RV & Boat Parking: St. Clair Shores vs Sterling Heights
How do rv & boat parking rules compare between St. Clair Shores, MI and Sterling Heights, MI?
St. Clair Shores has fewer restrictions than Sterling Heights.
St. Clair Shores, MI
Macomb County
Macomb County has no countywide residential RV or boat ordinance. Each city and township sets storage rules under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (MCL 125.3101). The county's direct role is its own park grounds, where Metroparks limit overnight RV use to designated camping areas.
View full St. Clair Shores rules →Sterling Heights, MI
Macomb County
Sterling Heights bans recreational-vehicle and boat parking in residential front yards. RVs, campers, boats, and trailers must be stored in side or rear yards on an approved hard surface and may not exceed the height of the principal dwelling. On-street parking is limited to 48 hours, and no RV may be occupied as living quarters at any time.
View full Sterling Heights rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | St. Clair Shores | Sterling Heights |
|---|---|---|
| County Residential Rule | None - municipal zoning | - |
| State Authority | MCL 125.3101 zoning act | - |
| Metroparks Camping | Designated areas only | - |
| Street Storage | 48 hrs = abandoned | - |
| Abandoned Statute | MCL 257.252a | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
St. Clair Shores FAQ
Does Macomb County regulate RV parking at my home?
No. Your city or township zoning code controls RV and boat storage under Michigan's Zoning Enabling Act (MCL 125.3101). The County only regulates RVs on its own park grounds and facilities.
Can I park my RV overnight at a Macomb County park?
Not on regular park grounds. The Huron-Clinton Metroparks close at 10 p.m., and overnight RV use is limited to designated camping areas requiring advance permission and a fee under Rule 12.
Sterling Heights FAQ
Can I park my boat in my driveway in Sterling Heights?
Only temporarily for loading/unloading up to 48 hours. Permanent storage must be in a side or rear yard, behind the front building line, on a hard surface.
How long can a trailer sit on the street?
No more than 48 consecutive hours. Move it to private property or to a new street location to reset the clock.
Can my guests sleep in their RV at my house?
No. Sterling Heights prohibits the use of recreational vehicles as living quarters on any residential lot, including overnight stays by visitors.
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