Dubuque, IA Parking Rules: RV & Boat Parking (2026)

Dubuque City Code § 16-14-5 governs off street parking and storage of vehicles as an accessory use on property zoned R-1, R-2, R-2A, R-3, R-4 or OR, or used principally as a residence. The code's definition of VEHICLE is deliberately broad, covering any implement of conveyance used for transportation on land, water or air, expressly naming automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, snowmobiles, boats, trailers and campers among others, so RVs, boats and utility trailers are all subject to the same standards as cars. Under subsection D, no more than one vehicle may be stored outside a fully enclosed structure anywhere on a residential lot at a time, and any vehicle stored as an accessory use must display a current state certificate of motor vehicle registration.

Storage is distinguished from parking by duration: the code defines 'parking' as placement not exceeding forty eight hours and 'storage' as placement exceeding forty eight hours, so a boat or trailer left longer than two days on the lot falls under the storage limit. Inoperable vehicles, vehicle parts and camper toppers may not be stored outside a fully enclosed structure anywhere on the lot, and no vehicle or vehicle parts may be stored on a vacant residential lot at all. The rule dates to Ordinance 52-09 (October 19, 2009).