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OC Prime - New Temp Permit Functionality

The Temporary Permit Rate Templates feature allows administrators to control pricing, eligibility, and special conditions for temporary parking permits on a per-lot basis. Its primary purpose is to define how temporary permit pricing is calculated using assignable templates with customizable hourly rates and priority layers. This article is intended for OPS-COM administrators.

WhySetup Weand Built ThisConfiguration

EveryBefore settingissuing belowtemporary existspermits tousing solvethe rate template engine, you must enable the feature on the target lot and assign your pricing templates.

Enable Temp Permit Templates on a specificLot

problem
    we
  1. heard from customers. Keep these in mind as you read — they're the "why" behind the "how":

      1. Duration-FirstNavigate Selectionto —the parkersParking pickManagement theirmodule, datehover over Lot Administration, and timeclick first,Pricing and& theLot system automatically applies the cheapest available rate. No more manually choosing between permit types.Admin.

      2. Early Bird Sale Windows — reward parkers who buy ahead of a deadline with a lower rate that disappears onceSelect the windowlot closes.you wish to configure.

      3. The Rate Stacker — bill accurately for stays that span more than one rate type (e.g., a few hourly hours followed by an evening flat rate), instead of forcing the whole stay onto a single rate.

      4. The Overnight Bridge — keep overnight stays valid instead of having permits expire at midnight regardless of when the lot actually reopens.

      5. Speed and scale for admins — Reusable Pricing Templates and the Visual Block Painter cut down the time it takes to price many lots individually.

      6. Event and exception pricing — Layered Priority lets admins override standard pricing for a one-off event without rebuilding the whole template.

      7. Hidden or restricted pricing — promo codes and password-protected templates support scenarios like volunteer rates or private group rates without exposing them to the general public.

    Setup and Configuration

    Enable This Feature

    To enable the new booking flow feature you must turn the feature on from the Rate Template Tab in Lot admin. 

    1. Navigate to the Lot Admin page and chose your lot.
    2. Click on the Rate Template tab.
      3. tab
    3. Toggleand toggle on Use New Booking Flow (Enable new temp permits for this lot).

This is where you build the "shape" of your pricing — painting different scenarios (peak hours, overnight, weekends) directly onto a calendar instead of configuring rules in the abstract.

CreatingCreate aand Configure Rate TemplateTemplates

  1. Navigate to the Parking Management module, hover over Lot Administration, and click Rate Templates. admin page.

  2. Click the + Create New button to open a blank template.template. 

  3. Enter a Template Name and optional Description. 

  4. In the Brushes section, click + Add Brush to create brushes by setting a Name, Price, and Colour. 

  5. Select the Brush tool in(or theclick templateSelect editornext to a created brush) to paint pricing onto hourly sections of the day.day. 

  6. SetClick aSelect name, color, and pricenext to addthe aEraser newbrush brush.to mark specific hourly slots as unbookable or to correct an error. 

  7. Hold shift and click multiple consecutive time slots in the grid, then click Merge Selected Hours into Block to open the Merge into Block window: 

    • Enter the Block Name, Flat Price for Entire Block ($), and choose a Block Color. 

    • Modify the Sale End (modify for Early Bird) field if you want to set a cutoff time where the special rate stops being bookable. 

    • Click Merge to save the block. 

  8. Edit existing brushes anytime by adjustingclicking theirthe name,Edit color,button andnext priceto parameters.them. 

  9. Click Update Template to save your changes.

Unpainted Time Slots: Any hourly section left unpainted is treated as not bookable. Users cannot book a permit or park in the lot during that time.

Fixed Rate Blocks and Early Bird Pricing

Pricing:

UseMerge thistime slots into a single block when you want to charge one flat price for a stretch of time, or when you want to reward early purchases with a discounted rate that disappears after a cutoff —time this is what powers (Early Bird Salepricing). Windows.Once a cutoff time passes, the rate automatically reverts to whatever regular layer pricing applies to that time block. 

    Layers and Priority Calculation

    Layers let you handle exceptions without rebuilding your whole pricing — e.g., a holiday rate that should always win, layered on top of your everyday template.

    Each template can contain multiple layers, and each layer is assigned a priority and schedule type.

    • Highest Priority Layer Wins (Full Day): For any given day, the system identifies the highest-priority layer containing any painted blocks and uses only that layer for the entire day. Lower-priority layers are excluded completely—even if the higher-priority layer has unpainted hours (gaps are not filled by lower-priority layers).

    • HoldDate Overrides Precedence: A layer set to CtrlDate Override on(e.g., youra keyboardholiday or special event) is treated as the highest priority for that specific date and clickcompletely multiplereplaces timethe slots.regular Weekly Schedule layers for that entire day. 

    • ChooseCross-Template Calculation: If a user qualifies for multiple templates on the Mergesame optionlot, tothe createsystem acalculates fixed-the rate block.for each template independently and automatically applies the cheapest total price. Layers from different templates are never combined. 

