensure vehicles
comply with the 2- and 4-hour parking ordinance regulations by identifying and flagging vehicles that
have overstayed the permitted time limits. Parking Enforcement (a part of the City Code Compliance
department) utilizes a mobile license plate recognition system to patrol the on-street paid parking
and permit areas.
This LPR enforcement system captures the vehicle’s license plate info, GPS location, original time
stamp, and secondary time stamp. The time stamp data is automatically cross-referenced to the
current two- and four-hour regulations. If the time stamps violate the regulation, an enforcement
agent can then issue a violation via a handheld unit, which syncs directly with the system to ensure
accurate and efficient ticketing in real-time. Because the current configuration and policy do not
enforce parking zones (i.e., groups of spaces, such as one side of a block or multiple blocks),
motorists are able to move just one space over to avoid citation for an over-time stay. This has
contributed to a ‘cat-and-mouse’ game where violations of the intent of the City’s parking policy are
occurring without violating the letter of the law.
The hardware associated with enforcement includes 3 vehicles equipped with 2 mobile Motorola
LPR cameras per vehicle, 3 handheld IPS enforcement units, and 3 Dodge Durango patrol vehicles.
For the enforcement module software, the City’s current vendor is IPS. The City updated its LPR
camera and handheld hardware and signed a new contract with IPS and Motorola in May of 2025 and
it runs through April of 2030. The hardware package owned or leased by the City at any given time
can limit features available to the modules of the Parking Management System regardless of
software capabilities.
The City currently utilizes an enforcement payment portal that allows users to conveniently pay or
dispute violations online. This portal includes real-time access to violation details, timestamps, and
location data captured by the LPR enforcement system. This portal also includes an option to submit
disputes, providing supporting documentation or explanations for review. However, this portal is
separate from the City’s permitting portals and other parking tools.

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Recommendations
• Enable ticket-by-mail to send minor violations to the DMV registered vehicle owner8.
Continue to post physical notices for any citations that could start a process resulting in
the immobilization, towing, and/or impoundment of a vehicle ❉
•
•
•
•
•

•

Configure the enforcement system for Downtown to enforcement zones9 ❉
Utilize a common payment module and interface for the collection of both citations and
regular parking rates ❉
Prioritize interoperability of the enforcement module with the reporting module to track key
performance indicators of compliance with the City’s parking policies
Configure the enforcement system to produce utilization data by downtown zone10
For dedicated downtown patrol, exchange conventional vehicles for more nimble,
electrified vehicles mounted with LPR cameras (e.g., eBike, eCab, LSV). Consider multipurpose functions such as public safety patrol or fixed route circulator11
For motorists that register a parking account with the City, develop a courtesy notification
system that prompts any the account holder of an impending violation and provides the
motorist a brief opportunity to come into compliance to avoid citation12

Payment Module
Existing Conditions
Currently, the City primarily collects payments related to enforcement activities. The enforcement
payment portal allows users to conveniently pay or dispute violations online. This portal includes
real-time access to violation details, timestamps, and location data captured by the LPR
enforcement system. This portal also includes an option to submit disputes, providing supporting
documentation or explanations for review. Individuals can also pay their parking violations in
person at the San Marcos Municipal Court.
In July 2025, the San Marcos launched a paid parking pilot program at the City Park parking lot to
better manage demand, improve turnover, and support long-term parking system
sustainability. The program utilizes Flowbird payment kiosks to process both cash and credit card
In addition to having the potential to improve collections, this process enhances the safety of enforcement
agents by minimizing face-to-face confrontations with motorists, reducing the risk of disputes and potentially
hostile interactions.
9
This would recognize a vehicle that parks within a zone and then moves to another space within the same
zone during the same enforcement period to be continuing a single parking session. This could be to the
motorist’s benefit (e.g., using all the value of a day-permit for come and go parking) or to the benefit of the
public (e.g., a motorist cannot circumvent City policy simply by moving its vehicle a short distance to
simulate the start of a new parking session.)
10
Utilization data collected by the enforcement module will likely be limited only to the hours of enforcement
unless additional technologies (such as fixed, mounted occupancy sensors) are deployed at additional
expense.
11
Parking enforcement can retain a single larger vehicle for deploying immobilization devices.
12
This type of system may not currently be available from current service providers and a custom solution
may be cost-prohibitive to implement.
8

24

transactions on-site, with credit card payments securely processed through Chase Merchant
Services. In addition, PayByPhone offers convenient smartphone app and web-based payment
options for customers who prefer contactless transactions. City Park Resident parking permits are
administered through IPS Group ensuring streamlined account management and tracking. For
enforcement and compliance, the City implemented fixed license plate recognition (LPR)
technology through Motorola’s Vigilant software in coordination with IPS to support citation
issuance and collections. Together, these integrated systems allow the City to evaluate
performance metrics, user behavior, and revenue performance while maintaining a customerfocused parking experience.
The City of San Marcos utilizes IPS group to administer and collect payments for the City’s
residential permit zone parking program. Through IPS, residents can apply for, renew, and manage
permits through a centralized online platform, creating a streamlined and user-friendly experience.
The system supports secure payment processing, eligibility verification, permit tracking, and
reporting, allowing the City to maintain accurate records while improving operational efficiency.
Parking agreements for the Hutchison Lot are coordinated and managed through the City’s Main
Street Department, which oversees tenant relations, space allocation, and agreement compliance.
Once agreements are executed, invoicing and payment collection are administered through the
City’s Finance Department to ensure accurate billing, revenue tracking, and proper financial
controls. In addition, the Parking Enforcement Department utilizes Motorola’s Vigilant Solution and
IPS system, including license plate recognition technology, to efficiently enforce parking
regulations within designated residential zones associated with the program.
The disparity in these various payment systems and processes can lead to inefficiencies for City
staff and confusion for the public. It is viewed by the Parking Advisory Board as a current barrier to
efficient parking management.
Further, the City has certain policies, such as an early-payment incentive or late-payment penalty,
that adjust the citation value based on the timing of payment. While initial implementation of these
policies required manual intervention by parking enforcement, the City’s recent transition to IPS for
mobile LPR enforcement processing is expected to allow application of these policies to be
automated.
General Recommendations
The Parking Advisory Board recommends that the City consolidate parking revenue events
(e.g., fine payment, rate payment, permit payment) into a single payment module and
customer interface for consistency of user experience and efficiency of staff management.
Ideally, a single vendor can provide a sufficient solution for all payment events.
If multiple interfaces are required to deliver an optimized and comprehensive set of parking
management system capabilities, the City should develop a common payment landing page on its
webpage and app that at least consolidate starting-point URL links for the different types of
transactions (e.g., fine payment, rate payment, permit payment) that then deliver the user to the
required module/interface.
Additionally, the City should ensure all its customer-facing interfaces – but especially those
related to payment and enforcement – are natively bilingual with English and Spanish❉ with a
25

preference for adding broader language support via automated translation services that are now
widely available.
The City must determine whether to utilize a payment module that has the capability to synthesize
data from other modules or to simply function as a transaction processor. A system that can
synthesize data would be required to utilized information provided by other modules to calculate
and charge appropriate rates or citation penalties. A transaction processor would simply post and
facilitate payment for amounts furnished to it by another module and then communicate back
payment status to the enforcement and/or reporting modules.
Further, the City should either surface and mitigate limitations of its standard merchant services
provider or be flexible in utilizing another merchant service provider to ensure it can accept rapidly
adopted and more secure touchless (e.g., tap-to-pay, NFC) transaction methods.
Preliminary research indicates that payment modules with the most robust features are frequently
integrated with a common vendor for the enforcement module. Regardless as to whether it is the
payment module or the enforcement module that does applies policy logic, the Parking Advisory
Board recommends a single module be appointed to synthesize data from all module sources and
to implement the City’s parking policy framework to reduce system architecture complexity.
Recommendations by Customer Interface
Options for collecting parking payments have evolved substantially since the coin-operated
individual meters utilized generations ago when San Marcos last had paid on-street parking. The
Parking Advisory Board recommends a variety of payment options for user convenience,
enforcement staff safety, ease of maintenance, and deployment of a robust feature set for
downtown parking management. This section will focus recommendations on each Customer
Interface.
This section assumes all Customer Interfaces will be configured to utilize a pay-by-license plate
methodology and does not require paper parking passes/license/tickets. Pay-by-text is not
recommended as a stand-alone interface that would involve charges via the motorist’s cellular
carrier; however, it is recommend as a tool to direct parkers to the City’s app or mobile-friendly
website.
Recommendations for Pay-by-Meter:
Physical meters are falling out of favor with customers and parking management entities in
exchange for more cost-effective, flexible, and convenient digital options. Physical meters
are a significant upfront expense (or lease commitment), require more intensive
maintenance requirements, and introduce the potential for vandalism. Despite these
drawbacks, the Parking Advisory Board believes maintaining some physical meter
presence is important for equity and accessibility. Use of meters should be continually
evaluated with the expectation that over time they may be entirely replaced with digital
interfaces. The Parking Advisory Board recommends:
•

Use multi-meters instead of single-space meters to manage cost, maintenance,
and security ❉

26

•

Meet ADA standards at and around each multi-meter, including routes from nearby
accessible parking spaces ❉

•

Limit deployment of meters to intersections to balance accessibility with cost ❉

•
•
•

Meet industry standard PCI compliance ❉
Complete a lease vs. buy analysis prior to procurement of meters
Supplement multi-meters with frequent signage directing motorists to the City’s
parking app or website via posting an URL, QR code13, and/or text number
Accept credit card (chip and NFC/contactless/tap-to-pay) and cash, but no coins
Do not make change for transactions
Do not offer refunds for unused time
Utilize solar power to reduce installation costs and increase sustainability
Accept codes for discount or validation
If possible, recognize license plates registered with special City entitlements (e.g.,
resident discount, permit, need-based free parking) and apply applicable rates

•
•
•
•
•
•

Recommendations for Pay-by-App:
Parking apps hosted on platforms like the Apple App Store and Google Play store have
continued to gain popularity and parker familiarity. Most municipal parking applications
are developed by a third-party vendor and ‘white-labeled’ with a municipality’s custom
branding. For example, Passport Labs is the mobile app vendor for both Austin and San
Antonio while ParkMobile provides mobile app services to New Braunfels and other major
Texas cities such as Dallas and Houston. The City of San Marcos has partnered with
established parking management systems vendors such as FlowBird, IPS, and PayByPhone
for its City Park paid parking pilot for various technologies but not a mobile app. The
Parking Advisory Board recommends:
•

Mirror core functionality of the multi-meter for payment at time of parking ❉

•
•
•

Provide access to validation module to process discounts ❉
Create a ‘white-label’ app that utilizes City of San Marcos branding
Facilitate motorist registration for parking programs (e.g., permits, resident
entitlements) or, at minimum, link-out to web portal
Develop iOS “App Clip” and Android “Instant Apps” that allow visitors to pay with
their mobile device without full app download

•

Recommendations for Pay-by-Website
The City’s current parking website is housed within the City’s overall website managed by
CivicPlus. The Parking Management page mixes a variety of objectives from general citizen
education to transactional processes, such as permit registration and citation payments. A
mix of platforms are used from basic web forms to third-party payment portals. The

Citizens of other communities have been tricked by fake signage and QR codes that direct customers to a
fraudulent payment sites. The City must take care to prevent spoofing of text or QR codes by considering
posting height, scheduled signage reviews, and consumer advisories.
13

27

structure of the City’s CivicPlus platform appears to create barriers to clear permitting and
payment process flows. The Parking Advisory Board recommends:
•

•
•

Create a standalone ParkSMTX.com (or similar) website that prioritizes clear
customer interactions (e.g., payments and permit registrations) and links back to
the City’s CivicPlus platform for policy documentation ❉
Create a phone-optimized (aka mobile responsive) webpage for basic payment
processing at the time of parking
Ensure a customer can complete any City parking transaction on the ParkSMTX
website that they could complete on at a physical meter or via the app

Recommendations for Other Payment Options
Parking citations can currently be paid in person at the San Marcos Municipal Court during
regular business hours, by mail, or by phone. The Parking Advisory Board recommends
these options be maintained with city staff members processing these payments
utilizing the new payment module for processing receipts.

