Chapel Hill parking restrictions to go into effect

An ordinance limiting parking spaces for Northside and Pine Knolls residents will go into effect Saturday — but some local officials worry student renters haven’t been properly warned.

In January, the Chapel Hill Town Council adopted parking regulations limiting homes to four parking spots.

The new regulations came as part of the Northside and Pine Knolls Community Plan, which focuses on preserving a sense of community through affordable housing, zoning regulations and outreach efforts.

Members of the traditionally black and low income neighborhood have complained about an influx of both students and cars.

“One of the most common things we heard was there were so many cars in the neighborhood it felt like a parking lot,” said Loryn Clark, housing and neighborhood services manager for the Chapel Hill Planning Department.

“There was interest in trying to improve the aesthetics of the neighborhood.”

Property owners found not in compliance with the parking ordinance could be fined up to $100 a day.

UNC

Da Costa, who has lived on Cotton Street for more than a year, said seven out of eight of her roommates have cars.

Duplexes and triplexes can apply to get up to six parking spots. But Da Costa said the house she rents doesn’t qualify as either, so it is not eligible for additional spots.

They will try to park on the street, but she worries about having to walk home alone at night.

She said if she knew about the parking ordinance earlier, she might not have chosen to rent in Northside again.

“If we hadn’t already signed the lease, there’s a high possibility we would have tried looking in a neighborhood,” she said.

And other students might not be as informed about the new changes.

“Last spring we had a postcard in the mail about it,” Da Costa said.

“I think there are going to be some people who might not be as informed about it, especially if they haven’t lived here all year.”

Chapel Hill Town Councilwoman Penny Rich said she also worries landlords haven’t properly notified their residents.

Clark said they have been working with the University to distribute information about the parking ordinance and community plan, but the constant rotation of student tenants can pose obstacles.

“I think one of the things we realized with new properties is that it’s a constant re-education process,” she said.

But Clark said she thinks the town’s efforts in Northside and Pine Knolls has made an impact on its residents.

“I think they have made an impact,” Clark said. “It’s helped build relationships between the town and the community and the University.”

Contact the desk editor at city@dailytarheel.com.