Council approves updated parking ordinance, readies paid‑parking rollout and business outreach

The Town of Ocean Isle Beach approved revisions to its parking ordinance to implement the paid‑parking program and to define where parking is allowed, permit types and enforcement procedures. The ordinance changes, reviewed by the town’s parking committee, update right‑of‑way rules, define the Central Business District, address low‑speed vehicles and create employee annual‑pass provisions for a newly established employee lot.

Staff described coordination with AutoConnect, the town’s contractor for the paid‑parking system. Jim Varner (AutoConnect) told council the smartphone app is intuitive, that annual passes can be purchased online once the ordinance is adopted, and that AutoConnect can provide registration and email notification services for registered golf carts and company fleets.

The ordinance clarifies that parking is restricted within the right of way unless a designated space is provided; driveway extensions that cross into the right of way are treated as part of the driveway (except parking on sidewalks). The town will install two‑hour signs at Town Center Park without an ordinance amendment; staff plans a meeting with Central Business District businesses to explain customer and employee rules.

Council discussed a fee of $250 per year for employers to register employees to use a 20‑space employee lot near West Third Street; staff said it will implement the employee parking program before April 1. Commissioners and staff also discussed protections against QR‑code fraud, golf‑cart registration and a possible how‑to video for users. After discussion, a motion to implement the proposed ordinance changes passed.