Permit Module
Existing Conditions
A parking permit is a special entitlement that allows a vehicle to be parked in an otherwise
restricted zone or to be exempted from standard enforcement policies. Historically, permits were
physical hangtags or stickers displayed on the vehicle, but LPR has enabled permitting to become
digital as well.
The City already issues digital parking permits for its Residential Parking Zone (RPZ) program.
While registered vehicles are recognized digitally by the LPR enforcement system and entitled
through an automated process, up until the fall of 2025 the registration process for residents within
an RPZ was somewhat manual with an online form that is not directly tied to the parking
management system and proof of address documentation that had to be separately emailed to the
City Marshal’s office. As of the date of this document, the City is in the process of transitioning the
RPZ permit registrations into the same online portal utilized for the City Park permits furnished by
IPS. Additionally, guest hang-tags and temporary permits are still physical.
Recently, the City has also launched a paid parking pilot program for its City Park lot adjacent the
Pauline Espinosa Community Hall. City residents are effectively issued permits that exempt them
from the paid rate structure. The customer interface for this process is managed by IPS through
their thepermitportal.com interface.
Recommendations
With an expected increase in the types of permits and expected continued expansion of the RPZ
program, the Parking Advisory Board recommends:
•
•

All permits be integrated into a unified Permits Module
Migrate guest and temporary permits to LPR fully removing physical permitting

28

•
•
•

Require a platform that can facilitate multiple permit types per vehicle
Prioritize a platform that assists in validating applicant eligibility
For certain permits, consider auditing a selection of applications vs. dedicating the
extensive staff time to review every registration

Validation Module
Existing Conditions
Parking Validation refers to the process of a third-party, other than the motorist, paying for or
discounting the motorist’s parking session. This third party could be business or the City itself (in
which case, the City is simply foregoing revenue vs. expending cash).
To the motorist, validation may seem as though their parking is “free,” though the validating entity
(such as a business) is absorbing the cost of the motorist’s parking in full or at a discounted rate. In
the past, validation would frequently occur with gated parking and physical tickets through a
process of manual or digital stamping and a parking attendant’s review.
Today, systems are available that allow a third-party to issue payment or discount codes to a
parker to be input at the time of payment. Alternatively, some vendors provide web portals that
allow third parties to directly pay or discount a motorist’s parking fees on the motorist’s behalf by
refencing the license plate. In either case, the third parties decide how much of a motorist’s
parking fees it wishes to pay or discount.
The City has recently introduced its first validation processes as part of the City Park paid parking
pilot. Validation codes are offered to parties reserving the Pauline Espinosa Hall for events. These
codes may be entered into the physical kiosk on site operated by Flowbird. Additionally, the City
has offered the Lion’s Club Tube Rental located on site to set up a business validation account with
PayByPhone if it so chooses.
Recommendations
The Parking Advisory Board recommends that the city include validation to implement core
aspects of its overall paid parking recommendation, including resident discounts14, and to
support businesses that may want to share in their customer’s transportation costs.
•
•

Implement delayed payment processing and/or citation issuance to allow parkers and
the validating entity time to qualify the parker to validate their current parking session
If a validation system generates payment codes for validation, ensure:
o Businesses can offer one-time codes usable only for a single parking session
o The City can issue codes that are valid for an entire year or more

While this recommendation contemplates something like a City-wide resident discount being
accommodated via the Validation Module, some vendors may be able to better implement that strategy via a
Permit Module. Ultimately, the naming convention is unimportant to the motorists.
14

29

o

A process is implemented to prevent code abuse, such as matching codes to
license plates or limiting the total discount or number of uses

Discount and validation are features that may only be able to be implemented via mobile app or
web interface. While not a core requirement, the Parking Advisory Board recommends the City
also investigate whether its selected physical meter can also accept validation codes.

Reporting Module
Existing Conditions
The City currently generates most of its reports from its enforcement system or by inputting
information manually into data tables and graphs utilizing programs such as Microsoft Excel.
These reports are used internally, and some are provided to the Parking Advisory Board.
Utilization data is only able to be collected using individual human observation, data entry, and
manual analysis. The same is true for turnover data. The result is that core performance data is
available only from a very limited number of moment-in-time snapshots. Data accuracy and trend
analysis are very difficult or impossible to complete. Staff is doing well to provide tracking with the
resources they have; however, a robust reporting module or other systems are not currently in
place.
Financially, the City collects and pays all parking related transactions out of or into the General
Fund. While some specific general ledger codes exist to isolate many parking-related transactions,
data must be manually aggregated and complied to create a Parking Management income
statement. Staff began compiling this quarterly financial report in 2024, which has been useful in
highlighting the cost of enforcement and the subsidy an enforcement-only parking management
approach has been requiring prior to the 2024 citation fine schedule revisions adopted by Council.
Lastly, from an enforcement and collections perspective, the City’s current system allows for the
generation of a listing of the total number of citations or warnings issued by month by violation
code and the associated total fine value issued (though not necessarily collected). Conversely,
collections are reported in bulk associated with the month payment is received. The result is that
only a rough approximation of collection rate can be assigned to any enforcement month and
compliance with specific parking policies is difficult to track or monitor outside of raw citation
counts.
Recommendations
Dashboard Recommendations
The Parking Advisory Board recommends that the City procure a Reporting Module that
includes a Parking Management Dashboard (or Dashboards) that can aggregate data
from all the other modules and continuously report out key performance indicators
(KPIs) that align with the City’s Parking Management goals.
A Parking Management Dashboard is a comprehensive, user-friendly platform that
integrates data from all Parking Management System modules into a consolidated view. It

30

provides real-time insights through customizable charts and graphs, enabling users to
monitor compliance, revenue trends, and other performance data immediately.
At a minimum a dashboard should be available for City Staff to monitor performance of the
system, make real-time adjustments within their authority, and reporting out to the Parking
Advisory Board and City Council periodically. Additionally, a public-facing dashboard could
be configured as a tool to offer the public transparency by displaying key metrics and trends
to stakeholders and community members. Some example data points for a parking
Dashboard are shown in the table below. The Parking Advisory Board recommends:
•

Develop a Parking Management Dashboard for Staff and Parking Advisory Board

•

tracks KPIs that map to the City’s parking management goals ❉
Create a public-facing Parking Management Dashboard that highlights performance
and the benefits of a robust parking management to the public

PARKING DASHBOARD ANALYTICS
Category

Description

Revenue Monitoring
Avg Length of Parking Stay
Average Revenue per Transaction
Parking Revenue per Zone
Parking Meters Health Meter
Parking Revenue by Type
Violations Issued
Violation Revenue
Violation Collection Rate
Violations by Category
On-Street Parking Permits Issued
On-Street Permits per Zone
Validation Monitoring
Parking Project Goals
Parking Benefit District Projects

Tracks and analyzes total parking revenue across all payment sources and locations.
Measures the average duration of parking sessions based on payment records.
Calculates the average amount collected per parking payment, excluding ticketing.
Breaks down parking revenue by specific geographic areas or zones.
Monitors the operational status and functionality of parking meters.
Reports revenue distribution across different payment methods.
Tracks the total number of parking Violations issued within a given period.
Measures revenue generated from parking Violations paid during a given period..
Calculates the percentage of issued Violations that have been successfully paid during a given period.
Provides a breakdown of violations by ordinance category:
Counts the total number of active on-street parking permits.
Provides a breakdown of parking permits issued by zone.
Tracks the usage of parking validations issued by businesses or organizations.
Defines key objectives for parking management initiatives and tracks progress.
Tracks projects or programs funded by revenue, ensuring reinvestment in approved projects.

Finance-related Recommendations
Prior to initiating paid parking in areas throughout the City, the Parking Advisory Board
recommends that Parking Benefit Districts (PBD) be created to isolate revenue
collected within each PBD such that excess funds collected from parking
management can be spent to the benefit of the properties and public spaces within the
applicable PBD. This approach to parking management has been demonstrated across
the country to materially improve areas subject to parking demand pressures. It also
demonstrates the value of the public curb and highlights the investments the City can make
back into the community though an efficient parking management program.
Further, the Parking Advisory Board recommends that the City work with its Finance
department to further isolate and categorize revenue and expense events related to
the Parking Management city-wide. These should include categorization of generalized
expenses (such as enforcement personnel that serve the entire City) as well as more
specific costs that may allocate solely to a particular area or region of the City (such as
31

meters serving the downtown). The City should then develop a methodology for allocating
generalized parking expenses proportionately to any PBD to fairly determine how much
excess revenue, if any, each PBD has created for reinvestment within its boundaries.
Once these coding enhancements are complete, the Parking Advisory Board
recommends that quarterly financial statements be reviewed with the Parking
Advisory Board at an overall Parking Fund level and individually for each PBD.
•
•

•

Create Parking Benefit Districts prior to launching paid parking in an area ❉
Create a Parking Management fund (or otherwise further isolate reporting within the
General Fund) and report quarterly statements on the financial health of parking
operations and each PBD, as applicable ❉
Integrate a high-level summary of financial performance into the Dashboard

Utilization Data-related Recommendations
While some collection of utilization data (e.g. occupancy, turnover) can and should be
collected by a modern, mobile LPR system, that data can be subject to accuracy and
usability challenges given the realities of a camera that is in continuous motion and relies
on lines of sight that may be periodically obstructed. As funding allows, either from excess
PBD revenues not slated for other priorities, grants, or otherwise, the City may consider
fixed occupancy sensors from vendors such as Cleverciti.
Unlike mobile LPR cameras that monitor for violations of parking policy, fixed occupancy
sensors focus on the entire space and not the license plate of a parked vehicle. By
maintaining a consistent view of a block or other group of spaces, they system can report
occupancy and turnover data continuously and accurately without the need for significant
data analysis or assumptions.
Beyond those benefits, in their full implementation, occupancy sensors can also be utilized
for motorist wayfinding to parking and to communicate parking availability. Displays at
intersections can direct motorists to vacant spaces to enhance customer satisfaction and
reduce circling that negatively impacts traffic, road user safety, and air quality.
System-Wide Data Privacy, Security, and Open API Requirements
The Parking Advisory Board recommends each component of the City’s parking
management system—including enforcement, payment, permitting, validation, reporting,
and all customer-facing interfaces—be designed and deployed with data privacy and
security as foundational requirements.
Each module processes sensitive information such as license plate data, payment
credentials, account information, location data, and transactional records. All systems will
be required to comply with applicable federal and state data protection laws, Payment
Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) where applicable, and recognized
cybersecurity best practices. It is recommended that data be encrypted and protected
through secure authentication mechanisms and governed by role-based access controls
with comprehensive audit logging.

32

Consistent with the Parking Advisory Board’s recommendation to adopt an Open API–
based system architecture, all data exchange between modules and third-party services
are required to occur through secure, well-documented APIs that follow industry standards
for authentication, authorization, and data minimization. APIs must support secure tokenbased access, granular permissioning, and the ability to restrict or revoke access without
disrupting the broader system. Open APIs are intended to enable interoperability and
vendor flexibility—not to expand data exposure—and should be implemented in a manner
that preserves system integrity and prevents unauthorized access.
The Parking Advisory Board recommends the City of San Marcos retain full ownership,
control, and governance authority over all data generated or processed by any parking
management system component, regardless of vendor or module, and no vendor shall
claim ownership or use such data for any secondary purpose, including resale, marketing,
analytics, or product development, without the City’s explicit written authorization. The City
shall also retain the unrestricted right to access, export, and delete its data at any time.
including upon contract termination, and Open APIs are required to support data portability
using standardized formats to minimize vendor lock-in.
Customer-facing interfaces—including physical meters, mobile applications, and web
portals—shall adhere to privacy-by-design principles and collect only the minimum data
necessary to complete a transaction or provide a service. Clear, accessible privacy
disclosures must be provided to users, describing what data is collected, how it is used,
and how long it is retained. Data retention schedules should be defined by module and
enforced consistently across all integrated systems.
Together, these requirements will ensure that the City’s Open API parking management
architecture remains secure, privacy-conscious, interoperable, and aligned with
responsible municipal data stewardship.

33

Parking Management Staff Recommendation
The City of San Marcos’ current parking team includes a Parking Manager providing strategic
oversight and direction, a Parking Enforcement Coordinator, and three full-time equivalent (FTE)
Parking Enforcement Technicians. These functions are assigned from the City’s Public Works
(parking management) and City Marshal (parking enforcement) departments.
As the City of San Marcos transitions from free, time-restricted parking to a more managed system
with Parking Benefit Districts and paid zones in high-demand areas, the scale and complexity of
daily operations will grow significantly. Expansion in parking management tasks and oversight has
already been observed as the City has launched its first paid parking lot at City Park – where the
City Parks and Recreation department has also allocated staff resources.
While the Parking Manager will continue to guide policy and strategy, additional parking
management staff will be needed to ensure smooth operations, customer service, and
accountability as the City’s parking programs expand. Some expansion of enforcement team
members is also anticipated to support compliance with the City’s parking policies.
Operational Needs Driving Additional Staff
1. Permit Processing: Reviewing and approving residential zone, on- and off-street permits,
managing renewals, and maintaining accurate records.
2. Revenue Collection: Collecting and reconciling funds from pay stations, preparing
deposits, and ensuring financial accountability.
3. Customer Service: Assisting residents, visitors, and businesses with parking inquiries,
troubleshooting payment issues, and providing timely support.
4. Data & Reporting: Compiling utilization, enforcement, and revenue data to support the
Parking Manager and prepare reports for the Parking Advisory Board.
5. Equipment & Infrastructure Maintenance: Monitoring pay stations, signage, and other
infrastructure, ensuring reliable operations and vendor coordination.
6. Expanded Coverage: As paid parking expands into more days and longer hours, staff
support will be needed to provide consistent operational coverage.
7. Additional Parking Enforcement Support: As Parking Benefit Districts (PBD) are created,
dedicated enforcement staff may be justified to serve specific geographies or expanded
hours of enforcement. Additional staffing may also be required to respond effectively to
peak demand periods, special events, and permit-zone enforcement requirements
Current Position Descriptions
1. Multimodal Parking Initiatives Manager
a. Oversees all citywide parking management strategies and initiatives
b. Guides the development and implementation of long-term parking management
strategies, aligning operational goals with the City’s mobility, sustainability, and
downtown development objectives.
c. Coordinates with all City departments, boards, vendors, and community
stakeholders to improve parking compliance, enhance user experience, and
promote sustainable initiatives

34

d. Ensures compliance with City ordinances, state laws, and administrative
procedures related to parking enforcement and appeals.
e. Analyzes parking data and revenue trends to develop operational reports,
performance metrics, and recommendations for program improvements.
f. Currently 1 FTE that reports to an Assistant Director of Public Works
2. Parking Coordinator
a. Oversees the planning, coordination, and daily operations of the City of San
Marcos Parking Program and wrecker services.
b. Develops and updates Parking Division policies, procedures, and training programs.
c. Supervises parking personnel, including scheduling, performance evaluation, and
payroll.
d. Manages wrecker service operations, investigates violations and complaints,
maintains inspection records, and coordinates with TDLR.
e. Provides support to city departments regarding parking and towing issues; available
for limited after-hour callouts.
f. Performs administrative tasks such as data entry, reporting, and permit processing;
maintains radar signage and related data.
g. Currently 1 FTE that reports to City Marshal
3. Parking Enforcement Technician
a. Enforces timed parking in the City’s downtown area; observes and monitors timed
parking; issues citations accordingly.
b. Monitors for illegal parking in handicap areas and fire lanes; prepares and issues
related citations.
c. Boots/Barnacle vehicles; coordinates the towing of illegally parked and/or
abandoned vehicles.
d. Assists Parking Coordinator as necessary or required and wrecker enforcement
issues.
e. Effectively communicates with dispatch over radio for calls for service pertaining to
Parking.
f. Currently 3 FTE (2 full-time, 2 part-time) that reports to the Parking Coordinator
New Position Descriptions
1. Parking Program Administrator (Est. $75,000 to $80,000 fully loaded with benefits)
a. Supports daily operations and customer service.
b. Manages permits and reporting.
c. Serves as a primary contact for public inquiries.
d. Provides critical support to effectively roll out and sustain a comprehensive paid
parking management strategy
2. Parking Maintenance Technician (Est. $50,000 to $55,000 fully loaded with benefits)
a. Handles inspections, collections, and upkeep of pay stations and signage.
b. Reconciles and secures revenue.
c. Coordinates with vendors on service and repairs.

