The **Extend Your Parking** feature allows end-users to receive automated alerts before their temporary parking permits expire, giving them time to extend their stay directly through the user portal. Its primary purpose is to enable self-service parking management, reducing accidental parking infractions and minimizing administrative support calls. This article is intended for OPSCOM administrators to help them understand and support the user-facing permit expiration workflow.
## Setup and Configuration This feature is integrated into the user portal profile settings. - **Admin Side:** Administrators must ensure the default notification lead time is configured under **System Settings** > **Temp Permits**. This serves as the system fallback for users who do not set custom preferences. - **User Side:** Users must have an active portal account and be signed in when purchasing a temporary permit to receive notifications and process self-serve extensions. ## Using this Feature Administrators can use the following instructions to guide users through configuring their personal expiry reminders within the user portal. ### Configuring Expiry Reminders 1. Log in to the User Portal and click **Your Profile** in the left navigation menu. 2. Select the **User Settings** tab on the **Profile Information** page. 3. Click the **Parking Expiry Reminder** drop-down menu and choose the preferred advance notification time (e.g., *10 minutes*). 4. Click **Save Changes** to apply the updated reminder window. ## Available Actions and Drop-Downs - **Parking Expiry Reminder:** Use this drop-down menu to set how many minutes prior to permit expiration the system will trigger a notification to the account holder. - **Save Changes:** Click this button to persist the selected reminder preference to the user's profile. ## Best Practices and Considerations - **Signed-In Purchases Only:** Emphasize to users that expiry notifications and self-serve extensions are strictly available to registered, signed-in users. Guest checkouts cannot receive reminders or process extensions. - **Supported Purchase Channels:** Reminders apply when registered users purchase temporary permits through the **User Side App**, the **Real-Time Parking Map**, or via **QR Code** express checkout. - **Optimal Lead Times:** Recommend that users set a lead time of 10 to 15 minutes to allow sufficient time to open the portal and process an extension payment before their active permit expires.