The town of Surfside Beach will implement its new parking rate increase, starting Friday. It brings the rate, per hour, from $1.75 to $2.00.
The decision comes after Tuesday night’s council meeting. A public hearing was held on the topic before a decision was made, but no one chose to speak during the hearing.
After that, a second reading about amending the parking rate was approved.
In an online document dated Feb. 26, Surfside Beach officials stated that staff proposed the town ocean front beach access parking east of Ocean Boulevard be increased to mirror other municipalities.
Staff members also say the rate increase of the direct beach access lots east of Ocean Boulevard, was to match the rate at the pier.
The eight lots are: Melody, 13th South, 6th South, 5th South, 4th South, 3rd South, 3rd North and 6th North.
News13’s Sabrina Shutters, who was at Tuesday’s meeting, says the Yaupon lot will also see an increase.
Residents and second homeowners who have stickers won’t be affected since they are entitled to free parking.
This is the first parking rate increase in Surfside Beach since 2016, when a 50 cent hike was introduced.
For comparison, the city of Myrtle Beach’s website says parking meter rates range from $1.50 to $2.00 per hour.
Horry County beach accesses in Garden City and Nash Street provide free, year-round parking.