Funding Strategy

These positions will be budgeted directly from revenues generated by Parking Benefit Districts. This
ensures the program is self-sustaining and does not place any additional burden on the City’s
35

general fund. As parking revenue grows, staffing investments will directly support the integrity,
transparency, and long-term success of the program.

Conclusion

The launch of Parking Benefit Districts and a more sophisticated management of public parking
resources introduces new responsibilities that cannot be managed effectively by the existing
parking team structure. Addressing staff requirements alongside an expansion of parking programs
will ensure the program has the staffing capacity to operate efficiently, maintain public trust, and
deliver on the City’s broader mobility and economic goals.

36

Overall, excluding 6AM
Time

(Multiple Items)

Removed 6AM

Proposed Zone
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core

Type of Regulation
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour

Location
Fredericksburg
Hopkins
Hopkins
Hutchison
Hutchison
N. Guadalupe
N. Guadalupe
N. LBJ
N. LBJ

Cross Street¹
Cross Street²
Hopkins
Hutchison
Guadalupe
Fredericksburg
LBJ
Guadalupe
FredericksburgGuadalupe
Guadalupe
N. LBJ
Hutchison
Hopkins
University
Hutchison
Hopkins
Hutchison
Hutchison
University

Sum of Occupancy
55%
76%
95%
62%
81%
74%
79%
96%
94%

Core

2 Hour

S. Guadalupe

Hopkins

San Antonio

82%

Core
Core
Core
North
North
North
North
North
North
North
North
North

2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour

S. LBJ
San Antonio
San Antonio
Burleson
CM Allen
Comanche
Concho
Edward Gary
Edward Gary
Fredericksburg
Hopkins
Hopkins

San Antonio
Guadalupe
Guadalupe
Mary St
University
Lindsey
N. LBJ
Hutchison
Hutchison
Pat Garrison
Edward Gary
North

Hopkins
Fredericksburg
LBJ
Moore
Hopkins
Pat Garrison
Guadalupe
Hopkins
University
Lindsey
LBJ
Comanche

86%
90%
67%
42%
44%
96%
93%
85%
71%
77%
106%
23%

North

2 Hour

Hutchison

CM Allen

Edward Gary

77%

North
North
North
North
North
North
North
North
North
North
North

2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour

Hutchison
Hutchison
Hutchison
Hutchison
Lindsey
Mary St
Moon St
N. Guadalupe
N. Guadalupe
N. LBJ
N. LBJ

Comanche
North St
FredericksburgComanche
N. LBJ
Edward Gary
Moore
North
Comanche
Fredericksburg
Hutchison
Burleson
University
Hutchison
Concho
University
Concho
Woods
Concho
Woods
University
Concho

95%
62%
85%
61%
77%
43%
48%
91%
73%
83%
120%

North

2 Hour

North St

Burleson

98%

North
North
North
South
South
South
South
South
South
South
South

2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
4 Hour
4 Hour

North St
North St
Pat Garrison
North St
S. Guadalupe
S. Guadalupe
S. LBJ
San Antonio
San Antonio
Edward Gary
Edward Gary

Hopkins
Hutchison
Hutchison
Burleson
Comanche
Fredericksburg
Harvey
Hopkins
MLK
Railroad Tracks
MLK
San Antonio
San Antonio MLK
Edward Gary LBJ
FredericksburgComanche
Hopkins
San Antonio
San Antonio LBJ

79%
59%
101%
33%
76%
53%
86%
93%
89%
77%
25%

South

4 Hour

MLK

Guadalupe

Fredericksburg

59%

South
South
South
Grand Total

4 Hour
4 Hour
4 Hour

San Antonio
San Antonio
San Antonio

CM Allen
Comanche
Harvey

Edward Gary
North St
North St

54%
71%
4%
76%

Overall Block Band Analysis, excluding 6AM
Threshold

# Blocks

% of Blocks

90%

12

24%

85%
75%
50%
25%
0%
Total

6
11
13
6
2
50

12%
22%
26%
12%
4%
100%

Lindsey

Zone Analysis
Time of Day (weekdays)
Date
Week Day

(All)
(Multiple Items)

Sum of Occupancy
Proposed Zone
Core
North
South
Grand Total

Time
6:00 AM
12%
27%
33%
23%

10:00 AM
70%
84%
41%
68%

11:00 AM
78%
94%
52%
78%

12:00 PM
78%
78%
48%
71%

2:00 PM
82%
88%
56%
78%

7:00 PM
88%
82%
68%
80%

8:00 PM
73%
64%
77%
70%

Time of Day (Friday Midnight & Saturday)
Date
Week Day

(All)
(Multiple Items)

Sum of Occupancy
Proposed Zone
Core
North
South
Grand Total

Time
12:00 AM
96%
69%
95%
85%

1:00 PM
92%
79%
87%
85%

8:00 PM
73%
67%
78%
72%

Day of Week (all times except 6AM)
Date
Time

(All)
(Multiple Items) Removed 6AM

Sum of Occupancy
Proposed Zone
Core
North
South
Grand Total

Week Day
Monday

Tuesday
63%
89%
39%
67%

73%
82%
44%
69%

Wednesday Thursday
Friday
83%
74%
93%
73%
51%
65%
79%
71%

87%
67%
80%
77%

Saturday
Grand Total
85%
81%
75%
73%
89%
74%
82%
76%

78%
76%
54%
71%

Grand Total
76%
84%
48%
72%

M - F; 8AM - 5PM
Date
Time

(All)
(Multiple Items)

Sum of Occupancy
Proposed Zone
Core
North
South
Grand Total

Week Day
Monday

Tuesday
63%
89%
39%
67%

73%
82%
44%
69%

Wednesday Thursday
Friday
83%
77%
93%
85%
51%
49%
79%
73%

After Hours
Date
Time

(All)
(Multiple Items)

Sum of Occupancy
Proposed Zone
Core
North
South

Week Day
Thursday

Grand Total

Friday

Saturday
Grand Total
82%
82%
73%
68%
89%
84%

72%
66%
76%

88%
65%
84%

70%

78%

80%

12%
28%
34%

Grand Total
12%
27%
33%

Early Morning
Date
Time

(All)
6:00 AM

Sum of Occupancy
Proposed Zone
Core
North
South

Week Day
Tuesday

Thursday
12%
26%
31%

77%

Block Analysis M - F; 8 AM - 5 PM
Time

(Multiple Items)

Week Day

(Multiple Items)

Proposed Zone
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core

Type of Regulation
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour

Location
Fredericksburg
Hopkins
Hopkins
Hutchison
Hutchison
N. Guadalupe
N. Guadalupe
N. LBJ

Cross Street¹
Hopkins
Guadalupe
LBJ
Fredericksburg
Guadalupe
Hutchison
University
Hopkins

Cross Street²
Hutchison
Fredericksburg
Guadalupe
Guadalupe
N. LBJ
Hopkins
Hutchison
Hutchison

Block Analysis After Hours
Sum of Occupancy
44%
59%
85%
73%
92%
70%
89%
96%

Time

(Multiple Items)

Week Day

(Multiple Items)

Proposed Zone
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core

Type of Regulation
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour

Location
Fredericksburg
Hopkins
Hopkins
Hutchison
Hutchison
N. Guadalupe
N. Guadalupe
N. LBJ

Cross Street¹
Hopkins
Guadalupe
LBJ
Fredericksburg
Guadalupe
Hutchison
University
Hopkins

Cross Street²
Hutchison
Fredericksburg
Guadalupe
Guadalupe
N. LBJ
Hopkins
Hutchison
Hutchison

Sum of Occupancy Spaces
56%
80%
97%
57%
75%
73%
74%
96%

7
18
16
15
15
14
16
29

Above 85% any time?
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes

Core

2 Hour

N. LBJ

Hutchison

University

94%

Core

2 Hour

N. LBJ

Hutchison

University

93%

25

Yes

Core
Core
Core
Core
North
North
North
North
North
North

2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour

S. Guadalupe
S. LBJ
San Antonio
San Antonio
Burleson
CM Allen
Comanche
Concho
Edward Gary
Edward Gary

Hopkins
San Antonio
Guadalupe
Guadalupe
Mary St
University
Lindsey
N. LBJ
Hutchison
Hutchison

San Antonio
Hopkins
Fredericksburg
LBJ
Moore
Hopkins
Pat Garrison
Guadalupe
Hopkins
University

70%
82%
81%
52%
79%
76%
98%
97%
84%
84%

Core
Core
Core
Core
North
North
North
North
North
North

2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour

S. Guadalupe
S. LBJ
San Antonio
San Antonio
Burleson
CM Allen
Comanche
Concho
Edward Gary
Edward Gary

Hopkins
San Antonio
Guadalupe
Guadalupe
Mary St
University
Lindsey
N. LBJ
Hutchison
Hutchison

San Antonio
Hopkins
Fredericksburg
LBJ
Moore
Hopkins
Pat Garrison
Guadalupe
Hopkins
University

85%
86%
92%
71%
30%
29%
96%
92%
84%
64%

26
42
29
53
12
27
16
17
23
23

No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No

North

2 Hour

Fredericksburg

Pat Garrison

Lindsey

96%

North

2 Hour

Fredericksburg

Pat Garrison

Lindsey

70%

9

Yes

North
North
North
North
North
North
North
North
North
North
North

2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour

Hopkins
Hopkins
Hutchison
Hutchison
Hutchison
Hutchison
Hutchison
Lindsey
Mary St
Moon St
N. Guadalupe

Edward Gary
North
CM Allen
Comanche
Fredericksburg
N. LBJ
Moore
Comanche
Hutchison
University
Concho

LBJ
Comanche
Edward Gary
North St
Comanche
Edward Gary
North
Fredericksburg
Burleson
Hutchison
University

110%
18%
71%
70%
78%
90%
65%
98%
91%
79%
94%

North
North
North
North
North
North
North
North
North
North
North

2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour

Hopkins
Hopkins
Hutchison
Hutchison
Hutchison
Hutchison
Hutchison
Lindsey
Mary St
Moon St
N. Guadalupe

Edward Gary
North
CM Allen
Comanche
Fredericksburg
N. LBJ
Moore
Comanche
Hutchison
University
Concho

LBJ
Comanche
Edward Gary
North St
Comanche
Edward Gary
North
Fredericksburg
Burleson
Hutchison
University

107%
58%
77%
104%
58%
83%
62%
69%
19%
37%
90%

4
13
19
9
10
25
13
11
13
24
8

Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes

North

2 Hour

N. Guadalupe

Concho

Woods

95%

North

2 Hour

N. Guadalupe

Concho

Woods

63%

7

Yes

North
North
North
North
North
North
South
South
South
South
South

2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour

N. LBJ
N. LBJ
North St
North St
North St
Pat Garrison
North St
S. Guadalupe
S. Guadalupe
S. LBJ
San Antonio

Concho
University
Burleson
Hopkins
Hutchison
Comanche
Harvey
MLK
MLK
San Antonio
Edward Gary

Woods
Concho
Lindsey
Hutchison
Burleson
Fredericksburg
Hopkins
Railroad Tracks
San Antonio
MLK
LBJ

96%
135%
94%
75%
83%
101%
31%
52%
31%
63%
44%

North
North
North
North
North
North
South
South
South
South
South

2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour

N. LBJ
N. LBJ
North St
North St
North St
Pat Garrison
North St
S. Guadalupe
S. Guadalupe
S. LBJ
San Antonio

Concho
University
Burleson
Hopkins
Hutchison
Comanche
Harvey
MLK
MLK
San Antonio
Edward Gary

