“Right thing to do”: Ocean Isle Beach proposes paid parking, leaders hold public forum

OCEAN ISLE BEACH, N.C. (WECT) - Town leaders are holding a second public forum concerning proposed parking fees.

In an announcement, the proposed plan to implement paid parking includes parking in designated spaces only (identified by parking bumpers/curb stops), paid parking by permit only (residents and visitors), and no right-of-way parking unless designated.

The parking will be enforced from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning April 1, 2025, to Oct. 31, 2025. The designated parking spots will be free to park from 5 p.m. to midnight and 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. There will be no parking from midnight to 6 a.m.

The proposed parking rates per vehicle are $5 per hour for up to three hours, $20 per day, $80 per week for seven consecutive days from the time of purchase, and $175 per calendar season.

“This is not what I ever wanted for Ocean Isle Beach, but it’s the right thing to do,” Mayor Debbie Smith told WECT Tuesday. “Ocean Isle Beach is going to be one of the last ones in Brunswick County to charge for parking.”

The big concern for neighbors is that they’ll have to pay the same rates as visitors do. It comes after the town raised taxes by two cents last year.

Smith said paid parking will hopefully keep the cost down for taxpayers in the long run.

“We want people to come enjoy the beach. We just don’t want our taxpayers to bear all of the burden for everybody’s enjoyment,” Smith said. “I really fear if we’re the only ones that don’t charge we will be inundated with day visitors and that’s only going to get more in demand as the population of the county continues to grow.”

The town would use SurfCAST by Otto so people can pay for spots. The Town Center Park and Ferry Landing Park will have free parking for park use only.

According to a town announcement, the public input forum will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3. The meeting will be held at the Ocean Isle Beach Town Hall.

Those with questions are asked to email casey@oibgov.com.