Merced County, CA Parking Rules: RV & Boat Parking (2026)

120(B) allows recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers in residential zones only on property where the owner resides, stored outside on a paved, graveled, or approved alternative-material driveway. Front-setback storage is allowed only when the rear or side setback is inaccessible, or the lot is not a corner parcel with reasonable side or rear access. Even then, no more than one recreational vehicle, boat, or trailer may occupy the front setback per residential unit, the unit must sit at least three feet from side and rear property lines, be oriented perpendicular to the front curb, keep clear of the public sidewalk or right-of-way, and not block or occupy any required parking space.

Stored units cannot be used as a dwelling except temporarily during construction of a permanent home under an approved Temporary Use Permit, cannot be permanently hooked to sewer, water, or electric lines (temporary battery-charging connections are allowed), and cannot double as general storage for goods unrelated to the unit's own use. Subsection (B)(3) separately caps on-street or right-of-way parking of an RV in front of a residence at 48 continuous hours; a new 48-hour period cannot start until the full 48 hours has elapsed and the vehicle has moved at least 500 feet.

Non-residential zones under subsection (C) allow up to three stored recreational vehicles, boats, or trailers per property before the storage is treated as a commercial use requiring separate zoning approval. This section was last amended by Ordinance 2039 on May 21, 2024.