Woods
Concho
Lindsey
Hutchison
Burleson
Fredericksburg
Hopkins
Railroad Tracks
San Antonio
MLK
LBJ

76%
113%
101%
83%
51%
100%
32%
84%
57%
93%
112%

16
7
9
7
11
10
5
20
13
51
12

Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes

South

2 Hour

San Antonio

Fredericksburg Comanche

71%

South

2 Hour

San Antonio

Fredericksburg Comanche

95%

38

Yes

South
South
South
South
South
South
Grand Total

4 Hour
4 Hour
4 Hour
4 Hour
4 Hour
4 Hour

Edward Gary
Edward Gary
MLK
San Antonio
San Antonio
San Antonio

Hopkins
San Antonio
Guadalupe
CM Allen
Comanche
Harvey

78%
18%
16%
38%
77%
4%
72%

South
South
South
South
South
South
Grand Total

4 Hour
4 Hour
4 Hour
4 Hour
4 Hour
4 Hour

Edward Gary
Edward Gary
MLK
San Antonio
San Antonio
San Antonio

Hopkins
San Antonio
Guadalupe
CM Allen
Comanche
Harvey

76%
38%
75%
57%
65%
4%
77%

11
32
9
9
7
13
17

No
No
No
No
No
No

San Antonio
LBJ
Fredericksburg
Edward Gary
North St
North St

San Antonio
LBJ
Fredericksburg
Edward Gary
North St
North St

Blocks Over 85%

24

% of Blocks

48%

% of Spaces

50%

Block Band Analysis M - F; 8 AM - 5 PM
Threshold
90%
85%
75%
50%
25%
0%
Total

OVERALL
# Blocks
16
2
11
12
5
4
50

Block Band Analysis After Hours

% of Blocks
32%
4%
22%
24%
10%
8%
100%

Threshold
90%
85%
75%
50%
25%
0%
Total

CORE
# Blocks
3
2
2
5
1
0
13

NORTH

% of Blocks
23%
15%
15%
38%
8%
0%
100%

Threshold
90%
85%
75%
50%
25%
0%
Total

SOUTH

OVERALL
# Blocks
14
2
11
16
5
2
50

% of Blocks
28%
4%
22%
32%
10%
4%
100%

Threshold
90%
85%
75%
50%
25%
0%
Total

CORE
# Blocks
4
1
3
5
0
0
13

NORTH

% of Blocks
31%
8%
23%
38%
0%
0%
100%

SOUTH

Threshold
90%

# Blocks
13

% of Blocks
52%

Threshold
90%

# Blocks
0

% of Blocks
0%

Threshold
90%

# Blocks
7

% of Blocks
28%

Threshold
90%

# Blocks
3

% of Blocks
25%

85%
75%
50%

0
7
4

0%
28%
16%

85%
75%
50%

0
2
3

0%
17%
25%

85%
75%
50%

1
5
8

4%
20%
32%

85%
75%
50%

0
3
3

0%
25%
25%

25%
0%
Total

0
1
25

0%
4%
100%

25%
0%
Total

4
3
12

33%
25%
100%

25%
0%
Total

3
1
25

12%
4%
100%

25%
0%
Total

2
1
12

17%
8%
100%

Regulation Type Analysis M-F; 8 AM - 5 PM
Time
Week Day

(Multiple Items)
(Multiple Items)

Type of Regulation
2 Hour

Proposed Zone
Core
North
South
South

4 Hour
Grand Total

Sum of Occupancy
76%
84%
58%
32%
72%

Regulation Type Analysis After Hours
Time
Week Day

(Multiple Items)
(Multiple Items)

Type of Regulation
2 Hour

Proposed Zone
Core
North
South
South

4 Hour
Grand Total

Sum of Occupancy
82%
68%
88%
66%
77%

Block Analysis Early Morning
Time

6:00 AM

Week Day

(All)

Proposed Zone
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core

Type of Regulation
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour

Location
Fredericksburg
Hopkins
Hopkins
Hutchison
Hutchison
N. Guadalupe
N. Guadalupe
N. LBJ

Cross Street¹
Hopkins
Guadalupe
LBJ
Fredericksburg
Guadalupe
Hutchison
University
Hopkins

Cross Street²
Hutchison
Fredericksburg
Guadalupe
Guadalupe
N. LBJ
Hopkins
Hutchison
Hutchison

Sum of Occupancy
0%
9%
8%
4%
9%
17%
6%
5%

Core

2 Hour

N. LBJ

Hutchison

University

7%

Core
Core
Core
Core
North
North
North
North
North
North

2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour

S. Guadalupe
S. LBJ
San Antonio
San Antonio
Burleson
CM Allen
Comanche
Concho
Edward Gary
Edward Gary

Hopkins
San Antonio
Guadalupe
Guadalupe
Mary St
University
Lindsey
N. LBJ
Hutchison
Hutchison

San Antonio
Hopkins
Fredericksburg
LBJ
Moore
Hopkins
Pat Garrison
Guadalupe
Hopkins
University

3%
9%
50%
14%
11%
0%
59%
48%
39%
6%

North

2 Hour

Fredericksburg

Pat Garrison

Lindsey

81%

North
North
North
North
North
North
North
North
North
North
North

2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour

Hopkins
Hutchison
Hutchison
Hutchison
Hutchison
Lindsey
Mary St
Moon St
N. Guadalupe
N. Guadalupe
N. LBJ

Edward Gary
CM Allen
Comanche
Fredericksburg
N. LBJ
Comanche
Hutchison
University
Concho
Concho
Concho

LBJ
Edward Gary
North St
Comanche
Edward Gary
Fredericksburg
Burleson
Hutchison
University
Woods
Woods

5%
10%
94%
1%
6%
62%
4%
1%
45%
31%
40%

North

2 Hour

N. LBJ

University

Concho

91%

North
North
North
South
South
South
South
South
South
South
South

2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
4 Hour
4 Hour

North St
North St
North St
North St
S. Guadalupe
S. Guadalupe
S. LBJ
San Antonio
San Antonio
Edward Gary
MLK

Burleson
Hopkins
Hutchison
Harvey
MLK
MLK
San Antonio
Edward Gary
Fredericksburg
Hopkins
Guadalupe

Lindsey
Hutchison
Burleson
Hopkins
Railroad Tracks
San Antonio
MLK
LBJ
Comanche
San Antonio
Fredericksburg

62%
18%
15%
5%
72%
9%
24%
17%
48%
16%
55%

South

4 Hour

San Antonio

CM Allen

Edward Gary

5%

South
Grand Total

4 Hour

San Antonio

Comanche

North St

21%
23%

Block Band Analysis Early Morning
Threshold
90%
85%
75%
50%
25%
0%
Total

OVERALL
# Blocks
2
0
1
5
7
30
45

% of Blocks
4%
0%
2%
11%
16%
67%
100%

Threshold
90%
85%
75%
50%
25%
0%
Total

NORTH

CORE
# Blocks
0
0
0
0
1
12
13

% of Blocks
0%
0%
0%
0%
8%
92%
100%

SOUTH

Threshold
90%

# Blocks
2

% of Blocks
9%

Threshold
90%

# Blocks
0

% of Blocks
0%

85%
75%
50%

0
1
3

0%
5%
14%

85%
75%
50%

0
0
2

0%
0%
20%

25%
0%
Total

5
11
22

23%
50%
100%

25%
0%
Total

1
7
10

10%
70%
100%

Regulation Type Analysis Early Morning
Time
Week Day

6:00 AM
(All)

Type of Regulation
2 Hour

Proposed Zone
Core
North
South
South

4 Hour
Grand Total

Sum of Occupancy
12%
27%
35%
24%
23%

Collection Date Overview
Years (Date)

Date

Time

Sum of Occupancy

2024
2024
2024
2024
2024
2024
2024
2024
2024
2024

2/15/24
2/16/24
2/20/24
2/21/24
2/22/24
2/23/24
2/26/24
2/27/24
2/29/24
3/21/24

10:00 AM
2:00 PM
10:00 AM
2:00 PM
2:00 PM
10:00 AM
10:00 AM
2:00 PM
11:00 AM
7:00 PM

75%
71%
77%
80%
79%
71%
67%
82%
78%
75%

2024

3/22/24

7:00 PM

85%

2024
2024
2024
2024
2024
2025
2025
2025
2025
2025

3/23/24
3/28/24
7/30/24
8/1/24
9/4/24
9/13/25
9/16/25
9/18/25
9/18/25
9/19/25

1:00 PM
12:00 PM
10:00 AM
12:00 PM
12:00 PM
8:00 PM
6:00 AM
6:00 AM
8:00 PM
12:00 AM

88%
81%
49%
53%
78%
74%
21%
21%
74%
78%

2025

9/23/25

6:00 AM

28%

2025
2025
2025
2025
2025
2025
2025
2025
2025
2025
2025

9/25/25
9/26/25
9/26/25
9/27/25
9/30/25
10/2/25
10/2/25
10/3/25
10/3/25
10/4/25
10/4/25

6:00 AM
12:00 AM
8:00 PM
8:00 PM
6:00 AM
6:00 AM
8:00 PM
12:00 AM
8:00 PM
12:00 AM
1:00 PM

24%
75%
80%
62%
22%
23%
79%
75%
43%
91%
71%

2025

10/7/25

6:00 AM

21%

2025
2025
2025
2025
2025
2025
2025
2025

10/9/25
10/9/25
10/10/25
10/10/25
10/11/25
10/11/25
10/11/25
10/14/25

6:00 AM
8:00 PM
12:00 AM
8:00 PM
12:00 AM
1:00 PM
8:00 PM
6:00 AM

22%
68%
73%
73%
93%
93%
99%
20%

2025
2025
2025

10/16/25
10/16/25
10/17/25

6:00 AM
8:00 PM
12:00 AM

22%
48%
90%

2025

10/18/25

12:00 AM

90%

2025
2025
2025
2025
2025
2025
2025
2025
2025

10/18/25
10/23/25
10/23/25
10/24/25
10/25/25
10/28/25
10/30/25
10/30/25
11/1/25

8:00 PM
6:00 AM
8:00 PM
8:00 PM
8:00 PM
6:00 AM
6:00 AM
8:00 PM
12:00 AM

58%
28%
67%
85%
65%
20%
21%
74%
92%

2025

11/1/25

1:00 PM

89%

2025

11/1/25

8:00 PM

71%

2025

11/4/25

6:00 AM

22%

2025
2025
2025
2025
2025
2025
2025
2025
2025

11/6/25
11/7/25
11/7/25
11/8/25
11/13/25
11/14/25
11/20/25
11/20/25
11/21/25

6:00 AM
12:00 AM
8:00 PM
12:00 AM
8:00 PM
12:00 AM
6:00 AM
8:00 PM
12:00 AM

21%
93%
75%
87%
73%
89%
27%
74%
86%

COMPARE TO KIMLEY-HORN PEAK (Weekday Afternoon)
Time

2:00 PM

Week Day

(Multiple Items)

Proposed Zone
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core

Type of Regulation
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour

Location
Fredericksburg
Hopkins
Hopkins
Hutchison
Hutchison
N. Guadalupe
N. Guadalupe
N. LBJ

Cross Street¹
Cross Street²
Hopkins
Hutchison
Guadalupe
Fredericksburg
LBJ
Guadalupe
FredericksburgGuadalupe
Guadalupe
N. LBJ
Hutchison
Hopkins
University
Hutchison
Hopkins
Hutchison

Sum of Occupancy Spaces
29%
43%
89%
90%
89%
88%
94%
98%

7
18
16
15
14
12
18
33

Core

2 Hour

N. LBJ

Hutchison

University

99%

27

Core
Core
Core
Core
North
North
North
North
North
North

2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour

S. Guadalupe
S. LBJ
San Antonio
San Antonio
Burleson
CM Allen
Comanche
Concho
Edward Gary
Edward Gary

Hopkins
San Antonio
Guadalupe
Guadalupe
Mary St
University
Lindsey
N. LBJ
Hutchison
Hutchison

San Antonio
Hopkins
Fredericksburg
LBJ
Moore
Hopkins
Pat Garrison
Guadalupe
Hopkins
University

75%
94%
89%
64%
90%
78%
99%
91%
91%
90%

26
41
29
50
12
27
17
14
22
23

North

2 Hour

Fredericksburg

Pat Garrison

Lindsey

100%

9

North
North
North
North
North
North
North
North
North
North
North

2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour

Hopkins
Hopkins
Hutchison
Hutchison
Hutchison
Hutchison
Hutchison
Lindsey
Mary St
Moon St
N. Guadalupe

Edward Gary LBJ
North
Comanche
CM Allen
Edward Gary
Comanche
North St
FredericksburgComanche
N. LBJ
Edward Gary
Moore
North
Comanche
Fredericksburg
Hutchison
Burleson
University
Hutchison
Concho
University

119%
19%
79%
76%
92%
96%
74%
100%
99%
83%
86%

4
13
18
8
9
25
13
11
17
20
9

North

2 Hour

N. Guadalupe

Concho

Woods

96%

7

North
North
North
North
North
North
South
South
South
South
South

2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour
2 Hour

N. LBJ
N. LBJ
North St
North St
North St
Pat Garrison
North St
S. Guadalupe
S. Guadalupe
S. LBJ
San Antonio

Concho
University
Burleson
Hopkins
Hutchison
Comanche
Harvey
MLK
MLK
San Antonio
Edward Gary

Woods
Concho
Lindsey
Hutchison
Burleson
Fredericksburg
Hopkins
Railroad Tracks
San Antonio
MLK
LBJ

93%
139%
88%
82%
84%
98%
10%
50%
31%
85%
64%

20
8
10
7
11
12
5
20
12
46
14

South

2 Hour

San Antonio

FredericksburgComanche

80%

38

South
South
South
South
South
South
Grand Total

4 Hour
4 Hour
4 Hour
4 Hour
4 Hour
4 Hour

Edward Gary
Edward Gary
MLK
San Antonio
San Antonio
San Antonio

Hopkins
San Antonio
Guadalupe
CM Allen
Comanche
Harvey

84%
23%
14%
48%
78%
4%
78%

11
32
9
7
9
13
17

San Antonio
LBJ
Fredericksburg
Edward Gary
North St
North St

K-H Compare Block Bands
Threshold

# Blocks

% of Blocks

90%
85%
75%
50%
25%
0%
Total

19
7
11
4
4
5
50

38%
14%
22%
8%
8%
10%
100%

Weekday Afternoon Peak Comparison
2018 Kimley-Horn
2024-2025 City/TXST
Overall Occupancy
Blocks >85%
% Spaces

70%
19
42%

78%
26
50%

# spaces
332
101
221
97
44
72
866

% spaces
38.32%
11.70%
25.50%
11.15%
5.02%
8.32%
100.00%

Subpart A - GENERAL ORDINANCES
Chapter 82 - TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES
ARTICLE 4. STOPPING, STANDING, PARKING

ARTICLE 4. STOPPING, STANDING, PARKING
DIVISION 1. GENERALLY
Sec. 82.155. Parking violations made civil offenses; hearing.
(a)

A violation of a provision of this Code governing parking of a vehicle is designated as a civil offense.

