Aliso Viejo, CA Parking Rules: RV & Boat Parking (2026)

The core rule is AVMC 15.38.110(A) in the zoning code's parking chapter. Recreational vehicles can be stored within residential rear or side yards, except where fence heights are limited to less than six feet, provided a two-foot setback is maintained between the RV and the property line. The section says "stored" means the same as "parked," so the yard rule governs everyday parking of a motorhome or travel trailer, not only long-term storage. An RV stored in a residential district cannot be used for sleeping or as a dwelling. A cross-reference sends owners in the floodplain management overlay district to Chapter 7.50 AVMC.

Front yards are handled by the nuisance list. AVMC 8.24.010(E)(1) declares a nuisance any trailers, campers, boats or motor vehicles present on vacant property or in front yard areas of developed lots other than driveways. Neither text refers to the other, and 15.38.110 names only rear and side yards, so each is read on its own words.

The street is a separate matter under the traffic title. AVMC 9.04.050(C) bars parking or leaving standing a nonmotorized vehicle, trailer or camper, regardless of width or length, on any public street in the city once it is detached from its motor vehicle, except for loading or unloading for a period not to exceed two hours. A trailer counts as detached if any safety chains or electrical power cords are detached or the trailer ball latch is not securely fastened. AVMC 9.04.050(A) makes it unlawful to camp or lodge in any vehicle on a city street, and window coverings must stay open. AVMC 9.04.040(C) bars any vehicle on a city street longer than 72 consecutive hours, and the public works director can prohibit or restrict RV parking near a school, park or other public place where children play under AVMC 9.04.020(J).

Boats count as vehicles in the abandoned vehicle chapter: AVMC 9.06.020 lists watercraft such as boats, catamarans and dinghies, plus campers and recreational vehicles. An RV or trailer over 24 feet long or wider than 84 inches is also an oversized vehicle under the street parking limits in AVMC 9.04.090.