Billings, MT Parking Rules: RV & Boat Parking (2026)
Key Facts
- Rear yard
- Any surface, no restriction
- Front/side yard
- Only if no rear access, paved
- Setback from structure
- 5 feet from windows/doors
- Property line setback
- 3 feet side/rear, 8 feet sidewalk
- Living aboard
- Banned beyond 5 consecutive days
Summary
Billings allows RVs, boats, and trailers as accessory parking in residential yards, but restricts front and side yard placement, requires paved surfaces, and bans use for living or sleeping beyond five days.
Licensed and operable recreational vehicles (for the purposes of this section, including but not limited to snowmobiles, boats, and campers, all-terrain vehicles, off-road motorcycles, and sport/utility trailers) is an allowed accessory subject to the following standards:(a)The use is allowed in any rear yard and may be provided on any type of surface.(b)The use is allowed in a front or side yard only if there is no access to a rear yard. Where permitted in a front or side yard, the use shall be provided on a surface prepared with asphalt or concrete.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 27-1307 of the zoning code, Billings treats recreational vehicles, boats, campers, snowmobiles, ATVs and utility trailers as an allowed accessory use in residential zones. They can sit anywhere in the rear yard on any surface. Front or side yard parking is permitted only when the lot has no rear yard access, and then only on asphalt or concrete. Every yard placement needs a 5-foot gap from windows or doors, a 3-foot setback from side/rear property lines, and 8 feet from the sidewalk. Living or sleeping in the RV for more than five straight days is banned.
Violations & Fines
Parking an RV or boat on bare dirt in a front yard, blocking required setbacks, or living in it past five days violates Sec. 27-1307 and is enforceable as a zoning code violation subject to code enforcement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park my RV in my Billings driveway?
Can I live in my RV parked at home in Billings?
What counts as a recreational vehicle under this rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Billings
How Billings compares: Cities with the Strictest Parking Rules·Compare Billings to another location·View the Montana parking rules overview
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