Myrtle Beach, October 16, 2025
Myrtle Beach City Council
The Myrtle Beach City Council is the governing body responsible for overseeing the administration, policies, and development of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Established to serve the needs of the community, the council plays a pivotal role in shaping the city’s growth, managing public services, and ensuring the well-being of its residents and visitors. Over the years, Myrtle Beach has grown from a modest fishing village into a prominent tourist destination with a vibrant economy centered around hospitality, entertainment, and recreation. The City Council has been instrumental in fostering sustainable development, improving infrastructure, and promoting a high quality of life throughout the city. With a dedicated and diverse group of elected officials, the Myrtle Beach City Council continues to work towards enhancing the city’s prosperity and livability for future generations.
News Summary
The Myrtle Beach City Council has approved a plan to reinstate free parking during the offseason to support local businesses struggling with revenue declines. The initiative covers parking from October 1 to February 28 in designated areas, aiming to attract more customers to downtown shops. The council also discussed parking decals for city employees and residents, further facilitating access to key areas. The ordinance is set for a final vote soon, marking a potential turning point in the city’s efforts to enhance community engagement and support.
Myrtle Beach City Council has taken preliminary steps toward revitalizing downtown with the approval of a plan on October 14, 2025, to reinstate free parking during the offseason. This initiative aims to attract customers back to struggling local businesses that have faced significant challenges in recent years.
Free parking is set to potentially return from October 1 to February 28 each year after nearly two years of paid parking only. The designated free parking area will cover city-owned spaces from 6th Avenue South to 21st Avenue North, extending from Ocean Boulevard west to Kings Highway. This measure is particularly important as local businesses have seen a drastic decline in revenue, with some establishments reporting losses of over $10,000 per weekend compared to the previous year.
City Manager Jonathan “Fox” Simons has also been authorized to issue parking decals allowing full-time city employees residing outside city limits to park for free in the same core area. Residents of Myrtle Beach can obtain a free parking decal if they provide proof of city tax payment on their vehicle registered within city limits. This decal is valid for two years, providing a further incentive to retain employees amid rising hiring challenges.
The council will revisit this ordinance on October 28 before a final vote is scheduled. This proposal emerged as a response to a combination of adverse factors affecting downtown businesses, including a March wildfire, a rainy summer, and incidents of violence. According to the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, hotel occupancy rates fell by over 2% from last summer, while accommodation tax revenues dropped nearly 9% during the same period.
The council’s discussions also revealed plans to collaborate with First Methodist Church on 9th Avenue North to share parking spaces, which would cost the city approximately $150,000. When the church does not require them, this agreement would provide access to 40 additional parking spaces for city use.
In addition to the free parking proposal, non-resident decals will be available for $100 annually, offering limited parking options in the designated core area and metered street-end parking. Currently, the city has over 2,500 paid parking spaces with varying hourly rates ranging from $2 to $3 depending on location. This strategy is part of a broader shift initiated in late 2023 toward year-round paid parking, which is expected to boost city revenues significantly.
Mayor Brenda Bethune has emphasized the importance of providing additional incentives to retain city employees, highlighting the ongoing challenges the city faces in filling job positions. The ordinance will require two approvals from the city council before it becomes law, paving the way for improved support for the local business community and parking solutions.
FAQ
What are the new parking regulations approved by the Myrtle Beach City Council?
The Myrtle Beach City Council approved initial changes to parking regulations that include free parking from October 1 to February 28 each year in designated areas, as well as parking decals for employees and residents.
What is the designated free parking area?
The designated free parking area includes city-owned spots from 6th Avenue South to 21st Avenue North, and from Ocean Boulevard west to Kings Highway.
When will the council discuss this ordinance again?
The City Council plans to discuss the ordinance again at the October 28 meeting before a final vote.
What are the terms for residents and non-residents regarding parking decals?
City residents can obtain a free parking decal for public spaces with proof of city tax payment. Non-resident decals will be available for $100 annually, providing limited parking in the designated core area.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Free Parking Dates | October 1 to February 28 |
| Designated Free Parking Area | 6th Avenue South to 21st Avenue North, Ocean Boulevard west to Kings Highway |
| Free Decal Eligibility | Residents with proof of city tax payment |
| Non-Resident Decal Fee | $100 annually for limited parking |
| Potential Shared Parking Agreement | With First Methodist Church for 40 additional spaces |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WBTW News Source
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- Post and Courier News Source
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Free Parking
- WMBF News Source
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
