As a new or aspiring RV owner, choosing which RV to buy is the first of many decisions you’ll face.
The next decision you’ll have to make? Choosing where to park your RV when it’s not in use.
Because certain areas strictly prohibit parking an RV on a residential property, the answer is almost never as simple as parking your RV in your driveway.
If you live in the country with lots of land and loose county regulations, residential RV parking won’t be an issue. If, however, you live in a town, city, or neighborhood with strict HOA rules, parking your RV on residential property isn’t always allowed. It all depends on the rules in your specific neighborhood or county and where you plan to park your RV on your residential property.
Wondering if your neighborhood permits residential RV parking? Take a closer look.
Understanding RV Parking Laws
Specific RV parking rules will vary depending on your city, state, and county. It’s important to comply with the rules once you learn what they are because failing to do so could result in fines, disputes with your neighbors, and other issues you don’t want to deal with.
While rules may vary, here are a few considerations the authorities will consider when determining residential RV parking rules in your area.
- The time of day
- Duration of parking
- Occupancy of your RV
- Obtaining the homeowner’s consent
- The size of your RV
- The surface you’re parking on
Local Zoning Laws
Local zoning laws play a significant role in dictating the rules for RV parking on residential property. Because these laws will vary from one area to another, you should visit or contact your county courthouse’s zoning office to learn what the rules are in your area. If the county prohibits RV parking on residential lands or streets, you may need to find an RV storage facility near you.
Homeowners Associations (HOAs)
In most cases, your neighborhood HOA will pose the biggest obstacle to residential RV parking. Should your property fall under the jurisdiction of a Homeowners Association (HOA), reviewing the HOA’s guidelines before parking your RV at home is of utmost importance.
In addition to having some of the strictest rules about RV parking, HOAs also have some of the worst penalties. You’re likely to incur massive fines and penalties if you violate your HOA rules, not to mention getting put on their blacklist.
Therefore, it’s essential to read your HOA rules related to RV parking and contact a member of the HOA if you have any questions. They will help you understand if parking your RV on your property is okay or if you’ll have to find another storage option.
City Ordinances
City ordinances pose another significant element influencing RV parking on residential property. City ordinances are often put in place to address safety issues related to residential RV parking. This could include rules about leaving an inoperable vehicle parked on the street and parking permit requirements.
To ensure compliance with city ordinances, contact your city’s office for further information regarding the rules and regulations. You can find your cities’ ordinances online or by contacting the City Hall in question.
Tips for Legal and Safe RV Parking at Home
Now that you have a better idea of some of the legal obstacles related to RV parking and who to contact to ensure you don’t violate any rules, let’s examine a few tips and tricks to ensure you legally park your RV on your land.
Selecting the Right Spot
In some cases, you will be allowed to park your RV on your property, but only in certain spots. For instance, some neighborhoods and cities allow residential RV parking if your RV is covered or hidden from view. Therefore, you might not be allowed to park your RV on your driveway, but you may be able to park it in your backyard behind the house.
Once you know whether or not you’re legally allowed to park your RV on your land, here are some considerations for choosing the best spot.
- Always opt for a level, stable surface away from drainage areas and slopes.
- A paved RV parking area is recommended to prevent damage to your RV and property.
- If possible, consider constructing a carport or cover for protection.
Protecting Your Driveway
Just because you’re legally allowed to park your RV on your residential property doesn’t mean you should. If you have a concrete or paved area or drive, for instance, there’s a chance that your RV is too heavy and will damage your concrete.
As such, you should contact the company that paved your driveway and ask them what the maximum allowable weight is. If you don’t know who paved your driveway, any paving contractor will be able to give you the necessary information.
If your RV is too heavy for your driveway, you may need to use plywood or a parking pad to redistribute the weight of your RV to prevent damage. You should also avoid parking too close to the edge of the driveway, as this may cause cracking or other damage.
Concealing Your RV
One of the main reasons that there are so many rules against RV parking on residential properties is that it’s aesthetically displeasing. Therefore, if you keep your RV parked in your rear yard or otherwise out of view, there’s a better chance that you’ll be able to park your RV on your land. If you don’t have a backyard, here are a few other RV concealing options.
- Privacy Fencing
- Foliage
- Using an RV cover
- Parking in a designated RV storage area
These options can help you maintain the aesthetics of your property while still keeping your RV accessible and protected.
Getting a Temporary Parking Permit
If you only need to park your RV on your property for one or two days, you can get a temporary RV parking permit from your local city hall. These permits are typically good for one to two nights and legally allow you to park your RV anywhere on your property or on residential streets.
