Jefferson County, CO Parking Rules: RV & Boat Parking (2026)
Key Facts
- Time limit
- 72 hours per rolling 7-day period
- Overnight sleeping on right-of-way
- Banned unless permitted
- Scope
- County highways / public ROW only
- Base fine
- $50, up to $100
- Impound notice
- 72 hours posted first
- Adopted
- Resolution CC23-211
Summary
Jefferson County limits a "Major Recreational Vehicle" or trailer parked on a county highway to 72 hours within any seven-day period, and separately bars sleeping in one overnight on public right-of-way where not otherwise permitted. Sections J.2 and J.4 of the Operation and Parking of Vehicles Ordinance, Resolution CC23-211, cover it.
6. "Major Recreational Vehicle" means a Vehicle: a. Designed to provide temporary living quarters and which is built into, as an integral part of or a permanent attachment to a Motor Vehicle chassis or van which is used primarily for pleasure, enjoyment, other recreational purposes, or family transportation of the Owner, lessee or occupant; or b. Designed to be drawn by a Motor Vehicle and to provide temporary or permanent living quarters... (i.e. travel trailers or campers). ... J.2. No Major Recreational Vehicle or Trailer shall be Parked on any Highway within any Highway in unincorporated Jefferson County for a period in excess of seventy-two (72) hours within any seven-day period. ... J.4. Major Recreation Vehicles, Motor Vehicles or Trailers cannot be used as overnight accommodations on public property or right of way where not otherwise permitted.
Full Breakdown
The ordinance defines a "Major Recreational Vehicle" as a unit built into or permanently attached to a vehicle chassis, or one designed to be towed, that provides temporary or permanent living quarters for pleasure, recreation or family transport, expressly including travel trailers and campers. A "Trailer" is any wheeled, motorless vehicle designed to be towed and commonly used to haul personal effects, household furniture, trash, horses or other property. 2 caps how long either can sit on a county highway: no more than 72 hours within any rolling seven-day period.
4 adds a separate ban on using a Major Recreational Vehicle, motor vehicle or trailer for "overnight accommodations", overnight living quarters, on public property or right-of-way where that use isn't otherwise permitted. 5): a $50 penalty-assessment fine that escalates to $75 and then $100, and impoundment after a posted 72-hour notice, with release conditioned on paying towing and storage costs and a right to a Sheriff's Office hearing within 10 working days. Because Section J's heading limits it to "Highways in Unincorporated Jefferson County," these time and overnight-use limits reach only county roads and public right-of-way; parking an RV or boat trailer in a private driveway or yard is a zoning question this ordinance does not address.
Violations & Fines
Leaving a Major Recreational Vehicle or trailer on a county highway beyond 72 hours in a seven-day period, or using one for overnight living quarters on public right-of-way without authorization, is a class B traffic infraction carrying the ordinance's standard $50-to-$100 escalating fine. The vehicle can also be posted and, after 72 hours, towed and impounded until towing and storage charges are paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I park my camper on a Jeffco road?
Can I sleep overnight in my RV on a county road?
Does the 72-hour limit apply to my own driveway?
What counts as a "trailer" for this rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jefferson County
How Jefferson County compares: Cities with the Strictest Parking Rules·Compare Jefferson County to another location·View the Colorado parking rules overview
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