CLEMSON — Clemson City Council has approved a new ordinance that governs game day and event parking in Clemson to accommodate growing trends while at the same time protecting its neighborhoods.
The ordinance was crafted to be fair to property owners and entrepreneurs while taking measures to preserve the sanctity of our neighborhoods.
The ordinance regulates the use of private property for those charging a fee for parking during Clemson University football home games and city-approved events.
To assist Clemson residents, Q & A meetings will be held from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 9 and from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 12 at City Hall, 1250 Tiger Boulevard, Suite # 1.
Residents will be able to ask questions, register for a business license, and get a sign at either of these meetings. Those who cannot attend one of the meetings should come to the Business License Office at City Hall by Aug. 19 to register.
Currently, city-approved events include Clemson University’s spring scrimmage, Clemson University graduations, NCAA intercollegiate tournaments, playoff or championship competitions in any sport, and ACC tournament, playoff, or championship competitions in any sport.
When in doubt as to whether an event is a City-approved special event, those wishing to sell parking spaces should contact the City before doing so.
Those who want to charge a fee or suggest a donation in return for parking must register in advance with the city. The registration year runs from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31. All registrations expire on Dec. 31 each year, regardless of when they were purchased during the year.
Those wanting to sell parking must also obtain a valid annual business license from the City of Clemson’s Business License Office.
Businesses already operating in the City that have valid business licenses need not obtain an additional business license to conduct game day parking. However, game day parking revenue for such businesses must be included in annual business license applications.
Similarly, property owners that are nonprofits or that allow nonprofit organizations to sell parking for football games and special events must register annually, but need not apply for a business license. Nonprofit organizations are legitimate not-for-profit, religious, charitable, and/or service organizations.
The rules regarding parking were kept simple by asking that people post a sign (provided by the City) showing they are registered, pick up their litter, limit parking times, and not let their yard turn into an eyesore.