(b)

A violation of a provision of this Code pertaining to interference with enforcement, immobilization or
impoundment is a criminal offense.

(c)

A person charged with violating a parking ordinance is entitled to an administrative adjudication hearing as
provided in this article.
(Ord. No. 2007-61, § 1, 10-16-07)

Sec. 82.156. Presumptions; liability of vehicle owner and operator; copy of citation; failure to
appear.
(a)

(b)

In any administrative adjudication hearing under this article:
(1)

It is a rebuttable presumption that the registered owner of the motor vehicle is the person who parked
the vehicle at the time and place of the offense charged; and

(2)

A computer-generated record of the Texas Department of Transportations' files showing the current
registered vehicle owner is prima facie evidence of the contents of the record.

In an administrative adjudication hearing under this article for a charge of parking in a front or side yard or a
vacant lot:
(1)

It is a rebuttable presumption that the real property owner of the property on which the vehicle is
parked is the person who allowed the vehicle to remain parked at the time and place of the violation
charged; and

(2)

A computer-generated record of the Hays, Caldwell, Guadalupe or Comal County Tax Assessors' files
showing the current real property owner is prima facie evidence of the contents of the record.

(c)

For a citation charging a person with removing a parking ticket from the vehicle of another or placing a ticket
from the vehicle of another on the person's vehicle, proof that the parking ticket found on a vehicle contains
identifying information for a different vehicle, creates a rebuttable presumption that the person named in
the citation removed the ticket from the vehicle of another or placed a ticket from another vehicle on the
person's own vehicle.

(d)

For a citation charging use of a prior ticket, proof that the time of issuance on the ticket is more than 24
hours prior to the time the ticket is found, creates a rebuttable presumption that the person named in the
citation placed the prior ticket on the vehicle.

(e)

For any parking citation:
(1)

The registered owner and the operator of the vehicle, when not the same, are both liable to the city for
the parking citation.

San Marcos, Texas, Code of Ordinances
(Supp. No. 40)

Created: 2025-09-30 16:18:16 [EST]

Page 1 of 23

(2)

The registered owner will not be held liable if the registered owner proves that the vehicle was
operated without his or her express or implied consent.

(3)

For a parking on the side or front yard or vacant lot citation the real property owner of the property on
which the vehicle is parked may be held liable in addition to the owner or operator of the vehicle.

(f)

The original or any copy of the citation, including an electronic copy, shall be kept as a record in the ordinary
course of business of the city and is rebuttable proof of the facts it contains.

(g)

A person who fails to request an administrative adjudication hearing through the City’s online parking
citation portal or who fails to respond to the citation within 30 calendar days, is deemed to have admitted
liability to the violation charged.

(Code 1970, § 29-45; Ord. No. 1999-56, § 1, 7-12-99; Ord. No. 2003-41, § 1, 6-23-03; Ord. No. 2007-61, § 2, 10-1607)

Sec. 82.157. Parking citations; notices.
(a)

A parking citation serves as summons and notice of the administrative adjudication hearing under this article.

(b)

A parking citation may be issued by a parking technician, a park ranger, a police officer, a code enforcement
officer, or any other authorized parking enforcement agent designated by or upon authority of the city.

(c)

If the owner or operator of the vehicle is not present at the time the citation is issued, the person issuing the
citation may affix the citation to the vehicle in a conspicuous place.

(d)

The citation shall include:
(1)

The charged violation(s);

(2)

The date, time and location of the violation(s);

(3)

The state license plate number of the vehicle, or if the license plate number is not visible or legible, the
VIN number or state inspection number in lieu of the license number;

(4)

Notice of the recipient’s right to request a hearing within 30 calendar days from the date of violation
and,

(5)

Notice that failure to request a hearing within 30 calendar days is deemed an admission of liability.

(Code 1970, § 29-45; Ord. No. 2007-61, § 3, 10-16-07; Ord. No. 2023-45, § 2, 7-3-23)

Sec. 82.158. Registration of parking regulations.
All parking regulations established by authority of this chapter shall be recorded in the traffic register.
(Code 1970, § 29-47)

Sec. 82.159. Penalties for parking violations.
(a)

A person who violates this article shall be liable for a civil penalty (except for disabled parking violations) as
follows:
(1)

Level one violations ($50.00*)
•

Parked overtime

Created: 2025-09-30 16:18:15 [EST]

(Supp. No. 40)
Page 2 of 23

•

Parked within 20 feet of crosswalk

•

Wheels more than 18 inches from the curb

•

Parked on wrong side of the street

•

Non-electric vehicle parked in electric vehicle space without charging

•

Parking within four feet of a residential mailbox during prohibited hours

•

Parked for sale or repair within the public right-of-way

•

Non-payment of posted fees for parking within City of San Marcos paid parking lots

•

Unauthorized presence within City of San Marcos parking lots after posted hours

*For Level 1 violations, including those issued by mail, the base penalty is fifty dollars ($50). A fifty percent (50%)
discount applies if payment is received within fourteen (14) calendar days of the citation issuance date or within
seventeen (17) calendar days for tickets issued by mail, and the citation or ticket will reflect the discounted
amount during this period. After these respective discount periods, the penalty reverts to the base amount of fifty
dollars ($50). Any citation remaining unpaid after thirty (30) calendar days from the issuance date incurs an
additional late penalty equal to fifty percent (50%) of the $50 base penalty (an additional $25).
Violation Payment Schedule
If the ticket is paid within 14 days of citation issuance date

$25

If the ticket is paid between 15-30 days of citation issuance date

$50

If the ticket is paid after 31 days of citation issuance date

$75

Ticket by Mail Payment Schedule

(2)

If the ticket by mail is paid within 17 days of citation issuance date

$25

f the ticket by mail is paid between 18-30 days of citation issuance date

$50

If the ticket by mail is paid after 31 days of citation issuance date

$75

Level two violations ($100.00)
•

Backed into parking space not designated for back-in parking or parked head-in into a parking space
designated for back-in parking

•

Oversize vehicle in angle parking

•

No parking zone

•

Blocking alley

•

Blocking crosswalk

Created: 2025-09-30 16:18:15 [EST]

(Supp. No. 40)
Page 3 of 23

•

Blocking driveway of business or residence

•

Parked on sidewalk

•

Double parked

•

Parked in loading zone

•

Parked in lane of traffic

•

Parked in intersection

•

Large motor vehicle, trailer, travel trailer, personal watercraft, or boat, either attached or unattached
to a motor vehicle on street in a residential area

•

Vehicle parked across striped parking stall lines.

(3)

Level three violations
except as provided below. (*$250.00)
•

Commercial vehicle, semi-trailer, pole trailer, construction vehicle or farm equipment on street in
residential area

•

Parked in fire zone

•

Parked within 15 feet of a fire hydrant

•

Parked in front or side yard or vacant lot

•

Parked in a bicycle lane

The full penalty shall be assessed for each additional violation within 12 months of the most recent previous level
three violation.
*

(4)

Level four violations ($500.00*)

Violations regarding disabled parking (Pursuant to Chapter 681 of the Texas Transportation Code) (b) In addition to
the penalty, or penalties, all applicable costs of court and related administrative fees as allowed or required by
state law shall be assessed.
•

Any penalty not paid within 30 days of the date due is subject to an additional past due fee of 50 percent
of the original penalty.

•

The board may recommend and the city manager, in coordination with the municipal court judge, may
implement alternative means of satisfying payment of fines or incentives for prompt payment of fines,
such as fine reductions for early payment, community service in lieu of payment, or waiver of late charges
under an amnesty or similar program.

•

No less than every three years, staff shall conduct a comprehensive parking violation rate study. This
study shall include, but not be limited to, an assessment of comparable violations in neighboring cities,
the cost of enforcement, administrative expenses, and the impact on public safety and traffic
management. Following the completion of the rate study the Parking Advisory Board shall review the rate
study and make a recommendation to the city council regarding any proposed parking rates.

•

Any penalty that remains unpaid after 90 days may be forwarded to a collection agency, with all
associated collection costs added.

Created: 2025-09-30 16:18:15 [EST]

(Supp. No. 40)
Page 4 of 23

(Code 1970, § 29-48; Ord. No. 1998-15, § 1, 3-23-98; Ord. No. 2003-41, § 2, 6-23-03; Ord. No. 2006-10, § 3, 3-2106; Ord. No. 2007-61, § 4, 10-16-07; Ord. No. 2012-49, § 2, 11-7-12; Ord. No. 2013-72, § 2, 12-17-13; Ord. No.
2014-05, § 1, 2-18-14; Ord. No. 2023-45, § 3, 7-3-23; Ord. No. 2024-03, § 6, 1-30-24; Ord. No. 2024-55, § 1, 12-324)

Sec. 82.160. Parking limited by specific time.
When signs or markings are placed on a public street or in a public area giving notice thereof, no person shall stand
or park a vehicle for a period of time longer than the time indicated on the signs or markings. These areas shall be
described by separate ordinance and shall be maintained in the traffic register. A separate violation of this section
shall be deemed committed for each period of time, regardless of whether the violations occur on a single day and
at the same location.
(Code 1970, § 29-43)

Sec. 82.161. Tow-away zones.
(a)

Notwithstanding any section of this chapter, any street, alley or city-owned property or part thereof may be
designated as a no parking tow-away zone by separate ordinance.

(b)

When signs or markings are placed giving notice thereof, no person shall park a vehicle in any area
designated as a no parking tow-away zone.

(c)

Any peace officer or parking technician may authorize the removal of a vehicle parked in a no parking towaway zone. The owner and operator of the vehicle are liable for all reasonable towing and storage fees
incurred in the removal and storage of the vehicle.

(Code 1970, § 29-44; Ord. No. 2003-41, § 3, 6-23-03)

Sec. 82.162. Backing into spaces.
(a)

The city manager may designate parking spaces on a public street for back-in parking by placing signs giving
notice of such designation.

(b)

It is unlawful for any person to back a vehicle, other than a motorcycle, into a parking space on a public
street that is not designated by the city manager for back-in parking or to park head-in into a parking space
on a public street designated by the city manager for back-in parking.

(Code 1970, § 29-31; Ord. No. 2013-72, § 1, 12-17-13)

Sec. 82.163. Trailers.
It is unlawful for any person to stand or park any vehicle having attached thereto a trailer, and the overall length of
the vehicle and trailer is 19 feet or more, on any street where angle parking is designated.
(Code 1970, § 29-32)

Created: 2025-09-30 16:18:15 [EST]

(Supp. No. 40)
Page 5 of 23

Sec. 82.164. Parking in alleys.
(a)

It is unlawful for a person to park a vehicle and leave it unattended within an alley in any manner or under
any condition which leaves available less than ten feet of the width of the alley for the free movement of
vehicles, except for the active and expeditious loading and unloading of freight.

(b)

It is unlawful for a person to stand or park a vehicle within an alley in any position which blocks a driveway
entrance to any abutting property.

(Code 1970, § 29-33)

Sec. 82.165. Parking in front of residential mailboxes.
(a)

It shall be unlawful for any person to park a vehicle on a public street from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday
through Saturday within four feet of either side of a curbside single-family residential mailbox used for the
delivery of mail by the United States Postal Service. The restrictions in this section shall not apply on federal
holidays observed by the United States Postal Service or other days when mail is not delivered by the United
States Postal Service.

(b)

Nothing in this section shall prohibit a person from temporarily parking a vehicle that remains attended for
the purpose of loading or unloading passengers or cargo.

