Headed to Myrtle Beach during the off-season? You’ll probably end up paying to park.

Two big changes are in the works for downtown parking in Myrtle Beach, and both could take affect in time for peak tourism season.

Officials are poised to keep the city’s meters running all year long rather than seasonally in a move expected to generate thousands in additional revenue.

On top of that, privately run lots could be required to post signs warning motorists of booting fees should they ignore paid parking requirements.

If Myrtle Beach leaders green light the proposals, they’ll join a growing number of Horry County municipalities that are adjusting parking rates to accommodate future growth and create fresh revenue streams in lieu of tax hikes.

Here’s what you need to know.

Year-round parking would start with the new July 1 fiscal year

Included in City Manager Jonathan “Fox” Simons’ suggested $358 million spending plan for next year is moving away from the current model that only charges for parking from 9 a.m. to midnight March 1 through Oct. 31.

Although on-street rates would stay the same: Between $2 and $3 an hour and up to $15 a day, paid parking would be implemented all year.

Officials said during an April 25 city council meeting the move could bring an additional $250,000. The city has budgeted $2.6 million in seasonal parking revenues for 2024.

“Myrtle Beach is now more of a year-round destination. Having paid parking year-round makes sense,” Mayor Brenda Bethune said. “Our residents will still enjoy free parking, if they have their decal, and it will eliminate any confusion of when our paid parking season is.”

Bridgette Bolie, who owns a small business along Broadway Street, said she’s fine with city’s decision.

“It’s not a bad idea. Maybe it’ll bring more traffic downtown,” she said.

Paid parking in Myrtle Beach began in 1947 when some 300 meters were installed. Today, there are 2,500.

Vehicles are set to get the boot if their owners ignore the rules

While details of a booting policy are being worked out, more information is expected on May 9, when the council is set to give preliminary approval.

Private parking lot owners will have to erect signs outlining the new city rules, and they’ll likely have 30 days to get them in place once a final vote is taken.

As for the fee? Right now it’s $80 but that’s subject to change, assistant city manager Brian Tucker said.

“Council will ultimately decide. It would not surprise me if it moved either direction,” he said.

Parking changes have swept across Horry County over the past several months

Earlier this week, Conway leaders reviewed bids for the installation of 500 meters throughout the city’s downtown district as a prelude to eventual construction of a garage.

Officials first floated the idea of a $1 hourly parking rate at a March budget retreat and are expected to formally take up the issue later this year. The $250,000 cost likely would be covered by hospitality tax revenues and included in the city’s 2023-24 budget.

North Myrtle Beach recently increased hourly rate in its public lots and rights-of-way from $2 to $3, except for Seaview in the Windy Hill area, where prices would also double to $2.

Municipal parking revenues in that city have climbed by almost $394,000 since 2020, according to budget documents. Officials projected to collect $1.15 million in the current fiscal year, compared to $756,133 in 2020.

Last summer, Surfside Beach converted one-hour parking along Surfside Drive from Hollywood to Pinewood drives to paid.