Chapel Hill Parking Cheat Sheet

Do not park farther than 12 inches from the curb.
Once you park, make sure that all four wheels of your vehicle are touching the street surface. You will receive a parking citation if a tire is sitting on the curb or sidewalk.
Parking is prohibited within 25 feet of an intersection.
Parking is prohibited within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
Parking is prohibited in bus stops or loading zones. Loading zones are reserved for commercial vehicles that are actively loading and or unloading only.
Do not block driveways; you may be cited and towed.
Do not park in an accessible space (designated by a accessubke parking sign) unless you have a valid, properly displayed accessible plate or placard.

No Parking on Sidewalks – There is no parking allowed on any sidewalk within the Town Limits.

No Parking Left of Center – You can not cross the center line to park on the opposite side of the street.

Parking over Marked Lines – Motorists must park within the marked lines in designated areas. Any tire touching the line or beyond is considered outside.

Parking Beyond Meter Time Limits – Upon reaching the expired time, you must move. All on-street Town meters have a 3-hour time limit.

No Parking Except by Residential Parking Permit – Permits may be issued to residents of a particular zone to park on the public street if they have no available off-street parking. The person must live on that street to obtain the permit.

Method of Parking – Motorists who park in any Town-owned facility must park in marked spaces.

“It shall be unlawful to leave any motor vehicle on property owned or operated by the town for longer than twenty-four (24) hours. Any motor vehicle left on property owned or operated by the town for longer than twenty-four (24) hours shall be considered abandoned and shall be subject to towing and impoundment; provided, however, that such vehicle shall not be subject to being towed under the provisions of this article for such a violation until notice of violation shall be placed on the vehicle forty-eight (48) hours prior to said towing.

It shall be unlawful to leave any motor vehicle on a public street or highway for longer than seven (7) days. Any motor vehicle left on a public street or highway for longer than seven (7) days shall be considered abandoned and shall be subject to towing and impoundment; provided, however, that such vehicle shall not be subject to being towed under the provisions of this article for such a violation until notice of violation shall be placed on the vehicle forty-eight (48) hours prior to said towing.”

Motorcycles must be parked in public parking spaces both on-street and in off-street locations like decks and surface lots; and must pay for the usage.

Motorized scooters (Vespa-style scooters) may park in public parking spaces, similar to a vehicle or motorcycle, and pay for the usage. Currently, motorized scooters may also park at public bicycle racks for free, as long as the scooter does not block the walk way. The scooter should be parked as close to the public bike racks as possible, while still allowing space for bicycles. Motorized scooters cannot be driven on the sidewalks.

What is the fine for parking in a designated accessible parking space without an accessible parking hang tag or license plate?

Currently, drivers who have a valid accessible plate and/or placard may park in an accessible space or regular metered space for free. The fine for parking in a designated accessible space without a valid parking permit is $250.

Why are there time limits to how long you can park?

Parking time limits ensure turnover for customers of businesses. Without turnover, customers looking for a parking space close to a specific business would be discouraged and go somewhere else.

How long may a vehicle be parked in the same place when there are no other prohibitions or restrictions in effect?

It shall be unlawful to leave any motor vehicle on property owned or operated by the town for longer than twenty-four (24) hours. Any motor vehicle left on property owned or operated by the town for longer than twenty-four (24) hours shall be considered abandoned and shall be subject to towing and impoundment; provided, however, that such vehicle shall not be subject to being towed under the provisions of this article for such a violation until notice of violation shall be placed on the vehicle forty-eight (48) hours prior to said towing.

Can I park vehicles in an alley?

Vehicles are not permitted to park in an alley unless it is being used for delivery purposes and then, only in designated areas. Once the vehicle is parked, it is only allowed to remain legally during the time of loading or unloading. Some alleys have posted signage indicating the period, if any, and length of time for legal parking.

How close to an intersection can I park my vehicle?

A vehicle should remain at least 25 feet back from a stop sign or traffic signal, pedestrian crosswalk, and/or the property lines.

How long can I park a non-commercial/delivery vehicle in a loading zone?

Since loading zones are meant for loading passengers, merchandise, or materials, they must be kept open for that purpose. Passenger vehicles are allowed to stop, park, or stand in a loading zone for no more than five minutes. There is a thirty minute time limit for all commercial and delivery vehicles loading or unloading passengers, merchandise, or materials.

I just need to run into this store for five minutes, is it ok if I park in a loading zone?

Town ordinance states that loading zones are restricted to delivery vehicles only.

I need to stop for a minute at the ATM, is it okay if I stop in the travel lane and put on my flashers like delivery trucks do?

You are subject to receiving a travel lane violation.

The pay station isn’t working, what should I do?

Call the number on the sign next to the pay station to report the problem (919-968-2804). If you were to receive a ticket the status of the pay station can be checked to verify your complaint. You have the right to file an appeal for any parking ticket you may receive.

I paid the pay station but still received an expired meter ticket. What can I do?

You may appeal any parking ticket that you receive. You can access the appeal form here.

I need to park for more than three hours. Can I park in a three hour space and extend my time after the first three hours?

The On-Street meter three-hour time limit is to provide turnover. You can move your car to an off-street location like a deck or surface lot for up to 10 hours.

How do I know I am parked in a legal parking spot?

All public parking spots will have a three-digit space number painted on the ground or on the curb. If you do not see a three-digit number on the curb or the parking spot, look for the posted signage. The signs will state if an area is No Parking, a Loading Zone, or a Bus Zone.

Do the Pay Stations accept Visa, Master Card, and American Express for Pre-Payment?

Yes, Visa, Master Card, and American Express are all accepted at the pay stations.

What other forms of Pre-Payment do the Pay Stations accept?

Pay stations accept coins. At the Rosemary/Columbia Lot and Wallace Deck pay stations accept $1 and $5 bills.

What app can I download to pay for parking in Chapel Hill?

Download and use the ParkMobile app and conveniently pay from your smart phone. By Using this App, you can extend your stay by phone if you find you’re staying longer than your estimated time.

When I park do I pay when I am ready to leave?

You need to pay for your parking when you park, not after you are done. Pay at a pay station or on the ParkMobile app.

Do I need to display my parking receipt on my vehicles dashboard?

No, keep your receipt so you will be aware of your parking expiration time.

Will I be booted and towed for an unpaid parking ticket?

Only after 4 unpaid tickets can your car be booted and towed.

Is it necessary to park between the painted marked lines when I am parking in Chapel Hill?

You should park between the marked lines to ensure the safety of your vehicle and others.

Why does the parking rate increase when there is a UNC football home game, Halloween, or other Special Events?

This occurs when there is an over demand for the limited parking areas in Downtown Chapel Hill. During these special events we raise the rate to encourage carpooling and to maximize and increase the number of people who enjoy a special event.

If my car has been vandalized or damaged, what should I do?

Call 911, and report the damage. Chapel Hill Police will respond and file a report. You will receive a Police Report Number that your insurance company can use to file your claim.