However, temporary permits don’t solve the issue of long-term storage and are only meant as a stop-gap.
Utilities and Living Arrangements for RVs on Residential Property
Living in an RV on a residential property may be subject to local restrictions and permits. Before making any long-term arrangements, check the rules in your area and consult with local town/county/city officials and agencies.
If you plan to live in an RV parked on a residential street or driveway, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations related to the following categories:
- Hookups
- Utilities
- Access
- Surface drainage
Always research and comply with local laws to ensure a safe and legal living arrangement.
Electricity Options
Providing a permanent or temporary electricity connection to your RV while parked on residential property can be achieved through various means, such as adding a 30/50-amp hookup, using a generator, or installing solar panels with a battery bank.
Connecting your home’s electrical system to your RV may be the most convenient option, but be sure to consult with a professional electrician to ensure safe installation. You should also check with the local City Council, as there may be rules against connecting your RV to your home’s power grid.
If there are rules against powering your RV with your house, a generator can provide a reliable power source, especially in rural areas or during power outages. Solar panels with a battery bank also offer a sustainable, eco-friendly solution for powering your RV, but they’re also more expensive, especially for temporary use.
Dumping RV Tanks
Proper waste disposal is essential for maintaining your RV’s clean and sanitary living environment. To responsibly dump your RV tanks, use a dump station, install a septic system, or tie into city sewage or your own septic system.
When disposing of waste from your RV on residential property, you should enlist the services of a professional plumber for assistance. Following proper waste disposal procedures not only protects the environment but also maintains the health and safety of you and your neighbors.
Alternatives to RV Parking on Residential Property
In some cases, parking your RV on residential property may not be feasible or permitted by local regulations. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to consider.
Campgrounds and RV Parks
Campgrounds and RV parks offer designated spaces for RV parking and RV storage (plus amenities), making them a convenient alternative to residential parking. These facilities often provide park RV services such as:
- Electricity
- Water
- Sewer hookups
- Additional services such as laundry and showers
Additionally, because campgrounds and RV parks are intimately familiar with the obstacles of parking RVs on a residential property, many offer RV storage space aside from their designated camping area. This is often much cheaper than using a campsite and is the better option as long as you don’t plan to live in your RV while it’s parked.
Private Landowners and Platforms
Platforms like Boondockers Welcome and Harvest Hosts provide opportunities for RV parking on private property with the landowner’s permission. These platforms connect RV owners with private landowners who offer camping or parking on their property, sometimes with additional amenities such as electricity, water, and sewer hookups.
However, platforms such as these typically don’t offer long-term RV storage and parking options and are intended for one to two nights at a time.
Moochdocking
Moochdocking involves parking your RV on a friend or family member’s property with their permission. While this can be a convenient and cost-effective option, it’s important to discuss boundaries and not overstay your welcome.
In addition to friends and family, you can also look outside of your inner circle and check out a peer-to-peer storage marketplace to find private hosts in your neighborhood who are willing to store your RV on their property.
Local RV Storage Facility
If you can’t park your RV on your property, keeping it at a local storage facility is another good option. Local RV storage facilities are designed to handle RVs of every shape and size and to protect them from burglars and the elements. You’ll also prevent potential conflicts with your neighbors, city ordinances, or HOA by storing your RV at a nearby facility.
An ideal-sized storage unit for an RV will range anywhere from 30 to 50 feet in length.
In Conclusion
In some cases, just because you’re allowed to park your RV on your property doesn’t mean it’s the best option. For instance, if parking your neighbors aren’t too fond of the idea, the convenience of parking your RV on your property might not be worth the damaged relationships it causes. Additionally, if your property is too small to comfortably hold your RV, you could damage it during the parking process or when you’re maneuvering another vehicle around it.
When in doubt, store your RV off-site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Park My RV Next to My House?
You will need to check the laws of your city, HUD, HOAs, and zoning laws to see if you can legally park your RV next to your house. Generally speaking, residential parking for RVs is allowed with a permit, but this isn’t always the case.
Is It Legal to Park an RV on the Street?
It is generally not legal to park an RV on the street for extended durations as local laws and ordinances often forbid it. You will need a Temporary Recreational Vehicle Parking Permit to legally park your RV on residential streets.
Can Parking an RV in a Driveway Cause Damage?
Parking an RV in a driveway can cause damage if not done properly. It is essential to use appropriate supports and ensure the RV is level to prevent damage.
