Officer McCall urges aligning parking rule with state law after blocked roads cited

At the Highlands Town Board workshop on March 19, Officer McCall presented a proposal to amend Section 7-99 (parking obstructing traffic) to align local rules with North Carolina General Statute 20-161, arguing the change would create a clearer, more enforceable standard.

"We are proposing that this ordinance be updated to align with North Carolina general statute 20 dash 1 61," Officer McCall said, noting that state law prohibits parking on the main travel portion of a highway and that towns commonly treat streets as part of that highway definition. He told the board patrols sometimes observe "multiple vehicles, sometimes 6 to 8, parked along a single stretch of road," which can force drivers to enter opposing lanes, increase collision risk at blind curves and damage roadside ditches.

Board members and residents described problem locations including Pine Crest, Colesagia curve, Big Bear Pin, Oak Street by the ice rink, Lower Lakes and Harris Lakes. Commissioners asked pragmatic questions about daily realities for contractors and construction crews who briefly park on narrow roads; participants discussed carpooling, use of sidewalks or staging areas, and potential permit-based approaches for short-term work.

When asked who receives a citation, Chief Holland said enforcement practice for short-term rentals and similar situations has been to issue a violation to the property owner or manager when appropriate because managers are easier to locate; the ordinance could also target the individual making the obstruction. The town attorney (Nick) noted the ordinance language will require decisions about geographic scope (townwide paved area versus right-of-way) and categories of exceptions.

Consistent with the noise item, the board asked that police staff and the town attorney draft language clarifying where parking will be prohibited, how to treat construction and deliveries, and enforcement processes. No parking ordinance was adopted at the workshop.