(c)

No citation may be issued for a violation of this section unless a written warning of a violation of this section
has been issued for the same vehicle within the 12-month period preceding the date of the violation.

(Ord. No. 2012-49, § 1, 11-7-12)

Sec. 82.166. Parking for certain purposes prohibited.
It is unlawful for a person to park a vehicle upon any street for the purpose of:
(1)

Displaying the vehicle for sale; or

(2)

Repairing the vehicle, except repairs necessitated by an emergency.

(Code 1970, § 29-35)

Sec. 82.167. Parallel and angle parking.
(a)

The city council shall determine the streets upon which angle parking will be permitted and shall mark or sign
the streets, but the angle parking shall not be indicated upon any federal-aid or state highway within this city
unless the state highway engineer has determined that the roadway is of sufficient width to permit angle
parking without interfering with the free movement of traffic. Angle parking shall not be indicated or
permitted at any place where passing traffic would thereby be caused or required to drive upon the left side
of the street or upon any railway tracks.

(b)

Upon those streets that have been signed or marked for angle parking, no person shall park or stand a
vehicle other than at the angle to the curb or edge of the roadway indicated by signs or markings.

(c)

Whenever parking spaces are marked by lines on the pavement, whether for parallel or angle parking, a
vehicle must be parked entirely within the lines of the parking space.

(Code 1970, § 29-36)

Created: 2025-09-30 16:18:15 [EST]

(Supp. No. 40)
Page 6 of 23

Sec. 82.168. Parking near hazardous or congested places; parking or loitering near scene of
accident.
(a)

The traffic engineer is authorized to determine and designate, by signs or markings, places in which the
standing or parking of vehicles would create an especially hazardous condition or would cause unusual delay
to traffic.

(b)

When official signs or markings are placed at hazardous or congested places as authorized in subsection (a)
of this section, it is unlawful for a person to stand or park a vehicle in these designated places.

(c)

It is unlawful for a person, not involved in the accident, to loiter or remain within 100 feet of any vehicle
involved in an accident, except at the request or authorization of a peace officer.

(d)

It is unlawful for a person to park or stand a vehicle within 100 feet of a police or fire line, except at the
request or authorization of a police officer or fire official at the scene.

(e)

It is unlawful for a person to drive a vehicle across a police or fire line, except at the request or authorization
of a police officer or fire official at the scene.

(Code 1970, § 29-37)

Sec. 82.169. Curb loading zones.
(a)

The traffic engineer is authorized to determine the location of curb loading zones and shall place and
maintain appropriate signs or markings indicating the zones and stating the hours during which they are
applicable.

(b)

No person shall stand or park a vehicle for any purpose or period of time, other than for the expeditious
loading or unloading of passengers or freight, in any place officially designated by signs or markings as a curb
loading zone during hours when the regulations applicable to the curb loading zone are effective.

(Code 1970, § 29-38)

Sec. 82.170. Public carrier stops and stands.
(a)

The traffic engineer is authorized and required to establish bus stops, bus stands, taxicab stands and stands
for other public carrier motor vehicles, on public streets, in places and in a number as the engineer
determines to be of the greatest benefit and convenience to the public. Every bus stop, bus stand, taxicab
stand or other stand shall be designated by appropriate signs or markings.

(b)

The operator of a public carrier shall not stand or park the vehicle upon any street at any place other than a
designated stand, except as provided in subsection (c) of this section.

(c)

Where one is provided, the operator of a taxicab or limousine, or a TNC Driver (as defined under section
90.321 of this Code) waiting for a prearranged ride customer shall use a stand designated by subsection (a)
of this section for the purpose of loading and unloading of passengers. Where a stand is not provided, the
operator of a taxicab or limousine, or a TNC Driver waiting for a prearranged ride customer shall not stand or
park the vehicle upon any street, except for the purpose of and while actually engaged in the expeditious
loading or unloading of passengers.

(Code 1970, § 29-39; Ord. No. 2016-05, § 1, 4-5-16)

Created: 2025-09-30 16:18:16 [EST]

(Supp. No. 40)
Page 7 of 23

Sec. 82.171. Disabled parking spaces.
(a)

The traffic engineer is authorized to determine the location for parking spaces for vehicles transporting
persons with disabilities and shall place and maintain appropriate signs and markings indicating these
parking spaces. No person shall stand or park a vehicle in a handicapped parking space unless authorized to
do so under state law.

(b)

In addition to police officers and appointed parking technicians, other persons meeting the qualifications
under V.T.C.A., Transportation Code, § 681.0101, and other qualifications prescribed by the chief of police,
may be appointed and trained by the chief of police to enforce state disabled parking provisions on public
and private property.

(Code 1970, § 29-40; Ord. No. 2003-41, § 4, 6-23-03; Ord. No. 2005-27, § 1, 4-5-05)

Sec. 82.172. Standing or parking on street.
It is unlawful for a person to park or leave standing any vehicle, whether attended or unattended, upon the maintraveled part of a street, in a manner or under any condition which leaves available less than 14 feet of the width
of the street for the free movement of vehicles.
(Code 1970, § 29-41)

Sec. 82.173. One-way streets.
On a one-way street, no person shall stand or park a vehicle upon the lefthand side of the street unless signs are
erected under authority granted by ordinance to permit standing or parking.
(Code 1970, § 29-42)

Sec. 82.174. Administrative adjudication hearing officer; powers; duties; functions.
(a)

The municipal court judge and the associate municipal court judge and any other person assigned by the City
Manager are designated as administrative adjudication hearing officers.

(b)

The administrative adjudication hearing officer shall have the authority to:
(1)

Administer oaths;

(2)

Issue orders enforceable by the municipal court compelling the attendance of witness and the
production of documents;

(3)

Hear and determine contests of parking violations under this Code;

(4)

Issue orders of immobilization or impoundment of vehicles;

(5)

Set conditions for the release of vehicles immobilized or impounded under this chapter; and

(6)

Dismiss parking citations or cases that are unenforceable or that were erroneously issued.

(Ord. No. 1998-15, § 2, 3-23-98; Ord. No. 2007-61, § 5, 10-16-07)

Created: 2025-09-30 16:18:16 [EST]

(Supp. No. 40)
Page 8 of 23

Sec. 82.175. Administrative adjudication hearing; notice to city attorney; orders; hearing on
parking citations or immobilization or impoundment.
A defendant may request an administrative adjudication hearing through the City’s online parking citation portal
within 30 calendar days from the date upon which a citation is issued. The request shall be reviewed by a hearing
officer. At the hearing:
(1)

The defendant may admit, admit with an explanation, or deny the allegation.

(2)

The person who issued the citation is not required to attend the hearing.

(3)

The city attorney is not required to appear at the hearing. However, if the person charged is
represented by legal counsel at the hearing, the hearing officer shall notify the city attorney's office so
that the city attorney or the city attorney's designated agent may appear on behalf of the city at the
hearing.

(4)

No formal or sworn complaint shall be necessary. At the hearing, the hearing officer shall examine the
contents of the citation and the evidence related to ownership of the vehicle in question, the
presumptions and other prima facie evidence established by this article and other applicable state law,
and the testimony and evidence presented by the defendant and the city.

(5)

If the hearing officer determines by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant committed
the violation, he shall find the defendant liable for all fees and fines.

(6)

At the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officer shall issue an order stating:
a. Whether the person charged with the violation is liable for the violation;
b. The amount of any fine, cost, or fee assessed against the person; and
c. A statement that the order may be enforced by the methods provided in this article.

(7)

The order shall be filed with the municipal court clerk and shall be kept in a separate index and file.

(Ord. No. 1998-15, § 2, 3-23-98; Ord. No. 2007-61, § 6, 10-16-07; Ord. No. 2023-45, § 4, 7-3-23)

Sec. 82.176. Appeal.
(a)

A person whom the hearing officer determines to be in violation of a vehicle parking ordinance may appeal
the determination by filing a petition with the clerk of the municipal court and paying the costs required by
law for municipal court after an administrative adjudication order has been rendered or after the thirty
calendar days from the date upon which a citation is issued but no later than the 60th calendar day after the
date on which the parking citation was issued.

(b)

The municipal court clerk shall schedule an appeal hearing and notify the appellant and the city attorney of
the date, time, and place of hearing.

(c)

The appellate hearing shall be a de novo review by the municipal court judge or the associate municipal
court judge. If the hearing officer at the administrative hearing is a municipal court judge, then the judge that
did not preside at the original hearing shall hear the appeal. The judge hearing the appeal shall use the same
criteria as the administrative adjudication hearing. If the judge determines by a preponderance of the
evidence that the person committed the parking violation, the judge shall find the defendant liable.

(d)

An appeal does not stay enforcement and collection of the judgment unless the person, before filing an
appeal, posts bond in the amount of the fine assessed by the municipal court with the municipal court clerk.

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(e)

Failure to timely file an appeal results in forfeiture of the right to adjudicate or appeal the citation, and the
defendant is, thereafter, fully responsible for payment of any fines and associated fees and costs.

(Ord. No. 1998-15, § 2, 3-23-98; Ord. No. 2007-61, § 7, 10-16-07; Ord. No. 2023-45, § 4, 7-3-23)

Sec. 82.177. Enforcement.
(a)

(b)

An order filed pursuant to this article may be enforced by:
(1)

Impounding or immobilizing the vehicle if the offender has committed three or more parking violations
in the past calendar year; and

(2)

Imposing an additional fine if the original fine is not paid within a specified time.

Provided however that no vehicle shall be impounded or immobilized under this article unless the registered
owner or driver has been notified that the vehicle is subject to impoundment or immobilization under this
article and of the right to a hearing regarding same.

(Ord. No. 1998-15, § 2, 3-23-98; Ord. No. 2007-61, § 8, 10-16-07; Ord. No. 2023-45, § 4, 7-3-23)

Sec. 82.178. Impoundment or immobilization.
(a)

Procedures for impoundment or immobilization.
(1)

If a vehicle owner does not request a hearing or pay the penalty as provided by this article, the vehicle
may be immobilized or impounded after notice has been provided.

(2)

Written notice shall be affixed to the windshield of or other conspicuous location on the vehicle or
mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle, and shall contain at a minimum the following
information:
a. The vehicle license plate number;
b. The date issued;
c. A statement that a request for a hearing to determine whether or not the motor vehicle will be
immobilized or impounded must be made to the municipal court in writing, without requirement
of bond, within thirty days after the date the notice was affixed to the vehicle or the date the
notice was mailed to the registered owner;
d. A statement that failure to request a hearing before the expiration of the thirty-day period, or failure
to appear at a requested hearing will constitute a waiver of the opportunity to oppose the
proposed impoundment or immobilization; and
e. A statement indicating that the registered owner of the vehicle, in addition to being responsible for
all outstanding parking citations, will be responsible for all fees and costs incurred in immobilizing
and impounding the vehicle, including storage fees.

(b)

Hearing.
(1)

If a hearing is conducted with the vehicle owner present, and the judge determines that a vehicle will
be immobilized or impounded, the judge will issue a written order directing any police officer or
parking technician of the city to immobilize and impound the vehicle. The municipal court will also
charge a hearing fee of $50.00 that is separate from the immobilization fee.

(2)

If the municipal court does not receive a request for a hearing from the owner of the motor vehicle or
the owner's representative within thirty days from the date the notice required by this section was
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affixed to the vehicle, any city officer or parking technician may immobilize or impound the vehicle as
provided in section 82.179. If the owner or owner's representative fails to attend a requested hearing,
the judge will issue a written order directing the immobilizing and impoundment of the vehicle. If the
owner or the owner's representative fails to attend a requested hearing, the municipal court will
charge a $50.00 hearing fee that is separate from the immobilization fee.
(3)

Upon a determination by the judge that a vehicle should be immobilized or impounded, the judge or
the clerk of the municipal court will inform the owner or the owner's representative of the
determination, in person if they appear at a hearing or by certified mail to the last known registered
owner of the vehicle if they do not appear at a hearing.

(Ord. No. 1998-15, § 2, 3-23-98; Ord. No. 1999-56, § 1, 7-12-99; Ord. No. 2007-61, § 9, 10-16-07; Ord. No. 2023-45,
§ 4, 7-3-23)

Sec. 82.179. Immobilization or impoundment.
(a)

(b)

Any city officer or parking technician may immobilize a vehicle under this article by:
(1)

The installation or attachment of a device designed to restrict the normal movement of a vehicle; or

(2)

Impounding the vehicle.

When a vehicle is immobilized as provided in section 82.178, the person executing the order will
conspicuously attach to the vehicle a written notice on a form provided by the city, worded substantially as
follows:
(1)

The vehicle has been immobilized pursuant to this article or municipal court order, and any attempted
movement may cause damage to the vehicle;

(2)

It is unlawful for any person to tamper with, deface, damage, or attempt to remove an immobilization
device when it has been attached to a vehicle;

(3)

Instructions on having the vehicle released may be obtained by calling the Municipal Court or the City
Marshal's Department Parking Enforcement Division during business hours;

(4)

The vehicle may be towed and impounded if the owner of the vehicle or the owner's representative
has not arranged to have the immobilization device removed by the city before 4:00 p.m.; and

(5)

The owner of the vehicle is responsible for payment of all applicable fees for towing, impoundment
and storage of the vehicle, in addition to the fines, costs and fees for any outstanding parking citations.

