What you need to know as new Myrtle Beach parking rules take effect

Controversial new rules that take away the last stretch of free oceanfront parking in Myrtle Beach take effect Tuesday.

The rules, which will require drivers to pay for parking in the Golden Mile area, were originally going to start Friday, but the city delayed implementing them until after the busy tourism-fueled July Fourth holiday weekend.

Here’s what you need to know about the new rules:

Golden Mile requires resident decal

Ocean Boulevard spaces from 31st Avenue North to 52nd Avenue North were long free to beach-goers. Starting Tuesday, Golden Mile residents and their guests now need a decal to park on Ocean Boulevard. Non-residents must now find other spaces.

Beach access lots

Visitors will pay $2 an hour or $10 a day to park in all beach access lots from 29th Avenue North to 82nd Avenue North. Visitors will pay via Parkmobile, a pay-by-phone parking service.

Non-city residents looking to cut down on parking costs this summer will be able to buy parking passes for $100. However, these passes limit parking options to two lots: one on Second Avenue North and on 16th Avenue North

No need for a smartphone

Residents do not need a smartphone to pay for parking with Parkmobile, but they will need access to a mobile phone.

Payment can work through Parkmobile’s mobile app, or by calling 877-727-5714. With both methods, users need to give the zone number for their parking area and will have to have their license plate number and credit card information handy. Zone numbers will be posted around beach access lots.

Users must then end the parking session by either using the app or calling Parkmobile’s phone number again.

Enforcement begins slowly

City officials have assured residents that the new parking rules will not be enforced harshly in the beginning. Those who break the new rules will receive warnings for the first two weeks, and fines thereafter.

Unpaid parking fees begin at $30.

Traffic caused the change

When the city began considering a parking change along the Golden Mile months ago, council members said forcing people to pay for the spaces would encourage them to park downtown, away from residential areas. Increased car traffic from tourists had been disruptive for residents living along Ocean Boulevard.

The city originally planned that spots would be converted to $4 an hour, $20 a day spaces to further discourage tourists from coming to the area. But the city settled on half that rate, which is consistent with costs in other parking areas across Myrtle Beach.

This story was originally published July 1, 2016 at 7:28 PM with the headline "What you need to know as new Myrtle Beach parking rules take effect."