RV & Boat Parking: San Francisco vs San Jose
How do rv & boat parking rules compare between San Francisco, CA and San Jose, CA?
San Francisco and San Jose 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 →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
San Jose restricts RV parking under SJMC §17.72. RVs in front yards must be on pavement and perpendicular to the street. Living in an RV on residential property is prohibited.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Francisco | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Front Yard | - | Paved surface only |
| Orientation | - | Perpendicular to street |
| Living In RV | - | Prohibited |
| Guest Exception | - | 72 hours max |
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.
San Jose FAQ
Can I park my RV in my driveway in San Jose?
San Jose restricts RV parking under SJMC §17.72. RVs in front yards must be on pavement and perpendicular to the street. Living in an RV on residential property is prohibited.
What are the rules for storing boats and RVs in San Jose?
Front Yard: Paved surface only. Orientation: Perpendicular to street. Living In RV: Prohibited. Guest Exception: 72 hours max.
Compare other topics
See how San Francisco and San Jose compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool