IOP resident parking permits ditch decals, go digital

No more stickers or decals for cars, trucks and other vehicles on the Isle of Palms. In an effort to better manage island parking, the city recently implemented a new system using license plate reading technology to determine if a vehicle has a parking permit. Once the system is fully in place after the new year, it is expected to address previous resident concerns about having to remember to update permits. Residents will receive an email shortly after the new year to apply for their resident parking permits. If you last applied after April 1, 2024, you will be sent a renewal link to your email on file with PCI Municipal Services, the third-party vendor that oversees the parking management. If you applied prior to April 1, 2024, you will have to register either in person or by going to parkiop.org and clicking one of these two links:

• Apply for a resident parking permit
• Apply for a part-time resident parking permit

Required documents include:

• Proof of residency (i.e. a current bill with your name and address)
• Vehicle registrations for all vehicles you want to add (including golf carts and low-speed vehicles)

Types of permits:

Full-time:

• Unlimited number of vehicles (if you have more than four, email info@ parkiop.org to manually add your extra vehicles)
• Valid in residential parking districts, offers free parking at municipal lots on Pavilion Drive and at IOP Marina
• No fee for full-time permits

Part-time:

• Up to four vehicles can be added to your account
• Valid in residential parking districts, offers free parking at municipal lots on Pavilion Drive and at IOP Marina
• No fee for part-time permits

Short-term Rental:

• Required for renters to park along the right-of-way adjacent to a house
• Must provide a valid IOP renter’s license. Hangtags are $15 each

PCI will issue warnings for the month of January, after which if your permit is not up to date, you may be subject to a ticket. The city and PCI hosted a Tech at the Rec event on Dec. 11 to provide technical assistance to residents wanting help renewing their resident parking permits. Contact IOP City at (843) 886-6428 or PCI at (843) 885-6505 if you would like to inquire about or request further assistance. By L. C. Leach III