Public Safety Committee moves to remove misleading 'resident parking only' signs on Waterway Boulevard

The Isle of Palms Public Safety Committee considered an update on Waterway Boulevard signage after staff discovered that existing "Resident parking only" signs were creating confusion and leading residents to park on the multiuse path. The chief told the committee the city had submitted an encroachment permit and that, while staff gather additional information requested by permitting authorities, they had learned people were receiving parking tickets for being on the path. The chief recommended removing the "Resident parking only" signs on the path side and replacing them with signage stating "no motor vehicles on path." "You can't park on the path," the chief said.

Committee members agreed the existing signs were misleading and discussed the need to coordinate any sign changes with SCDOT and the full council because the original parking-and-sign management plan had council approval. Staff said removing the confusing path-side signs would not necessarily eliminate residential parking on the opposite (roadway) side where legal, but council approval may be appropriate to formalize the change. Staff also recommended an information campaign to notify residents about the change.