Fountain Valley, CA Parking Rules: RV & Boat Parking (2026)

Fountain Valley Municipal Code § 10.44.265 targets large recreational vehicles on narrow streets in the City of Fountain Valley. The ban applies to any recreational vehicle, as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 18010, that exceeds twenty-two feet in length, a width of eighty-four inches (excluding mirrors) or ten thousand pounds in weight, and it applies on any street having a width of forty feet or less, curb to curb, or on a cul-de-sac. The registered owner or other person having control of the vehicle is also guilty of the offense if aware that it was so parked and the person parking had express or implied permission to operate it.

The ordinance builds in permits issued in advance by the police department. A loading, unloading or other appropriate short term use permit runs for a thirty-six hour period, and no more than eight such periods are allowed in a calendar month. That parking is limited to the area in front of the residence from which the loading or unloading occurs, or in reasonable proximity if the front is not available. A visitor permit lasts twenty-four hours, with no more than three such periods per month per residence. Visitor permits go only to persons visiting a resident within the city, and the visitor must provide proof that the driver of the recreational vehicle lives outside the city. A permit can also be granted if a person proves that a medical necessity requires street parking, and the details of the permit system are to be provided in an implementing ordinance.

Two neighboring rules matter for RV owners. Section 10.44.260 bans every trailer on city streets unless a police department permit applies, using the same thirty-six hour and twenty-four hour permit structure, and it limits a resident to eight permits per residence per month in any combination. Section 10.44.261 prohibits using any vehicle, trailer, boat, camper or motor home for human habitation on public streets or property except in an approved trailer park or court. The general street rule in § 10.44.080 also caps any vehicle on any street or alley at seventy-two consecutive hours. Parking citations run through the Chapter 10.56 civil system with fines set by City Council resolution. This row covers street parking; storage in a private yard is governed by other sections.