RV & Boat Parking: Tulare vs Visalia
How do rv & boat parking rules compare between Tulare, CA and Visalia, CA?
Tulare and Visalia have similar restriction levels.
Tulare, CA
Tulare County
Tulare regulates recreational vehicle (RV), trailer, and boat parking on public streets and rights-of-way under Tulare Municipal Code Chapter 9.48 (Standing, Stopping, Parking) within Title 9 (Traffic). The general 72-hour rule under Cal. Vehicle Code § 22651(k) applies — any vehicle, RV, trailer, or boat left in the same spot on a public street for more than 72 consecutive hours may be cited and towed. Tulare's existing RV-on-residential-street restrictions were the subject of a March 21, 2023 City Council hearing in which residents asked the Council to temporarily lift them so flood-displaced family members from Porterville, Corcoran, and Springville could shelter in driveway-parked trailers; staff explained the rule was adopted because RVs and trailers in neighborhoods pose a traffic hazard. On-private-property storage (driveways, side yards, rear yards) is the typical compliant location, subject to Title 10 zoning screening rules at §§ 10.16.160 / 10.18.160 (fences and walls) for visibility from the street.
View full Tulare rules →Visalia, CA
Tulare County
Visalia regulates RV, boat, and trailer storage in residential areas. These vehicles must be stored on the property owner's lot and not on public streets for extended periods.
View full Visalia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Tulare | Visalia |
|---|---|---|
| Primary code | TMC Ch. 9.48 (Standing, Stopping, Parking), Title 9 Traffic | - |
| 72-hour rule | Cal. Veh. Code § 22651(k) — towable after 72 hrs on public street | - |
| Oversized vehicle authority | Cal. Veh. Code §§ 22507, 22507.5 (signage required) | - |
| On-property storage | Generally allowed; screening per TMC §§ 10.16.160 / 10.18.160 | - |
| Living in RV on street | Prohibited — Council reaffirmed restriction 3/21/2023 | - |
| ADU alternative | RV-as-dwelling requires ADU permit per Gov. Code § 65852.2 | - |
| Street Limit | - | 72 hours |
| Storage | - | Behind front building line |
| RV Living | - | Not permitted |
| Condition | - | Must be operable/registered |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Tulare FAQ
Can I park my RV in front of my house in Tulare?
On the public street, only for up to 72 consecutive hours under Cal. Veh. Code § 22651(k) and subject to any posted local restrictions under TMC Ch. 9.48. On your own driveway or private property, storage is generally allowed; check screening rules at TMC §§ 10.16.160 / 10.18.160 if it's visible from the street.
Can I live in my RV parked at my Tulare home?
No, not as a permanent residence. The March 21, 2023 City Council discussion confirmed the restriction on RV living in neighborhoods; an emergency exception for flood evacuees was considered but the underlying rule remained. A permanent RV-as-dwelling would require an ADU permit under Cal. Gov. Code § 65852.2.
How long can a boat trailer sit on my street?
Up to 72 hours in one spot before it becomes towable under Cal. Veh. Code § 22651(k). Move it at least every three days, or store it on private property.
Visalia FAQ
Can I park my RV on the street in Visalia?
Only temporarily. RVs on public streets are subject to the 72-hour limit and may be towed if not moved.
Where can I store my boat in Visalia?
Boats should be stored behind the front building line on your property, preferably on an improved surface.
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