Santa Clara County RV & Boat Parking Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know

Santa Clara County's zoning ordinance, Section 4.20.090, governs the storage and use of recreational vehicles, campers, trailers, boats, and similar vehicles on residential lots in unincorporated areas. The regulations are among the more detailed in the Bay Area.

To be stored on a residential lot, an RV, camper, trailer, or boat must be registered to a person who actually lives on the property. The vehicle must be maintained at least 75 feet from the front property line, or alternatively may be stored in the rear yard. This setback requirement effectively prevents most RVs and boats from being parked in front driveways or visible from the street in typical residential lots.

The ordinance flatly prohibits using RVs, campers, trailers, or boats as housing on residential lots. These vehicles also may not be connected to any utilities — electricity, plumbing, or sewer — except as needed for limited maintenance purposes. Exceptions may apply for emergency housing situations following a casualty such as an earthquake or fire.

Section 4.20.070 separately regulates disabled and inoperative vehicles. A vehicle is considered disabled or inoperative if it cannot be immediately started and moved under its own power, or is not currently registered for road use. No more than two disabled or inoperative vehicles may be stored on a residential lot, and they must be screened from neighboring properties and public view. No work may be performed on any vehicle that is not registered to a property resident.