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Thomasville staff propose ordinance to curb predatory towing in communal parking lots
Summary
City Attorney Misti Whitman and Police Chief Dustin Carter presented a draft ordinance at the July 14 briefing aimed at restricting non‑consensual towing in communal parking lots, requiring signage and authorizing misdemeanor penalties — the proposal will return for formal consideration on July 21.
A proposed ordinance to regulate towing in privately owned communal parking lots and curb predatory towing practices was presented to the Thomasville City Council at a July 14 briefing.
City Attorney Misti Whitman and Police Chief Dustin Carter outlined the draft ordinance, which would define "communal parking lots" and "non-consensual towing," require owners to post signage explaining towing policies, and prohibit non‑consensual towing in communal parking lots except when authorized by the ordinance, North Carolina General Statute, or law enforcement. The ordinance would create a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine of up to $500 for violators.
Chief Carter said the ordinance aims to stop predatory practices, including immediate towing for alleged handicapped‑parking violations without law enforcement involvement, and noted that only law enforcement should enforce handicapped parking violations. Council members discussed how contracts between property owners and towing companies operate and the potential impact of the ordinance on businesses and the public.
The ordinance was presented for discussion at the briefing and will be scheduled for formal consideration at the July 21 Council Meeting; no final vote or adoption occurred at the July 14 briefing.
