Are HOAs allowed to ban street parking in NC neighborhoods? Here’s what legal experts say

Homeowners’ associations (HOAs) in North Carolina are stirring debate over their power to enforce street parking bans, a common rule designed to address safety and aesthetic concerns. Recent discussions on social media platforms like Nextdoor highlight divided opinions, with some residents frustrated by restrictions that limit parking options for families or guests, while others advocate stricter enforcement to avoid street clutter and safety hazards.

Under the North Carolina Planned Community Act, HOAs established after 1999 have the authority to regulate parking, even on public streets, if outlined in their community’s restrictive covenants (CCRs). Legal experts note that these rules aim to maintain order, but they are often contentious among residents.

A proposed bill could change this dynamic by prohibiting HOAs from enforcing parking rules on public roads maintained by the state or local governments, regardless of what is stated in the CCRs. If passed, this legislation would limit HOA authority and potentially resolve ongoing conflicts.

Source: The Charlotte Observer