Baltimore County, MD Parking Rules: RV & Boat Parking (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- BCZR §§ 415A.1, 415A.2, 415A.3
- RVs per residential lot
- One, mechanically ready, never occupied
- Side/rear setback
- 2½ feet from lot line
- Side-yard placement
- 8 feet behind front foundation line
- Waterfront boat cap
- 4-6 boats by lot-line length
- Winter dry storage
- 2-3 boats, Nov. 1-Mar. 31 only
- Zoning violation penalty
- Up to $100 fine or 30 days jail per day
Summary
BCZR §§ 415A.1-415A.3 let a residential lot store one recreational vehicle or boat, never lived in, set back 2½ feet from side or rear lines, plus a lot-line-based schedule capping how many boats a waterfront lot may keep at its pier or in seasonal dry storage.
Contrary provisions of these regulations notwithstanding, one recreational vehicle may be stored on a residential lot as set forth below. Such vehicle, except a truck camper, shall have a current license, may not be lived in, or otherwise occupied, when stored on a lot and shall be mechanically ready to be moved at any time. A recreational boat, whether mounted on a trailer or stored on land with or without the use of supports, is subject to these provisions. A boat less than 16 feet in length is not subject to these provisions, except when such boat is mounted on a trailer. The space occupied by such a recreational vehicle or boat may be counted as a required parking space. A.On a lot occupied by a single-family detached or semi-detached dwelling, one such vehicle may be stored 2½ feet from any rear or side lot line; however, when in a side yard it must be situated at least eight feet to the rear of a lateral projection of the front foundation line of the dwelling. Such vehicle may be stored in any garage.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 29 | Zoning Regulations: Supplement 10).
Full Breakdown
1 permits one recreational vehicle per residential lot, but the vehicle (other than a truck camper) must carry a current license, cannot be lived in or occupied while stored, and must stay mechanically ready to move. Boats mounted on a trailer or stored on supports count as recreational vehicles for this rule, except that a boat under 16 feet is exempt unless it sits on a trailer. On a single-family detached or semi-detached lot, the vehicle can sit as close as 2½ feet from a rear or side lot line, but if placed in a side yard it must be at least eight feet behind the front foundation line, or it may simply go in a garage.
On an individually owned row or group house lot, the vehicle must sit entirely in the rear yard, 2½ feet from the side or rear lines. Multifamily and condominium developments may designate a screened parking area for these vehicles, subject to Director of Permits, Approvals and Inspections screening requirements. 2 caps a residential waterfront lot at one pier and limits boats over 16 feet moored there by waterside lot-line length, four boats for 0-50 feet, five for 51-100 feet, and six over 100 feet. A or B.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding these storage limits or living in a stored RV violates the Zoning Regulations. Under BCZR § 503.1, that is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $100, imprisonment up to 30 days, or both, with each day of continued violation charged as a separate offense. Where the setback or count requirements create an undue hardship, § 415A.3.B lets the Zoning Commissioner approve a modified storage plan after a petition and public hearing under Baltimore County Code § 32-3-303; if no hearing is requested, the Director of Permits, Approvals and Inspections may approve the modified plan, subject to appeal to the Board of Appeals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I live in my RV while it's parked at my house?
How close to my property line can I park my RV?
Does a small boat count against my storage limit?
How many boats can I keep at my dock on the water?
Can I store extra boats on land over the winter?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Baltimore County
How Baltimore County compares: Cities with the Strictest Parking Rules·Compare Baltimore County to another location·View the Maryland parking rules overview
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