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Charleston committee approves higher nonconsensual tow fees and storage charges
Summary
The committee approved a citywide fee schedule for nonconsensual tows: a $200 base tow, daily storage raised to $25 and an increase in certified‑mail/fee from $10 to $30, separating the fee schedule from police franchise agreements, after staff said some tow firms could not service lower‑fee zones.
The Traffic and Transportation Committee approved revised citywide fees for nonconsensual tows March 24, moving the schedule out of the police franchise agreement and setting a single fee structure intended to make towing services viable across all zones.
City staff reported that current franchise-based rates create four zone rates that leave some areas undercompensated; staff recommended a $200 base fee for nonconsensual tows, daily storage of $25 (up from $15) and raising the certified‑fee from $10 to $30. A staff representative said tow companies had reported that the prior $90 zone rate in parts of West Ashley was not sufficient for operators to serve that area.
The committee moved and approved the change by voice vote, with members saying the adjustment was needed to ensure service availability. The ordinance changes separate nonconsensual tow fees from police franchise agreements and set the citywide amounts to apply uniformly unless otherwise specified by future ordinance.
The committee’s vote authorizes city staff to draft and finalize ordinance language consistent with the fee schedule and proceed to the next legislative step.
