RV & Boat Parking: San Francisco vs Seattle
How do rv & boat parking rules compare between San Francisco, CA and Seattle, WA?
San Francisco and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco County
San Francisco Transportation Code §7.2.54 restricts vehicles over 22 feet long or 7 feet tall from overnight parking (12 AM–6 AM) in posted areas. Vehicular habitation is prohibited under Police Code §97. SFMTA approved major policy changes in October 2024 allowing towing of oversized vehicles after documented shelter refusal. A 2025 proposal would further limit RV parking to 2 hours citywide.
View full San Francisco rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Seattle SMC 11.72.070 prohibits parking vehicles wider than 80 inches between midnight and 6 AM, except in industrial zones. The 72-hour street parking limit also applies to RVs. Seattle has limited 'safe lots' for RV dwellers.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Francisco | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Overnight Ban | 12 AM–6 AM in posted areas | Vehicles > 80 inches wide: midnight–6 AM (non-industrial) |
| Size Threshold | >22 ft long or >7 ft tall | - |
| Vehicular Habitation | Prohibited (Police Code §97) | - |
| Fine | $108 citation | - |
| Code | - | SMC 11.72.070 |
| 72-Hour Limit | - | Applies to RVs on public streets |
| Enforcement | - | SDOT Parking Enforcement: (206) 684-8763 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Francisco FAQ
Can I park my RV in my driveway in San Francisco?
San Francisco Transportation Code §7.2.54 restricts vehicles over 22 feet long or 7 feet tall from overnight parking (12 AM–6 AM) in posted areas. Vehicular habitation is prohibited under Police Code §97. SFMTA approved major policy changes in October 2024 allowing towing of oversized vehicles...
What are the rules for storing boats and RVs in San Francisco?
Overnight Ban: 12 AM–6 AM in posted areas. Size Threshold: >22 ft long or >7 ft tall. Vehicular Habitation: Prohibited (Police Code §97). Fine: $108 citation.
Seattle FAQ
Can I park my RV in my driveway in Seattle?
Seattle SMC 11.72.070 prohibits parking vehicles wider than 80 inches between midnight and 6 AM, except in industrial zones. The 72-hour street parking limit also applies to RVs. Seattle has limited 'safe lots' for RV dwellers.
What are the rules for storing boats and RVs in Seattle?
Code: SMC 11.72.070. Overnight Ban: Vehicles > 80 inches wide: midnight–6 AM (non-industrial). 72-Hour Limit: Applies to RVs on public streets. Enforcement: SDOT Parking Enforcement: (206) 684-8763.
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