To contest a parking citation you can submit your request in writing or by submitting the online review form. The request for parking citation review must be received within 21 calendar days of receiving the parking citation or within 14 calendar days of receiving the delinquent notice mailing. The procedures to contest/appeal a citation are governed by California Vehicle Code(CVC 40215)

CONTEST/APPEAL OPTIONS

• Online Request: Click here
• Printable Request: Citation Review Form | You may Fax your form to 805-781-7267 or Mail your form to the Parking Services office located at 1260 Chorro St., Suite #B, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. 

  **You may include any photos and/or other documentation to assist in your contest/appeal 
  ***In order to appeal a citation you may file your request via our online portal, in person or by phone. 

Step #1: Upon receiving the completed request for parking citation review form, within the timeline stated above, the parking citation will be placed on "hold" during the review process. Decisions are made by Supervisors and can take up to 3-4 weeks. Customers will receive a notice of their results by mail. If a citation has been dismissed during the appeal process, the file is closed and no monies are due.  No further action is required.

Step #2: If a contest/appeal has been Upheld, an Administrative Hearing Letter will be mailed with the decision. This letter must be filled out and submitted to the Parking Services Office within 21 days from the mail/email date on the form. The fine amount must be paid either online, personal check or money order to proceed with a hearing.

• If paying the fine prior to the hearing will cause a hardship, you may request a  Bond Waiver.
• If the parking citation is dismissed, the file is closed and no monies are due, no further action is required.

AB503-Payment Plans are available as set forth in CVC 40220 for those who can provide proof of indigent status.

• If you requested to have an Administrative Hearing by Mail, please forward any additional statements, pictures, or other documentation you deem appropriate. These and the initial review will be forwarded to the Hearing Officer to review. You will be notified of the decision by mail.
• If you requested to have an Administrative Hearing In Person (Due to COVID-19 these are being done via Zoom/Skype), you will be mailed a Notice of Hearing with the date, time and location of the hearing within 90 days. 
• If during the Administrative Hearing step, your appeal has been dismissed, the amount of the fine will be refunded within 30 days.

Step #3:  If during the Administrative Hearing step, your contest/appeal has been Upheld, you may continue this process by filing a civil appeal at the San Luis Obispo Superior Court-Civil Division, 1050 Monterey Street, Room 385, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.  Your appeal must be filed within 30 days of the date of the Results of Administrative Hearing Letter.  The Court will require a filing fee. 

Revenue gained from citations and parking meters is used to maintain current parking and for additional parking, such as new structures and lots.

• Pay online: slo.citationportal.com There is a processing fee of $3.
• Pay by Mail: Make personal checks or money orders out to the City of San Luis Obispo and mail to 1260 Chorro St., Suite #B, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.(DO NOT MAIL CASH.)
• Pay in Person: Hours are Monday through Friday 8 AM-5 PM. We have a Drop Box located to the right of our front doors that you can drop payment into after hours. (NO CASH/COIN ACCEPTED IN DROP BOX).

A citation must be paid before the Due Date listed on the citation to avoid any delinquent penalties.

There are motorcycle meters located throughout the downtown area (click here). Long-term motorcycle meters are located in front of 842 Palm Parking Garage and in the parking lot beneath the 871 Marsh Parking Garage.  For safety reasons, motorcycles are not permitted in the garages. Bicycle racks are located conveniently throughout the city.   

The City of SLO has partnered with PayByPhone as the single parking app provider in downtown San Luis Obispo. PayByPhone is an easy and convenient way to pay for parking using your mobile device. To register, simply download the PayByPhone app from the App Store or Google Pay, or visit the PayByPhone website. Make sure you have your license plate number, mobile phone number, email address and credit card available to complete your registration.

Starting July 2024:

• Rates for three-hour street parking in the main downtown core is $2.75 per hour.
• Rates  for 10-hour street parking in the outer downtown area is $2.25 per hour.
• Rates for the parking garage are $2 per hour, with a maximum daily rate of $8.