Oak Island implemented paid parking in 2023. The town has had some updates for the 2024 season:
** Parking Passes will NOT be sold in person in 2024 (See below for How to pay)
**Parking Passes are not yet available:
1. Seasonal parking permit - $175 - Available February 3, 2024 at 9:00AM
2. Residence - $10 for each vehicle, up to 3 - TBD
3. Bulk Season Permits: more than 4 = $175 each and $375 for five and up (on sale in march, date TBD)
Quick overview of Paid Parking:
Paid Parking is enforced from April 1 - September 30 between the hours of 9:00AM-5:00PM.
Parking is NOT charged during special events in areas surrounding the Middleton Park Complex (SE 46th Street - SE 49th Street)
The Paid Parking Zones are located in the beachfront areas all on the South Side of the Island: South of Davis Canal on the West side and South of East Oak Island Drive on East Side of the Island.
The Parking spaces for Paid Parking are marked with a bumper. Parking in the public right-of-way (street side) is RESTRICTED along the South Side of the Island.
No Bumper=No Parking
DO NOT Park in Town Decal or Residence Parking Spots. These are signed with Town Decal or Residence Parking Signs.
Cost:
The cost of a parking pass varies depending on the type of pass purchased.
2023 Parking Rates:
$5 per hour
$20 per day
$80 per week
$175 season pass (on sale Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 9:00 AM - NOT SOLD IN PERSON, see how to pay below)
Bulk Season Permits: more than 4 = $175 each and $375 for five and up(on sale in march, date TBD)
Residence - see information below (available date - TBD)
How To Pay:
From April 1 - September 30 visitors are required to purchase a parking pass to park in designated parking areas on the island.Parking passes cannot be purchased in advance. You can pay by:
MOBILE APP: Download the SurfCAST by Otto Connect (click the logo below) or Scan the QR Code on the Pay to Park signs, and follow the instructions.
BY PHONE: Call the Otto Connect team at 910-200-1497
Information Needed to Pay:
You will need some basic information to purchase a Parking Permit:
Zone you are parking in
Email
Phone number
Vehicle's license plate number
State Vehicle is registered in
Payment information (Credit or Debit card)
OKI Residence:
Residence & property owners on Oak Island can buy a town decal from The Town Of Oak Island for $10 for each vehicle (including golf cart) for the year. The vehicle must be registered to the Oak Island home (verification is provided through the property's Water Utility Account Number (contact property manager or Otto Connect directly if in a larger complex without utility account). Each property/home is allowed up to 3 decals. You can purchase these at any time online through Surfcast by Otto Connect app or SurfCast website or by calling 910-200-1497. **They are not selling permits in person in 2024.
OWN PARKING PERMITS (Residents & Property Owners)(Available SOON - date TBD) will remain at a rate of $10 each, for up to three (3) vehicles ($30 total). Resident Account Numbers will remain active for 2024 purchases. (When entering Account Numbers, DO NOT use dashes - enter the numbers only.)
Parking Tickets:
Parking tickets are civil citations issued as a physical note placed on the windshield.
Parking fines: $25 if paid the same day (by Midnight), $50 if paid the next day - 30 days after citation, $75 if paid 30-60 days after citation (sent to collections after 60 days) and $250 for Special Violations (parking within 15 feet of or blocking Fire Hydrant, Fire Lines or Emergency Access. This also includes parking in handicap spaces, without proper license plate or hangtag)
Contest Ticket:
You can contest a ticket by sending a request to Otto Connect Customer Service at customerservice@ottoconnect.us. Make sure to use the same email the Paid Parking Permit was registered under. Include a brief explanation of the issue along with a photo of the ticket. Make sure they can see the license plate number and citation number. They will review the contest. You can also contact Otto Connect by calling 910-200-1497.
WHY?
So why does Oak Island require paid parking? The primary reason is to help fund the maintenance and upkeep of the island's parking areas, beach access points and overall upkeep of the public spaces on the island. The revenue generated from parking fees is used to ensure that visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience on the island.
Another reason for paid parking is to help manage traffic and congestion on the island. During the peak season, Oak Island can become quite busy, and parking can be difficult to find. Paid parking helps to regulate the number of vehicles on the island and encourages visitors to carpool or use alternative forms of transportation.
While paid parking may seem like a hassle, it's a necessary part of ensuring that Oak Island remains a beautiful and safe destination for visitors. By purchasing a parking pass, visitors can help support the island's infrastructure and contribute to the preservation of its natural beauty.
In conclusion, paid parking on Oak Island is an important part of maintaining the island's infrastructure and preserving its natural beauty. While it may seem like a nuisance, it's a small price to pay for the privilege of enjoying all that Oak Island has to offer. So the next time you visit Oak Island, be sure to purchase a parking pass and help support this beautiful destination.
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