ST. GEORGE, Utah — Towing practices enforced by companies contracted by homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and property managers are causing controversy in several Southern Utah neighborhoods, with strong reactions from residents who feel the enforcement is overly aggressive and unfair.
Zips Towing, a company that holds over 150 contracts with housing complexes across the region, defends its practices as both legal and necessary for maintaining order in crowded parking lots. However, stories from local residents reveal a growing divide between the company’s operations and the residents affected by them.
The Towing Dilemma
For many renters and homeowners in Southern Utah, waking up to find their vehicle towed can bring frustration and financial strain. Zips Towing, which has been operating in the area since 2001, patrols parking lots and enforces towing policies for HOAs, often leading to tension when residents feel the towing is unjustified. Dave Terry, owner of Zips Towing, explained that the company’s role is simply to enforce the rules established by HOAs and property managers.
“We’re just a provided service — a needed service, not necessarily a loved service,” Terry said in an interview. “Criticism doesn’t scare us when what we’re doing is legal.”
Despite Zips Towing’s insistence on following legal guidelines, residents claim that enforcement practices often feel excessive and disproportionately affect low-income individuals. Trevor Anderson, a former HOA president, shared his experience with the practice, noting the unintended consequences it had on families in his community. Under a strict towing policy, which was initially approved by the HOA board to address parking violations, approximately 20% of the residents had their vehicles towed in just three months.
Many of those impacted were working-class families, including single mothers and renters struggling with tight budgets. Anderson recalled that some residents were towed for minor infractions, like having a registration sticker that was just a few days expired or parking slightly over the line in a spot. The cost to retrieve their vehicles ranged from $300 to $400, a significant burden for many.
“There’s a reason that people didn’t follow the rules,” Anderson said. “They were just trying to get by. Suddenly, they had to pay to get their car back, and that could mean not paying rent that month.”
In response to the mounting frustration, Anderson’s board requested that Zips issue warnings before towing, but according to Anderson, the company refused, stating that it was not part of their policy. The HOA then decided to stop using Zips for patrolling and only allowed towing when specifically called for. Afterward, Anderson said the community managed parking issues without the need for towing.
“We didn’t call for any tows in the next two years, and the parking lot was just fine,” Anderson added. “Neighbors took care of things themselves.”
Ambiguous Parking Rules and Unclear Signage
A common thread among many complaints from residents revolves around unclear parking rules and inadequate communication of those rules. Dan Koopsman, a local resident, described a situation where his friend’s truck and trailer were towed from in front of his house, despite Koopsman’s authorization for the vehicle to park there. According to Koopsman, the community’s CC&R (covenants, conditions, and restrictions) allowed residents to authorize visitors to park, but neither the property manager nor the towing company attempted to verify the authorization.
Koopsman eventually had to pay the towing fee to retrieve his vehicle, and when he reached out to his HOA for assistance, they admitted the situation fell into a “grey area” but declined to intervene.
Similarly, resident C. Hendry experienced an issue when his work truck and trailer were towed under what he claimed was a “zero-tolerance policy” for trailers. However, he argued that there were no clear signs or mentions of such a policy in the HOA rules. Despite presenting photos and documentation to support his case, Hendry was told by Zips that their actions were justified.
“It’s frustrating when you’re paying fees and following the rules, only to have your vehicle taken for something that wasn’t clear,” Hendry said. “The lack of proper signage is a real problem.”
Zips Towing, in defense of its actions, pointed out that rules and regulations regarding towing are outlined in contracts between property managers and the towing company. These rules are typically posted on signs at parking lot entrances. Terry explained that these signs serve as a broad guide, but the specifics are the responsibility of the HOA or property manager to communicate directly to residents.
The Impact on Renters and Low-Income Residents
Several residents raised concerns that towing practices disproportionately affect renters, who are often more vulnerable to financial setbacks. According to Anderson, renters, especially those living paycheck to paycheck, may lack the time, resources, or knowledge to challenge an unjust tow.
“Most renters don’t have the time or money to dispute towing charges,” Anderson said. “It takes effort, and for many, just paying the fee to get their car back is easier than trying to fight it.”
Ray Borg, a resident at Pelican Hills, also expressed frustration over a towing incident in which he was charged for taking up two parking spots, even though the towing signs had only just been installed that same day without any prior notice to residents. Borg spent hours trying to locate his vehicle, and he was one of six residents who had their cars towed that night.
Terry emphasized that Zips Towing does exercise discretion in certain cases, but the company’s primary job is to enforce the rules as set out by the HOAs. Lorna Castro, a board member for a different HOA, defended Zips, saying that towing was essential for maintaining order, especially in communities with high turnover or limited parking spaces.
“HOAs need to ensure that everyone follows the rules, but sometimes we’ve had to adjust policies after hearing feedback from residents,” Castro said. “We’ve implemented warning systems in some cases and tried to address issues like permits falling off windshields.”
Balancing Order and Compassion
As the debate continues, the question remains whether the benefits of strict enforcement outweigh the negative impact it has on residents, particularly those with limited means. Anderson and others argue that while parking lot order is important, towing practices should be approached with more compassion and understanding, especially when dealing with vulnerable residents.
“HOAs and property managers should consider the human cost of their decisions,” Anderson concluded. “Taking someone’s car away can have far-reaching consequences. For many families, it’s not just about the inconvenience of getting a tow—it’s about the financial burden it creates.”
As residents, HOAs, and towing companies continue to navigate this issue, many hope for a solution that strikes a better balance between maintaining order and showing empathy for those affected by the rules.