(c)

Nothing under this section shall be construed to restrict or limit the authority of police officers to tow and
impound vehicles under other applicable law.

(d)

Any immobilized vehicles may be impounded by 4:00 p.m. the day of installation or as soon thereafter as is
determined feasible by the city if the municipal court clerk has not been contacted for appeal or payment.

(Ord. No. 1998-15, § 2, 3-23-98; Ord. No. 1999-56, § 1, 7-12-99; Ord. No. 2007-61, § 10, 10-16-07; Ord. No. 202345, § 4, 7-3-23)

Sec. 82.180. Reclaiming immobilized or impounded vehicles.
(a)

The owner or a person with the right to possession of a vehicle which has been immobilized or impounded
under this article may reclaim the vehicle by appearing at the San Marcos Municipal Court Monday through
Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. and meeting the following
requirements:
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(1)

Present satisfactory evidence of the person's identity and of the person's ownership or right to
possession of the vehicle; and

(2)

Pay the accumulated fines, costs and fees related to the vehicle.

(b)

Upon compliance with subsection (a), the person will be authorized to reclaim the impounded vehicle or to
have the immobilization device removed during regular city business hours.

(c)

The municipal court judge, the city marshal, the chief of police or their designees, are authorized to issue a
written order releasing an impounded vehicle to its owner or to a person determined to have the right to
possession of the vehicle. Nothing in the order shall authorize or imply the waiving of costs and fees
associated with the impoundment and storage of the vehicle.

(d)

Upon payment of all impoundment and storage fees, presentment of either a signed release from the
municipal court judge, the city marshal, the chief of police or their designees and proof of identity to the
person in possession of the vehicle, the impounded vehicle shall be released to the person indicated in the
release.

(Ord. No. 1998-15, § 2, 3-23-98; Ord. No. 1999-56, § 1, 7-12-99; Ord. No. 2007-61, § 11, 10-16-07; Ord. No. 202345, § 4, 7-3-23)

Sec. 82.181. Interference with enforcement.
(a)

(b)

It is unlawful for any person to obstruct, prevent, hinder or interfere with any person engaged in
enforcing the provisions of this article. Unlawful interference may include, but is not limited to such
actions as:
(1)

Obstructing, preventing, hindering or interfering with any person executing an order of
immobilization and impoundment; or

(2)

Tampering with, defacing, or damaging an immobilization device, or attempting to remove the
device when it has been installed; or

(3)

Removing, erasing, tampering with or defacing marks made by parking enforcement officers to
note the time or location vehicle was found; or

(4)

Removing, destroying or defacing a ticket from another vehicle; or

(5)

Cause or permit placing a ticket from another vehicle on one's vehicle; or,

(6)

Cause or permit placing a previously issued ticket on one's own or another's vehicle.

Parking technicians are authorized to issue citations for violations of this section.

(Ord. No. 2007-61, § 12, 10-16-07)

Sec. 82.182. Parking privileges.
(a)

The owner of a vehicle is exempt from the payment of a fee or penalty imposed by the city for parking in a
space with a limitation on the length of time for parking if a valid hospitality tag, issued under section 82.292
of this Code, is hung from the rearview mirror of the vehicle or placed on the vehicle's front dashboard.

(b)

This section does not permit a vehicle to be parked at a time when or a place where parking is prohibited, or
limited to certain vehicles such as loading zones, public carrier stops or handicapped spaces.

(Ord. No. 1998-46, § 1, 5-18-98; Ord. No. 2007-61, § 12, 10-16-07)

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Editor's note(s)—Ord. No. 2007-61, § 13, adopted Oct. 16, 2007, deleted former § 82.182 in its entirety.
Former §82.182 pertained to interference with enforcement prohibited and derived from Ord. No.
2003-41, § 5, adopted June 23, 2003.

DIVISION 2. PARKING IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS
Sec. 82.183. Definitions.
In this division:
Boat means a vessel for use on water propelled by oars, paddles, sail, or power, and includes the trailer
upon which it is transported.
Construction vehicle means mobile construction equipment, including but not limited to, dump trucks,
graders, back-hoes, front-end loaders, skid loaders, and other similar equipment.
Farm equipment means tractors and all accessories and instruments associated with farming and
ranching.
Front yard means:
(1)

For the purposes of an interior lot only, the yard extending across the front of a lot.

(2)

For the purposes of a corner lot only, the yard extending across the front of a lot between the
side lot line adjacent to an interior lot or other platted property and the side yard line. A
corner lot shall be treated as having two front yards.

Large motor vehicle means a motor vehicle as defined in the preceding definition which is more than 22
feet in length and/or more than seven feet in height from ground level. Motor vehicles more than seven
feet in height due to adaptations specifically to accommodate disabled persons are exempted. This term
includes but is not limited to recreational vehicles.
Motor vehicle means any motor driven or propelled vehicle required to be registered under the laws of
the State of Texas, and includes trailers, semi trailers and house trailers as those terms are defined in of
the Texas Transportation Code.
Personal watercraft means any equipment used by one or more individuals for recreational or
transportation purposes in or on the water and which is powered by a motor and includes the trailer upon
which it is transported.
Pole trailer means every vehicle without motive power designed to be drawn by another vehicle and
attached to the towing vehicle by means of a reach, or pole, or by being boomed or otherwise secured to
the towing vehicle, and ordinarily used for transporting long or irregularly shaped loads such as poles,
pipes, or structural members, capable, generally, of sustaining themselves as beams between the
supporting connections.
Side yard means any yard which is not a front yard or rear yard, and which is behind the front building
line.
Semi-trailer means every vehicle with or without motive power, other than a pole trailer, designed for
carrying persons or property and for being drawn by a motor vehicle and so constructed that some part of
its weight and that of its load rests upon or is carried by another vehicle.
Single-family residential zoning district means zoning districts SF 11, SF6, SF 4.5, TH, DR, TH, and PH-Z, as
designated on the official zoning map of the city, and as described in chapter 4 of the city Land
Development Code.
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Trailer means every vehicle with or without motor power, other than a pole trailer, designed for carrying
persons or property and for being drawn by a motor vehicle.
Travel trailer means a vehicular, portable structure built on a permanent chassis, designed by the
manufactured to be towed by another vehicle and used as a temporary dwelling or providing temporary
living quarters for recreational use.
(Ord. No. 2006-10, § 5, 3-21-06)

Sec. 82.184. Parking prohibited on front and side yards.
It is unlawful for a person to park or allow to remain parked a motor vehicle, large motor vehicle, farm equipment,
construction vehicle, boat, personal watercraft or trailer of any kind at any time in the side or front yard, in any
single-family residential zoning district.
(Ord. No. 2006-10, § 5, 3-21-06)

Sec. 82.185. Exceptions.
(a)

It an exception to the prohibition in section 82.184 if all wheels of the motor vehicle, large motor vehicle,
travel trailer, boat or personal watercraft parked in the front yard are on a permanently maintained parking
area extending from the curb, street, or alley in a contiguous course, and constructed of materials permitted
under the Development Code.

(b)

The parking area referred to in subsection (a) shall be no greater than the area permitted under the
Development Code.

(c)

It is an exception to the prohibition in section 82.184 if the motor vehicle, large motor vehicle, travel trailer,
boat or personal watercraft is parked in the side yard and the vehicle is screened from view from the public
right-of-way by an opaque fence six feet in height.

(Ord. No. 2006-10, § 5, 3-21-06; Ord. No. 2018-04, § 27, 4-17-18)

Sec. 82.186. Parking prohibited on vacant lots.
(a)

(b)

It is unlawful for a person to park or allow to remain parked at any time on a vacant lot in any single-family
residential zoning district more than two of the following:
(1)

A motor vehicle;

(2)

A large motor vehicle;

(3)

A travel trailer;

(4)

A boat or personal watercraft.

It is unlawful for a person to park or allow to remain parked a semi-trailer, pole trailer, commercial vehicle,
construction vehicle or farm equipment on a vacant lot in any single-family residential zoning district.

(Ord. No. 2006-10, § 5, 3-21-06)

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Sec. 82.187. Restricted parking on streets.
(a)

It is unlawful for a person to leave, stand or park a large motor vehicle, trailer, travel trailer, personal
watercraft or boat, either attached or unattached to a motor vehicle on a public street in any single-family
residential zoning district in excess of 24 hours.

(b)

It is unlawful for a person to park a commercial vehicle larger than one-ton capacity, farm equipment or
construction vehicle on a street in any single-family residential zoning district for a period of more than 30
minutes, except during the process of loading and unloading or active use.

(Ord. No. 2006-10, § 5, 3-21-06)

Sec. 82.188. Enforcement.
Deputies of the City Marshal’s Department and employees of the environmental health department and
planning and development services department are authorized to enforce this division.
(Ord. No. 2006-10, § 5, 3-21-06)

Sec. 82.189. Residential parking program.
(a)

Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed in this subsection,
unless the context of their usage clearly indicates another meaning:
Block means both sides of a street between two intersecting streets.
Designated permit area means a contiguous area of a single family residential or commercial use
containing not less than ten commercial or single-family residential lots, upon which the city council
imposes a requirement for a parking permit under this section. Where there are less than ten
commercial or single-family residential lots on the entire length of the street, then the entire length of
the street may be considered for a designated permit area.
Guest permit means a permit issued by the city pursuant to this section to a guest of a resident located
within a designated permit area for display on a vehicle owned or used by a guest which is parked or left
standing within the designated permit area.
One-day pass means a permit issued by the city pursuant to this section to a property owner or resident
within a designated permit area for display on a vehicle used by visitors which are parked or left standing
within the designated permit area. A one-day pass shall be valid for time specified upon issuance not to
exceed one 24-hour period.
Resident means a person whose place of residence or property is located in the city as to render him or
her eligible for procurement of a parking permit under this section.
Resident parking program coordinator means a person designated by the city to oversee the residential
parking permit program.
Resident permit means a permit issued by the city pursuant to this section to a resident or property owner
within a designated permit area for display on a vehicle owned or used by such resident or property
owner which is parked or left standing within the designated permit area.
Residential parking program guidelines means operating policies and procedures established by the city.
Temporary construction permit means a permit issued under this section for authorized construction
activities lasting no more than 45 days.
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(b)

Request for designated permit area. The request for the designated permit area must originate from a
resident or property owner whose property abuts the requested designated permit area with the assistance
of city staff. The requester must:
(1)

Be considered the requester of record and act as primary contact for the request;

(2)

Be responsible for submission of a signed petition by 60 percent of all single-family houses and fourplex or smaller rental properties located within the designated permit area;

(3)

Provide a description or a map showing the proposed blocks of the designated permit area;

(4)

Include the address of each residential lot within the proposed designated permit area;

(5)

Identify any non-residential properties located within the proposed designated permit area, such as
churches, schools, public facilities, or commercial establishments;

(6)

Provide a statement of the proposed parking restrictions desired by the applicants, including days of
the week, times of the day, and the length of time for the parking restriction; and

(7)

Submit a signed petition with the following statement affixed:
"We the undersigned are residents and/or property owners of the proposed designated permit area
described in this application. We understand that: (i) if this area is designated, certain restrictions will
be placed upon on-street parking within the area; (ii) residents and/or property owners of the area will
be entitled to obtain a limited number of parking permits exempting their vehicles from such parking
restrictions, but if a resident and/or property owner owns a vehicle without having a permit displayed,
that vehicle will be subject to the parking restrictions; (iii) parking permits will be issued for a term of
one year and require replacement each year; (iv) the cost of the annual parking permits will be paid by
the residents and/or property owners. This restriction will be valid for a minimum of one year."

(c)

The city traffic engineer will review all applications submitted for a proposed designated parking permit area
in accordance with applicable city ordinances.
(1)

Temporary restrictions authorized by applicable city ordinances are permitted under existing
applicable standards.

(2)

Where no residential units exist on one side of a street, the area with residential units may be
considered for designation as a designated permit area. Requests for single side designated permit
areas will be considered based on traffic conditions and flow analysis.

(d)

The city council shall conduct a public hearing on the application. Following the conclusion of the public
hearing, the council may approve, reject or modify the proposed designated permit area. The council will
approve the designated permit area by adopting an ordinance which shall describe each street, or portion of
each street, within the area and the specific restrictions applicable to the area.

(e)

Request for designated permit area removal. Once a designated permit area is established, a removal request
may only be submitted no sooner than the first anniversary of the date the ordinance establishing the area
was adopted. The request for the removal of the designated permit area must originate from a resident or
owner whose residential property abuts the requested street segment. The requester must:

(f)

(1)

Be considered the requester of record and act as primary contact for the request; and

(2)

Be responsible for submission of a signed petition form, provided by the city, by at least 60 percent of
all single-family houses and four-plexes or smaller rental properties within the designated permit area.

Commercial or service vehicle exemption. The display of a permanent sign or marking which identifies a nonresident commercial or service vehicle being used while the operator is conducting commercial or servicerelated activities shall be deemed a parking permit and such vehicle shall be exempt from any parking
restriction as established by this section for any designated permit area.
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(g)

Application for permit. Any individual wishing to receive a parking permit will be required to complete an
application. This application will verify each individual lives in a designated parking area or is otherwise
eligible for a parking permit under the requirements of this section.

(h)

Permits. Resident permits are valid for one year from the date of issuance. One-day passes and temporary
construction permits are valid for the time periods designated for each such permit under this section. Guest
permits are valid for the period of time stated in such permit.
(1)

Costs:
a.

