Austin RV & Boat Parking Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know
Few RestrictionsKey Facts
- Driveway Parking
- Allowed on paved/graveled surface
- Street Parking Limit
- 72 hours
- Surface Requirement
- Paved or graveled (no bare dirt/grass)
- Sidewalk Blocking
- Prohibited
- Permit Required
- No
The Short Version
Austin is fairly relaxed about RV and boat parking compared to most big cities. You can park an RV, boat, or trailer on your property — including in your driveway and side yard — with no permit needed. The main rule is that the vehicle has to be on a paved or graveled surface, not bare dirt or grass, and it can't block the sidewalk. Street parking for oversized vehicles is limited to 72 hours before you need to move it. The city doesn't have a length restriction for driveway-parked vehicles as long as they're fully on your property.
Full Breakdown
Austin's property maintenance code (Chapter 25-2, Subchapter F) takes a lighter touch on vehicle storage than many large cities. RVs, boats, and trailers can be parked on your property as long as they're on an approved surface — concrete, asphalt, gravel, or pavers. You can't park them on your lawn or bare dirt, which is both an aesthetic and a drainage concern.
The 72-hour street parking limit applies to all vehicles but is mainly enforced for oversized ones. After 72 hours in the same spot on a public street, your vehicle can be ticketed and eventually towed. This is complaint-driven — the city doesn't actively patrol for this, but your neighbors might call it in.
HOA-governed neighborhoods may have stricter rules. Many Austin HOAs prohibit visible RV and boat storage entirely, regardless of what the city code allows. Always check your HOA covenants before assuming city rules are all you need to follow.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Street parking violations are $35-$75 per ticket. Vehicles parked on unapproved surfaces (grass, dirt) can generate code compliance violations with 30 days to correct. Failure to comply after notice can result in fines of $500 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I live in my RV in my Austin driveway?
Does my HOA override Austin's RV parking rules?
Can I park my boat trailer on the street while I prep for a lake trip?
How does Austin compare?
See how Austin's rv & boat parking rules stack up against other locations.