CAROLINA BEACH, N.C. — Carolina Beach town leaders voted to increase the price to park starting April 1, 2020.

Two-hour metered spots are going from $2.50 per hour to $3 per hour. Most of the town-owned lots will jump from $2.50 per hour and $17 per day to $5 per hour and $20 per day. Resident parking passes increase from $20 to $40, and from $150 to $175 for nonresidents. Business district employees will see a $75 increase on their passes, now costing them $100. 

Interim Town Manager Ed Parvin says the increased prices for the lots will be competitive with the prices charged by private lot owners.

"Last year we saw the private lots fill up when ours weren't full yet at this rate," Parvin says. "So we feel like this is what the market will bear."

The town also voted to start its season sooner. Parking fees usually kick in on April 1 and last until October 31. Going forward, the Carolina Beach season will start on March 1.

“Wrightsville Beach is open in March, and they stay pretty full. We’re staying pretty full in March and November,” Parvin says.