Decatur, AL Parking Rules: RV & Boat Parking (2026)
Key Facts
- Length trigger
- More than twenty-two feet
- Height trigger
- More than seven feet
- Where it applies
- Public streets and alleys in a residence district
- Exception
- Loading and unloading only
- Related zoning rule
- § 25-18 restricts mobile-in-character structures in all districts
- General penalty
- Fine of $1.00 to $500.00 under § 1-8
Summary
In the City of Decatur, Alabama, Decatur City Code § 22-71 makes it unlawful to park or leave standing on a public street or alley in a residence district any truck, trailer or structure over twenty-two feet in length or over seven feet in height, except while loading or unloading.
It shall be unlawful for any person to park, or leave standing on any public street or alley in a residence district of the city, as defined in the traffic law, except when in the process of loading and unloading, any truck, trailer or other structure whatever, or combination thereof, or any other type motor vehicle, trailer, tractor or structure whatever which is in excess of twenty-two (22) feet in length, or which is in excess of seven (7) feet in height.
Full Breakdown
Section 22-71 of the Decatur City Code is the operative rule for trailers and large vehicles near homes. It is unlawful to park, or leave standing on any public street or alley in a residence district of the city, as defined in the traffic law, any truck, trailer or other structure, or any combination of them, or any other motor vehicle, trailer, tractor or structure that is in excess of twenty-two feet in length or in excess of seven feet in height. The single exception is the process of loading and unloading. Both dimensions are separate triggers: a vehicle that is only 21 feet long but taller than seven feet is covered, and so is a low trailer longer than 22 feet.
A motorhome, a camper trailer or a boat on a trailer that exceeds either measurement therefore cannot be left at the curb or in an alley of a residence district. The section reaches public streets and alleys. It does not use the words boat or recreational vehicle, and the text quoted here does not address a vehicle parked on a private driveway or in a yard.
The zoning chapter adds a related restriction on structures. Section 25-18 provides that trailers, buses, mobile homes, or any other structures so built to be, or give the reasonable appearance to be, mobile in character of its construction will not be permitted in any district for any use other than for the purpose of transportation or transportation enterprises. It then lists exceptions for mobile homes inside authorized mobile home parks, as offices for mobile home parks and mobile home sales, and as temporary construction offices on job sites. Questions about whether a particular trailer on a lot falls under that language belong with the Development staff who administer Chapter 25.
Enforcement runs through the Decatur Police Department. Under § 22-70 the department can remove a vehicle left on a public street or alley to storage and hold it until the owner pays removal, storage and handling costs, and § 1-8 supplies the general misdemeanor penalty.
Violations & Fines
Section 22-71 prints no penalty of its own, so the § 1-8 general penalty applies: a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $1.00 nor more than $500.00, and the municipal judge can add imprisonment or hard labor for up to six months. Each day the violation continues counts as a separate offense. The police department can also remove the vehicle to storage under § 22-70, and the owner pays the cost of removal, storage and handling before getting it back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park my RV on the street in a Decatur residential neighborhood?
Does § 22-71 cover a boat trailer parked in my driveway?
Is a short trailer treated differently from a long one?
Who enforces the trailer parking rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Decatur
How Decatur compares: Cities with the Strictest Parking Rules·Compare Decatur to another location·View the Alabama parking rules overview
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