Since the housing market is slow and people are looking for alternative living arrangements, a lot of questions have come up about parking an RV in your backyard. Can I Park My RV in My Backyard? This post will answer that question and give you other tips on parking your RV!
Yes, you can park your RV in your backyard. There is no federal law prohibiting you from parking it in your backyard but be aware of local regulations so as not to get into any trouble with both an HOA or authorities for violating zoning rules.
While that is the simple answer let’s did a little deeper so we don’t get into any trouble.
Recreational Vehicle Parking Laws
Since the housing market is slow and people are looking for alternative living arrangements. A lot of questions have come up about parking an RV in your backyard.
Recreational Vehicle Parking Laws: Put simply, you can’t park an RV in your backyard. However, you might be able to store it there. Temporarily if the vehicle is under 23 feet and has a width under eight feet.
There are also conditions that must be met for storage of RVs on properties zoned as light industrial (M-I) or heavy industrial (M-II) districts.
The law is strange on this one and in all instances, it would be best to contact your local municipality to get the final word.
Zoning Laws
RVs can be parked on residential properties if they are under 23 feet in length and eight feet in width.
RVs cannot exceed a total of three vehicle lengths at any given time. For example, an RV that is 18-feet long plus two cars. Would not qualify as meeting the zoning laws for parking on your property.
You must also have access to a driveway or alley that is at least 20-feet wide. If your property measures less than the required size for parking. You may be able to apply for an RV parking permit through your municipality if they offer them.
RVs can also be parked on properties zoned as light industrial (M-I) or heavy industrial (M-II) districts. There are some requirements for these properties, but they’re less restrictive than zoning designated as residential (R).
In both zoned areas, the length of time an RV can park on a property before any penalties apply. Is dependent on how many days it’s been parked there and what type of industrial zone you have.
In a light industrial district, an RV can be parked on the property for up to six months before it incurs any penalties. Also, in heavy industrial zones, that penalty is set at two years and five days.
If you live in a residential zone (R), your best option is typically finding somewhere else to park your RV or a temporary parking area.
One of the main reasons you can’t park your RV in the backyard is that it could be considered a manufactured home.
In Florida defined by Florida Statutes, and these are not allowed to be located within any residential zoning district (even if temporary) without approval from the city or county government where they will reside.
Can You Park a Travel trailer in Your Driveway?
The answer to this is more than likely yes if you are the owner of the property.
Typically, the homeowner can park a travel trailer in their driveway as long as it does not. Encroach on any other person’s land or block road access to driveways and streets.
The only exception is if your homeowner’s association has rules against parking an RV/travel trailer at all in the community you live in.
If you are not the homeowner, then it is a good idea to ask permission from the property owner before parking a trailer on their land.
If the driveway is not able to accommodate your RV. Without blocking access you can always park your trailer in storage and use it as needed.
RV Parking at Home Tips
If you are allowed to park your RV at home then here are some useful tips for making the progress go smoothly.
Consider the neighbors. If you are parking your RV in the driveway, your neighbors will not like it if you are blocking the light. Make sure you park your RV in a location that does not block their driveway.
Keep the sidewalk clear. The sidewalk is for pedestrians and the street is for cars. Make sure you maintain a clear space in front of your RV so that people on foot can walk by without tripping over it.
Don’t block the line of sight. If you cannot move your RV to a different location then try to park it in such a way that the driver is able to see what’s coming on either side of his vehicle.
Can your foundation hold the weight?. If you are planning on parking your RV in the backyard. Make sure that it is not sitting directly on top of any wood or concrete foundations. You need to have a good foundation before you can start considering parking an RV on it.
Trim trees for clearance. If you are planning on parking an RV in your backyard. Make sure that there is enough clearance for the vehicle. Be mindful of any low-lying branches or trees and trim them back if necessary.
Leave space to walk around it. Your yard should have a clear path from one side of the house to the other. Without having anything blocking it as you walk.
Make the RV level. The RV needs to be level in your backyard. You can do this by making sure that you have enough gravel or wood chips. On the ground for a flat surface and then adding shims underneath any of the tires if needed. Make sure you check all four corners and both sides of the vehicle, before parking it.