RV & Boat Parking: Portland vs Seattle
How do rv & boat parking rules compare between Portland, OR and Seattle, WA?
Portland and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Portland, OR
Multnomah County
RVs are prohibited from parking on residential streets in Portland except for active loading/unloading for a maximum of 4 hours. RVs are not eligible for zone parking permits. Oversized vehicles (over 22 ft long) face similar restrictions.
View full Portland 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 | Portland | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| RV Street Parking Limit | Max 4 hours while actively loading/unloading only | - |
| Zone Permits | RVs not eligible for residential parking permits | - |
| Oversized Vehicle Limit | Over 22 ft long, 8 ft wide, or 9 ft tall — prohibited near residences | - |
| Code | PCC 16.20.120 and 16.20.190 | SMC 11.72.070 |
| Enforcement | Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) | SDOT Parking Enforcement: (206) 684-8763 |
| Overnight Ban | - | Vehicles > 80 inches wide: midnight–6 AM (non-industrial) |
| 72-Hour Limit | - | Applies to RVs on public streets |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Portland FAQ
Can I park my RV in my driveway in Portland?
RVs are prohibited from parking on residential streets in Portland except for active loading/unloading for a maximum of 4 hours. RVs are not eligible for zone parking permits. Oversized vehicles (over 22 ft long) face similar restrictions.
What are the rules for storing boats and RVs in Portland?
RV Street Parking Limit: Max 4 hours while actively loading/unloading only. Zone Permits: RVs not eligible for residential parking permits. Oversized Vehicle Limit: Over 22 ft long, 8 ft wide, or 9 ft tall — prohibited near residences. Code: PCC 16.20.120 and 16.20.190.
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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