    • ConfigurePrice aCalculator: bookingAdministrators cutoffcan time usinguse the admin-only SalePrice EndCalculator fieldtool if you want the block to stop being bookable at that specific price after a certain time. Once the cutoff passes, the price reverts to whatever other layer applies for that time.

    • Scroll to the form at the bottom ofon the template page to editsimulate a stay and view the full rate breakdown.

    Adding Rate Layers & Specific Date Pricing (Holidays/Events)

    1. While editing a template, navigate to the Rate Layers section and click + Add Layer. 

    2. Configure the layer settings in the New Layer window: 

      • Layer Name: Enter a descriptive name (e.g., Holiday Pricing, Special Event). 

      • Priority: Select the layer priority. Higher-priority layers override lower-priority layers for the entire day. 

      • Layer Type: Choose Weekly Schedule for regular recurring weekly pricing, or Date Override for specific calendar date overrides. 

      • Repeat annually: (Appears when Date Override is selected) Check this box for recurring annual holidays and select the Month & Day, or uncheck it for a one-time event date. 

    3. Click Create Layer to add it to the template. 

    4. Ensure the newly added layer is selected in the Rate Layers list, then use your brushes to paint the 24-hour grid for that layer. 

    5. Click Update Template to save all createdlayer blocks.changes.

    Assigning Templates to a Lot

    This is where you decide who can use a given template, and how many permits it can cover — useful for scenarios like staff-only rates or capacity-limited event pricing.

    1. Navigate to the Parking Management module, hover over Lot Administration, and click Pricing & Lot Admin. 

    2. Select the lot edityou pagewish to configure and click the Rate TemplatesTemplate tab.

    3. Click

      EnableAdd Assignment.

    4. Select the temporaryTemplate permitsyou featurewish forto assign.
    5. Select the specificeligible lot.

      User

    6. Select at least one template to assign it to the lot.

    7. Choose the specific user types in the eligibility list to defineTypes who can useaccess this template. Only user types already enabled for the lot will appear.

      be available.
    8. (Optional)

      Enter a passwordPassword inif theyou password protection fieldwish to restrict access to this template.

    9. (Optional) Enter a Max Permits value to set a permit issuance cap for this specific template assignment.
    10. Click Save to apply the template.configuration.

    Promo Codes

    Built for scenarios like volunteer parking, private group rates, or limited-time discounts — visible only to people who have the code.

    1. Navigate to the Parking Management module, hover over Lot Administration, and click Promo Codes. 

    2. EnterClick a value forthe Max+ PermitsCreate New button to setopen the maximumCreate numberPromo ofCode permitswindow. sellable under this specific pairing.

    3. RefreshConfigure the lotpromo pagecode afterdetails: assignment to see the template applied.

    Using this Feature

    Layers and Priority Calculation

    Layers let you handle exceptions without rebuilding your whole pricing — e.g., a holiday rate that should always win, layered on top of your everyday template.

    Each template can contain multiple layers, and each layer is assigned a priority on a per-day basis.

    • Same Priority Layers:Code: If two layers share a priority and their time blocks overlap, both are considered during price calculation. The system automatically selectsEnter the cheapestcode pricestring for(automatically theconverted currentto houruppercase; block.must be unique per lot). 

    • Higher Priority Layers:Lot: If a layer has a higher priority, its pricing always takes precedence over lower-priority layers, even ifSelect the lowertarget prioritylot is cheaper. A single hour block on a higher priority layer will befrom the onlydropdown. bookable slot for that day, though lower priority blocks on other days of the week will remain bookable.

    • CrossRestrict Templateto Calculation:Assignment (optional): IfSelect a user qualifies for multiple templates on the same lot, the system calculates the price under each eligiblespecific template andassignment, automaticallyor selectsleave theas cheapest.— LayersAny fromassignment different templates are never combined. Administrators can use the admin-only Price Calculator tool on the template page— to simulateapply ato givenall timebookings slotat andthis viewlot. the full price breakdown.

    Proration Rules

    This determines whether a parker is charged for exactly the time they used, or a flat fee no matter when they arrived — worth understanding so you can explain a charge if a parker asks about it.

    • Single Hourly Blocks: These blocks are prorated. If a user arrives or leaves mid-hour, they are only charged for the portion of the hour actually used.

    • Fixed Rate Blocks:Discount: These blocks are not prorated. Booking anywhere withinEnter the blockdiscount requirespercentage.

      paying

    • Active From & Expires: Select the fullstart blockand price,expiration but grants the permitdates for the entirecode. block

      duration.

    • Max Uses (optional): Enter a maximum redemption cap, or leave blank for unlimited uses. 

  1. Click Save to create the promo code.

Developer Note on Time Blocks: The sale_start, sale_end, and valid_until fields on time blocks are time-only reference values stored against a placeholder date. They must never be given a timezone cast. Doing so causes the weekly rate grid to silently stop rendering saved blocks. A code comment flags this at the cast site and must not be removed.

