CHAPEL HILL – On Monday, Chapel Hill’s towing ordinance that was once struck down by a North Carolina Superior Court Judge takes effect.

On June 4, the state Court of Appeals reversed the court’s ruling that struck down Chapel Hill’s ordinance. The town originally adopted the ordinance in March 2012, but the ordinance never took effect because George King, operator of George’s Towing, challenged the Town Council.

The new ordinance regulates and caps tow fees, it states that lots may not be located farther than 15 miles outside the town, and requires adequate signage for tow zones. Tow companies must also provide the person making the payment for the tow with a copy of the “Town of Chapel Hill Towing Information Handout”.

If a person returns to their car before it can be towed, the tow truck operator must return the car to the person without charging a fee unless the vehicle was already attached to the truck. If it was, a fee no more than $50 may be charged.

The ordinance also says a call to the towing company must be returned within 15 minutes of a message being left. Within 30 minutes of the call being answered or message being left, a person with the proper authority must release the location of the vehicle.

Related Stories
‹
Chapel Hill Police Investigating 'About 60' Vehicle Break-Ins Early Saturday Morning
The Chapel Hill Police Department is investigating a spike in vehicle break-ins around town early Saturday morning. Police reported “about 60” break-ins which occurred between 3 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. along major routes like Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and Raleigh Road. Most of the break-ins reportedly happened in hotel and apartment complex parking lots, […]
What's Open or Closed on Labor Day? Holiday to Impact Local Government Services
Monday marks the observance of Labor Day, which is meant to celebrate the contribution of workers and employees across the United States. With that, the local governments in Orange County will be giving many of their employees the day off, which will affect certain local government services. Ahead of the holiday on Monday, Sep. 7, […]
Our Town: The Story of Planning in Chapel Hill
This month, Tas Lagoo and Ben Berolzheimer from the Town's Planning Department, share how their work shapes Chapel Hill now and in the future.
Federal, AI Tech Leaders to Visit Chapel Hill for G20 Event; Town Warns of Increased Security
The G20 Innovation Ministerial is set to be held at the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill on September 1-2, welcoming prominent tech figures.
'A Professional Encourager': Jamezetta Bedford's Chapel Hill Memorial Service Honors Her Life of Service
Hundreds gathered at University United Methodist Church in Chapel Hill on Saturday to mourn and honor the late Jamezetta Bedford.
3 Juveniles Arrested Following Series of Chapel Hill Vehicle Break-Ins
Three juveniles are facing charges following a series of vehicle break-ins in Chapel Hill Tuesday. In a release, the Town of Chapel Hill confirmed the break-ins occurred between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. in two areas: Franklin Street and Estes Drive Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Weaver Dairy Road The town release says officers […]
Chapel Hill Moving Forward with Plans for New Fire Station, Affordable Housing Development
The Town of Chapel Hill is “moving ahead” with plans to build a new Fire Station 4 and make room for an affordable housing development, both at the intersection of Weaver Dairy Road Extension and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, according to a release shared Thursday. The current Fire Station 4 is more than 40 […]
Chapel Hill's University Place to Add 'Entertainment District,' Allowing To-Go Alcoholic Drinks Around Mall
As University Place in Chapel Hill continues to take shape in its redevelopment, the mall is preparing to add a new way for patrons to enjoy alcoholic drinks and support its businesses.
As Chapel Hill Readies to Clear Legion Road Site, Mayor Acknowledges 'Bittersweet' Loss of Pond
The Town of Chapel Hill recently shared an update on its timeline to start turning dirt at its property off Legion Road – a long-standing project that aims to build an affordable housing neighborhood and formally designate some of the land as a town park.
Chapel Hill Shares LUMO Draft, Which Could Reshape Development Standards and Housing Types
After nearly a decade since Chapel Hill first launched plans to rewrite its land use management ordinance, or LUMO, a draft has arrived.
›