Vehicle tax decals for 2016 are now available for purchase in both Kure Beach and Carolina Beach.
The stickers, which are required for all permanent residents with cars registered in North Carolina, serve as notification that the vehicle tax has been paid. In both beach towns, the tax is $5 if paid by March 31. After April 1, the cost rises to $15. Kure Beach residents who violate the ordinance for the first time are given a $25 civil citation and charged with a misdemeanor for a second offense.
In Carolina Beach, a residential parking permit is included with the cost of the decal. The permit allows for parking without paying the meters in all municipal lots that state, “Town Decals Valid in this Lot.” Parking areas that are not town-owned and do not recognize the stickers are located at 310 Canal Dr., 313 Carolina Beach Ave. North, 217 Carolina Beach Ave. North and 104 Hamlet Dr. Residents and owners of more than one property can request additional decals for $1 each, and the stickers will indicate what part of Carolina Beach (North, South, East or West) the property is located.
Property owners who are not full-time residents, while not required to have the decals, are strongly encouraged to get them as they help identify who is allowed to be on the island in emergency situations such as extreme weather events. If, for example, Pleasure Island is evacuated, law enforcement officers will grant access back to the island to those with decals first, while those without them will have to do other things to prove they live or own property there.
The decals are available for purchase at the respective town halls. Residents must provide a valid vehicle registration with their Carolina Beach or Kure Beach address along with payment in the form of cash, check or credit card (Visa, Mastercard or Discover). Out-of-town property owners can also buy them via mail by sending a copy of the vehicle registration, a check for payment, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the following addresses:
Kure Beach (can also be purchased online on the town’s website)
Town of Kure Beach, Decal Department
117 Settlers Lane
Kure Beach, NC 28449
Carolina Beach (must also include a copy of a deed or New Hanover County tax bill)
Town of Carolina Beach
1121 N. Lake Park Blvd.
Carolina Beach, N.C. 28428