User Booking Flow

The goal on the parker side is getting from "I need to park" to "I'm parked" in as few taps as possible, while still surfacing special offers to those who qualify.

    1.  Time & Vehicle Selection:

    • Select a start time forusing Now or Later. 

    • Select an end time using Duration (adjust slider from 30 minutes to 12 hours), Until Closing, Overnight, or Other. 
    • Tap a registered vehicle from the list to assign it to the permit. 
    • In the "Have a promo or access code?" section, enter a Promo code to receive a discount, or enter a Template password to unlock restricted rate templates. 
    • Click Check Price to calculate rates. 

    2. Pricing Review & Payment:

    • Review the rate breakdown (the system automatically applies the cheapest qualified rate template). 
    • Review the Subtotal, Tax, and Total amounts. 
    • (Optional) Click < Change time to return to Step 1 and edit selections. 
    • Click Get Permit — $[Amount] to proceed to payment and finalize the booking.

    Admin-Side Permit Issuance

    Administrators can issue temporary permit.permits directly from a user's profile using the configured lot rate engine:

    1. Navigate to the desired user's profile and click the Parking tab. 

    2. Choose a quick option forLocate the endtarget timelot or selectunder OtherManage Lots toand pickclick athe specificTemporary date.Permit button. 

    3. CheckIn the AssignTemporary toParking allPermit vehicles on profileRegistration checkboxwindow, ifselect or confirm the lotRequested allowsLot. bookings longer than 30 days and a duration of 31 or more days is selected.

    4. EnterSet athe promoStart codeand orEnd templatedates passwordand totimes. unlock additional hidden templates.

    5. ReviewSelect the priceVehicle breakdownfrom overview.the user's registered vehicles list. 

    6. Proceed(Optional) Check Apply to checkoutall toVehicles haveif the permit added to the cart.

    Promo Codes

    Built for scenarios like volunteer parking, private group rates, or limited-time discounts — visible only to people who have the code.

    Administrators can createissuing a promomulti-vehicle codetemporary tiedpermit. to a specific lot and optionally restrict it to a specific template. Available configuration options include:

    • Discount Percentage

    • Enter or verify the auto-generated ValidPermit Date#. Range

    • Click UsageConfirm LimitBooking (totalto numberproceed ofto redemptions)payment and finalize the issuance.

    Promo code redemption rules: Each user can redeem a given promo code once per permit. If a user removes that permit from their cart before purchasing, the code becomes usable again for a new permit.

Concept Overview

Concept Behavior
Unpainted time slot Not bookable
Same priority layers overlapping Cheapest price wins
Higher priority layer Always wins, even if pricier
Fixed rate block No proration, full price for any partial use
Single hourly block Prorated to actual time used
Multiple eligible templates Cheapest template auto-selected; no cross-template layer mixing
Promo code One use per user per permit; freed up if permit is removed from cart
Max permits limits Template maximum is a sub-limit within the lot's overall maximum

Best Practices and Considerations

    • UtilizeDay-Level higherPriority Rule: Within a single template, the highest-priority layer with painted blocks on a given date will win for the entire day. Lower-priority layers forare exceptions:ignored Reservecompletely higherand will not fill unpainted hour gaps. Always ensure high-priority and specific-date layers are fully painted for all 24 hours of the day.

    • Unpainted Time Slots: Any hour block left unpainted on an active layer is non-bookable. Users cannot purchase a permit for unpainted hours.

    • Specific Date Overrides: Date-specific events like holidays, ensuring special pricinglayers always overridestake standardprecedence rates.over regular weekly schedules for that calendar date.

    • Cross-Template Pricing: If a parker qualifies for multiple templates on a lot, the system calculates the price across all eligible templates independently and applies the cheapest option. Layers from different templates are never combined.

    • UnderstandProration Rules: Single hourly blocks are prorated—if a user arrives or leaves mid-hour, they are only charged for the portion of the hour actually used. Fixed-rate merged blocks are never prorated—booking anywhere within the block requires paying the full block price, which grants validity for the full block duration. 

    • Promo Code Limits: Promo codes apply a percentage discount to the subtotal prior to tax calculation. Each user is restricted to one redemption per promo code.

    • Permit Cap Warnings: Setting a Max Permits cap on a template limits:assignment The template maximum permits setting iscreates a sub-limit within the lot's overalltotal maximum.capacity. If multipleassignment template assignmentslimits sum to more than the lot's overall limit, the system allowspermits the intentional overlapconfiguration but will displaydisplays a warning message.

    • EnforceAdmin bookingLimit windows:Warnings: EnableWhen theissuing 30-day limit restrictionpermits on the lot-leveladmin settingside, toexceeding a template's Max Permits cap triggers a warning message on screen but will not block usersthe administrator from selectingprocessing datesthe beyondpermit.

      a 29-day window.
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