Resident permit $5.00

b.

Guest permit $5.00

c.

One-day pass $0.10

d.

Temporary construction permit = no cost

(2)

One guest permit will be issued for each resident permit with a maximum of two guest permits per
residence

(3)

The combined total number of resident permits and/or guest permits for each residence is limited to
five permits per year.

(4)

Temporary construction permits lasting no more than 45 days can be requested for vehicles of
workers.

(5)

Resident permits must be affixed to the window of a motor vehicle to be valid. Any altered or
obstructed resident permit will invalidate the permit and be considered a parking violation regardless if
it was assigned properly to a particular residence.

(6)

Guest permits must be hanging and prominently display information regarding the issuance and
certification information. Any altered or obstructed guest permit will invalidate the permit and be
considered a parking violation regardless if it was assigned properly to a particular residence.

(7)

Resident permit holders that sell or trade automobiles for a residence may have the permit replaced at
no charge provided the original permit is returned.

(8)

One-day passes may be issued under the residential parking program guidelines.

(i)

Nothing in this section shall change or alter existing no parking or tow away zones designated under
applicable ordinances for purposes of traffic management and control.

(j)

Parking without valid permit prohibited. No person shall park and leave standing any vehicle whether
attended or unattended in a designated parking area outside of the posted permitted parking times for the
designated permit area without a valid parking permit for the designated permit area from the city. Revoked
or expired permits are not considered to be valid permits for purposes of this subsection. Parking violations
under this section are subject to the level two civil penalty for parking in a no parking zone established under
chapter 82, article 4.

(k)

Misdemeanor offense. Any alteration, unauthorized copy, forgery or misrepresentation of any application,
form, petition, sticker or permit constitutes a misdemeanor offense and is subject to the penalty provided in
section 1.015 of the San Marcos City Code upon conviction of the person committing such offense.

(l)

Any permit issued under this section shall not guarantee or reserve to the holder a parking space. A parking
permit is non-transferable. A parking permit shall not authorize the holder to cause to stand or park a vehicle
at such places where parking is prohibited or during such times as when the standing or parking of vehicles is
set aside for specified types of vehicles, nor exempt the holder from observance of any traffic regulation

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other than the specified parking restrictions. A parking permit confers a privilege only, subject to revocation
consistent with residential parking program guidelines at any time.
(m) Officers and employees of the police department and Marshal's Department as designated by the City
Manager or their designees are authorized to enforce this section.
(n)

The city manager, residential parking permit program coordinator, and the city traffic engineer may serve as
an administrative committee authorized to establish and amend the residential parking program guidelines.

(Ord. No. 2014-01, § 1, 1-21-14)

DIVISION 3. REGULATION OF VEHICLE BOOTING ACTIVITIES
Sec. 82.190. Definitions.
In this division:
Boot means a lockable road wheel clamp or similar vehicle immobilization device that is designed to
immobilize a parked vehicle and prevent its movement until the device is unlocked or removed.
Boot operator means an individual who installs or removes a boot on or from a vehicle.
Booting company means a person that controls, installs, or directs the installation and removal of one or
more boots.
Parking facility means public or private property used, wholly or partly, for restricted or paid vehicle
parking. The term includes:
(1)

A restricted space on a portion of an otherwise unrestricted parking facility; and

(2)

A commercial parking lot, a parking garage, and a parking area serving or adjacent to a
business, church, school, home that charges a fee for parking, apartment complex, property
governed by a property owners' association, or government-owned property leased to a
private person, including:
a. A portion of the right-of-way of a public roadway that is leased by a governmental entity to
the parking facility owner; and
b. The area between the facility's property line abutting a county or municipal public roadway
and the center line of the roadway's drainage way or the curb of the roadway,
whichever is farther from the facility's property line.

Parking facility authorized agent means an employee or agent of a parking facility owner with the
authority to:
(1)

Authorize the removal of a vehicle from the parking facility on behalf of the parking facility
owner; and

(2)

Accept service on behalf of the parking facility owner of a notice of hearing requested under
V.T.C.A. Occupations Code Chapter 2308, Subchapter. J, (Rights of Owners and Operators of
Stored or Booted Vehicles), regarding whether probable cause existed to immobilize the
vehicle.

Parking facility owner means:
(1)

An individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company,
association, trust, or other legal entity owning or operating a parking facility;
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(2)

A property owners' association having control under a dedicatory instrument, as that term is
defined in V.T.C.A. Property Code § 202.001, over assigned or unassigned parking areas; or

(5)

A property owner having an exclusive right under a dedicatory instrument, as that term is
defined in V.T.C.A. Property Code § 202.001, to use a parking space.

Peace officer means a person who is a peace officer under V.T.C.A. Criminal Procedure Code Ch. 2.12.
Police chief means the chief of the San Marcos Police Department, and includes representatives, agents,
and department employees designated by the police chief.
Unauthorized vehicle means a vehicle parked, stored, or located on a parking facility without the consent
of the parking facility owner.
Vehicle means a device in, on, or by which a person or property may be transported on a public roadway.
The term includes an operable or inoperable automobile, truck, motorcycle, recreational vehicle, or trailer
but does not include a device moved by human power or used exclusively on a stationary rail or track.
Vehicle owner means a person:
(1)

Named as the purchaser or transferee in the certificate of title issued for the vehicle under
V.T.C.A. Transportation Code Ch. 501;

(2)

In whose name the vehicle is registered under V.T.C.A. Transportation Code Ch. 502, or a
member of the person's immediate family;

(3)

Who holds the vehicle through a lease agreement;

(4)

Who is an unrecorded lienholder entitled to possess the vehicle under the terms of a chattel
mortgage; or

(5)

Who is a lienholder holding an affidavit of repossession and entitled to repossess the vehicle.

(Ord. No. 2018-56, § 1, 1-15-19)

Sec. 82.191. Booting of unauthorized vehicle.
(a)

A parking facility owner may, without the consent of the owner or operator of an unauthorized vehicle,
cause a boot to be installed on the vehicle in the parking facility if the parking facility owner has posted the
signs in the parking facility required by V.T.C.A. Occupations Code Chapter 2308, Subchapter. G (Signs
Prohibiting Unauthorized Vehicles and Designating Restricted Areas).

(b)

A boot operator that installs a boot on a vehicle must affix a conspicuous notice to the vehicle's front
windshield or driver's side window stating:
(1)

That the vehicle has been booted and damage may occur if the vehicle is moved;

(2)

The date and time the boot was installed;

(3)

The name, address, and telephone number of the booting company;

(4)

A telephone number that is answered 24 hours a day to enable the owner or operator of the vehicle to
arrange for removal of the boot;

(5)

The amount of the fee for removal of the boot and any associated parking fees;

(6)

Notice of the right of a vehicle owner or vehicle operator to a hearing under V.T.C.A. Occupations Code
Chapter 2308 Subchapter J, (Rights of Owners and Operators of Stored or Booted Vehicles), regarding
whether probable cause existed to immobilize the vehicle; and

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(7)
(c)

Notice of the right to file a complaint with the police chief for violation of this division by a booting
company or a boot operator.

On removal of a boot, the boot operator shall provide a receipt to the vehicle owner or operator stating:
(1)

The name of the person who removed the boot;

(2)

The date and time the boot was removed;

(3)

The name of the person to whom the vehicle was released;

(4)

The amount of fees paid for removal of the boot and any associated parking fees; and

(5)

The right of the vehicle owner or operator to a hearing under V.T.C.A. Chapter 2308, Subchapter J,
(Rights of Owners and Operators of Stored or Booted Vehicles), regarding whether probable cause
existed to immobilize the vehicle.

(d)

The booting company shall maintain a copy of the receipt at its place of business for a period of three years.
A peace officer has the right, on request, to inspect and copy the records to determine compliance with the
requirements of this section.

(e)

A booting company shall accept payment by cash, electronic check, debit card, or credit card for any fee or
charge associated with the removal of a boot. A booting company may not collect a fee for any charge
associated with the removal of a boot from a person who offers to pay the charge with an electronic check,
debit card, or credit card form of payment that the booting company is not equipped to accept.

(Ord. No. 2018-56, § 1, 1-15-19)

Sec. 82.192. Boot removal.
(a)

A booting company responsible for the installation of a boot on a vehicle shall remove the boot not later
than one hour after the time the owner or operator of the vehicle contacts the company to request removal
of the boot.

(b)

A booting company shall waive the amount of the fee for removal of a boot, excluding any associated parking
fees, if the company fails to have the boot removed within the time prescribed by subsection (a).

(c)

A booting company responsible for the installation of more than one boot on a vehicle may not charge a
total amount for the removal of the boots that is greater than the amount of the fee for the removal of a
single boot.

(Ord. No. 2018-56, § 1, 1-15-19)

Sec. 82.193. Maximum fee for boot removal.
The maximum fee that may be charged for removal of a boot is $50.00 or such other amount as otherwise
approved by the city council from time to time.
(Ord. No. 2018-56, § 1, 1-15-19)

Sec. 82.194. Booting company registration.
(a)

A booting company may not authorize the installation of a boot on a parked vehicle in a parking facility
without first having registered with the police chief under this section.

(b)

To register, a person must complete a form provided by the police chief for that purpose.
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(c)

The person completing the form shall indicate the name, address, telephone number and email address of
the owner and any authorized officers or agents of the owner having authority with regard to booting of
vehicles, all parking facilities for which the booting company may perform vehicle booting activities for a
parking facility owner, and the names and cellular telephone numbers of all boot operators who will be
carrying out such activities.

(d)

The registration form must be completed and signed by any person who will own, control, or operate or the
booting company, or such person's duly authorized agent.

(e)

A booting company on whose behalf a registration form has been completed shall promptly update the form
with any changes regarding ownership, business location, contact information, contracted parking facilities
or boot operators acting on behalf of the booting company.

(f)

The registration form must include all information required by the form provided by the police chief to be
deemed complete.

(g)

The registrant must submit a registration fee in the amount of $25.00 or such other amount as may be set by
the city council from time to time. The fee is non-refundable.

(Ord. No. 2018-56, § 1, 1-15-19)

Sec. 82.195. Violation; penalties.
(a)

A person is prohibited from booting, or causing to be booted, a vehicle in a parking facility except as
provided in this division.

(b)

A person commits an violation if the person:
(1)

Performs an act prohibited by this division;

(2)

Fails to perform an act required by this division; or

(3)

Violates a rule adopted under this division.

(c)

A violation of this division is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.00 as provided
in section 1.015(b) of the San Marcos City Code.

(d)

Proof of a culpable mental state is not required for the prosecution of a violation of this division.

(Ord. No. 2018-56, § 1, 1-15-19)

Sec. 82.196. Exemptions.
This division does not apply to the booting of a vehicle by:
(1)

A governmental entity; or
(2)

A person exercising a statutory or contractual lien right with regard to the vehicle.

(Ord. No. 2018-56, § 1, 1-15-19)

DIVISION 4. PARKING CITATIONS BY MAIL

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Sec. 82.197. General provisions.
(a)

This division only applies to designated City of San Marcos paid parking lots and citations issued for nonpayment of parking fees within the paid parking lots and unauthorized presence in City of San Marcos
parking lots after posted hours.

(b)

The City of San Marcos may utilize an automated system that will monitor the duration of a vehicle's stay
within a paid parking lot. If an individual fails or refuses to pay the required parking fee, before the end of
the thirty-minute grace period, to park a motor vehicle in the parking lot, then the automated system will
note the violation.

(c)

All violations identified by the automated system for non-payment of parking fees shall be reviewed by an
employee of the City of San Marcos.

(d)

Upon review and verification by a city employee of a non-payment parking violation, the automated system
will prepare a citation and letter to the registered owner of the motor vehicle. Parking citations shall be
issued by first-class mail to the registered owner at the address on file with the Texas Department of Motor
Vehicles for any vehicle found to be illegally parked.

(e)

The registered owner of the motor vehicle shall have 30 days to address the citation in the manner
prescribed in division 1 of this article. Failure to answer the citation or appear within 30 days is considered an
admission of liability.

(f)

Unless otherwise specified in this division, all other provisions of division 1 apply to this division for purposes
of enforcement and appeal.

(Ord. No. 2024-55, § 2, 12-3-24)

Sec. 82.198. Paid parking lots.
(a)

The following matrix provides for the lot location and times when parking is restricted to paid parking:
Parking Lot:
• City Park

Restricted Parking Times:
• 6:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.

(b)

The city shall post signs in a conspicuous location at the entrance of each paid parking lot to indicate the
required fees to park.

(c)

The required parking fees shall be established by the city council from time to time in conjunction with the
city council's approval, at least every three years, on the schedule of other city fees.

(d)

Overnight presence and parking is prohibited.

(e)

In order to receive the resident benefit under subsection (c)(1), the resident shall register with the city and
provide proof of address verifiable through one of the following:
(1)

Valid driver's license.

(2)

Current San Marcos Utilities statement with photo identification.

(3)

Other current utility statement with photo identification.

(4)

Rental or housing contract with photo identification.

(5)

Enhanced library card provided by the San Marcos Public Library.

(Ord. No. 2024-55, § 2, 12-3-24)
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Sec. 82.199. Sunset provision.
This division will expire on April 30, 2028, unless otherwise renewed by the city council.
(Ord. No. 2024-55, § 2, 12-3-24)

Sec. 82.200. Reserved.

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