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Dane County, WI Parking Rules: RV & Boat Parking (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

Key Facts

Governing Code
Dane County Chapter 10 – Zoning
Rural Districts
Generally permissive
Zoning Contact
608-266-4266
Topic
Rv Boat Parking

Summary

RV and boat storage in unincorporated Dane County is primarily regulated by Dane County Chapter 10 (Zoning). Many rural residential districts allow on-lot storage of RVs and boats.

City-specific rules exist: Madison, Middleton, Sun Prairie, and Fitchburg have their own rv & boat parking rules that differ from Dane County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

(g) Parking and storage of trucks, buses and special vehicles. 1. In the Residential and Rural Residential districts, and on any lot in the Rural Mixed Use districts where the principal use is residential, motor vehicles used for personal transportation and recreational vehicles and trailers owned by a person residing on the premises may be parked or stored within an accessory building, provided that the gross vehicle weight shall not exceed 12,000 pounds. 2. In the Residential, Rural Residential, Recreational, Farmland Preservation-Business, Hamlet Mixed-Use and General Commercial districts, only motor vehicles that are accessory to a permitted and principal use on any lot may be stored or parked.

Source: Dane County Chapter 10 – Zoning OrdinanceView official code

Full Breakdown

Dane County Chapter 10 (Zoning Ordinance) governs the storage of recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers on residential lots in unincorporated areas. In most rural and suburban zoning districts, on-lot RV and boat storage is permitted. Front yard storage restrictions may apply in some districts. Screening or setback requirements may apply in residential (TR) districts. Contact Dane County Zoning (608-266-4266) to confirm rules for your specific district.

Violations & Fines

Storage of RVs or boats in prohibited areas or without required screening may result in zoning violation notices from Dane County Planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I store my boat or RV on my property in rural Dane County?
Generally yes in most rural zoning districts. Confirm requirements for your specific zoning district by contacting Dane County Zoning at 608-266-4266.
Can I park an RV in my front yard in a Dane County TR zone?
Possibly not. Residential-transitional (TR) districts may restrict front-yard RV storage and require screening or rear/side yard placement under Chapter 10.
Is there a time limit for boat or RV storage in rural Dane County?
Typically no in agricultural zones. In residential-transitional districts, long-term visible storage may require screening. Check Chapter 10 for your specific district.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Dane County

All Dane County rules

How Dane County compares: Cities with the Strictest Parking Rules·Compare Dane County to another location·View the Wisconsin parking rules overview

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RV & Boat Parking in Cities Across Dane County