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ORD 2025-26 RV High Enforcement Tow-Away Zone AdoptedORDINANCE NO. 2025-26 DESIGNATING A HIGH ENFORCEMENT TOW-AWAY ZONE IN RIVERSIDE VILLAGE WHEREAS, vehicles parked without authorization, in violation of posted restrictions, or in an illegal manner within Riverside Village create traffic hazards, obstruct emergency access, and disrupt commerce; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the safe, orderly, and efficient use of parking in Riverside Village is necessary to protect public safety, maintain traffic flow, and support the businesses, residents, and visitors of the city; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to establish a High Enforcement Tow-Away Zone within Riverside Village to ensure compliance with parking regulations through enhanced enforcement, including towing of vehicles when necessary; and WHEREAS, South Carolina law, including S.C. Code Ann. Title 56, provides authority for municipalities to regulate parking, towing, and impoundment within their jurisdictions. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA, IN MEETING DULY ASSEMBLED AND BY THE AUTHORITY THEREOF, THAT: I. DESIGNATION OF ZONE Riverside Village, as depicted on the map attached hereto as Exhibit A, is hereby designated a High Enforcement Tow-Away Zone. II. PARKING RESTRICTIONS Parking within the Zone shall be permitted only in areas specifically designated and marked as parking spaces. Any vehicle parked outside of a designated space, blocking access, or otherwise in violation of posted restrictions may be cited and towed at the expense of the owner. III. SIGNAGE The City shall install and maintain signage at all entrances and key points within the Zone, in compliance with South Carolina law, including S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-5630. Such signage shall include: A. Identification of the area as a High Enforcement Tow-Away Zone; B. A statement that parking is only permitted in designated areas; and C. Contact information for the Authorized Towing Provider, including a 24-hour telephone number for vehicle recovery. IV. AUTHORIZED TOWING SERVICES The City shall contract with a qualified Authorized Towing Provider through a competitive process. The provider shall, under the supervision of the Department of Public Safety: A. Tow vehicles in violation, as directed by the City; B. Document violations with photographs and written reports; C. Tow and store vehicles in compliance with South Carolina law and this Ordinance; D. Store vehicles only in a secure impound facility located within the State of South Carolina, and within a reasonable distance of the Zone, not to exceed five (5) miles from the corporate limits of the City of North Augusta; E. Communicate immediately with the North Augusta Department of Public Safety when a vehicle has been towed, so that stolen or missing vehicle inquiries can be quickly resolved. V. FEES AND CHARGES Towing and storage fees shall be paid by the vehicle owner or operator directly to the Authorized Towing Provider. Fees shall not exceed the maximum rates permitted under South Carolina law or the limits set forth in the City’s towing contract. VI. NOTIFICATION The Authorized Towing Provider shall make reasonable efforts to notify the registered owner of the vehicle as soon as practicable after impoundment. VII. ENFORCEMENT This Ordinance shall be enforced by the Department of Public Safety and other City officials designated by the City Administrator. Violations of this Ordinance shall be subject to citation, towing, payment of fees, and any applicable penalties under the North Augusta Municipal Code. VIII. EXCEPTIONS The following vehicles are exempt from towing under this Ordinance, unless such vehicle poses an immediate safety hazard: A. Emergency vehicles; B. Authorized City vehicles on official business; C. Vehicles with valid City-issued permits for restricted areas. IX. SEVERABILITY If any section, clause, or provision of this Ordinance is declared invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such declaration shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions. X. REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are, to the extent of such conflict, hereby repealed. XI. EFFECTIVE DATE This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its adoption on second and final reading and after the installation of required signage. BLUFF G E O R G I A CE N T E R RAILROA D FRONT WEST LAF A Y E T T E MER I D I A N BRISSIE RIV E R S I D E ESP L A N A D E TAFT CLIFTON BRICK PO N D ANDREW S LAN D I N G CUM B E R L A N D AR R I N G T O N CEN T E R WES T Source: Esri, Maxar, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS,USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community Proposed Towing Enforcement Areafor Riverside Village and Center Street ² 0 150 30075 Feet Towing Enforcement Area TowEnforcementArea EXHIBIT - A