Garden Grove RV & Boat Parking Rules (2026): What You Need to Know
Heavy RestrictionsThe Short Version
Garden Grove strictly regulates the parking and storage of recreational vehicles, boats, trailers, and campers in residential zones. RVs, boats, and trailers may not be parked or stored in front yard areas visible from the street. On public streets, they are subject to the standard 72-hour parking limit and may face additional restrictions in posted areas. When stored on residential property, recreational vehicles must be located behind the front building line and screened from public view. Living or sleeping in an RV parked on a street or residential property is prohibited.
Full Breakdown
The City of Garden Grove's zoning code (Title 9 — Land Use) and traffic regulations (Title 11) restrict the parking and storage of recreational vehicles, boats, utility trailers, and campers in residential areas. Garden Grove is a densely developed suburban city with relatively compact residential lots, and the city enforces strict standards to prevent oversized recreational vehicles from dominating neighborhood streetscapes and reducing available on-street parking for residents.
Recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers stored on residential property must be located behind the front building line of the main structure and must not be visible from the public right-of-way. In practice, this means these vehicles should be stored in a side yard, rear yard, or behind a solid fence or gate. On properties where side yard access is too narrow for an RV or boat, off-site storage at a commercial RV storage facility may be the only compliant option. The vehicle must carry current DMV registration and be in operable condition.
On public streets, recreational vehicles and boats are subject to the same 72-hour parking limit that applies to all vehicles. However, in many Garden Grove residential areas, posted signs impose additional restrictions on oversized vehicle parking, including outright prohibitions on RV and boat parking on certain streets. The Garden Grove Police Department enforces these restrictions and may cite or tow vehicles that exceed posted limits.
The city prohibits living, sleeping, or conducting housekeeping activities in any recreational vehicle parked on a public street, in a driveway, or elsewhere on residential property. This prohibition is enforced by both the Police Department and Code Enforcement. Temporary exceptions are generally allowed for loading and unloading — typically 24 to 48 hours immediately before or after a trip — during which the RV or boat may be parked in the driveway for provisioning.
Residents can report RV and boat parking violations to Garden Grove Code Enforcement at (714) 741-5792 or through the city's online service request system.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Violations of RV and boat storage regulations are handled through Code Enforcement. Initial notices to comply typically allow 10 to 30 days for correction. Failure to comply may result in administrative citations starting at $100 for a first offense and escalating to $500 or more for repeated violations. RVs parked on public streets beyond 72 hours or in violation of posted restrictions may be towed at the owner's expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park my RV in my front yard in Garden Grove?
Can I park my boat on the street in front of my house in Garden Grove?
Can I live in my RV parked in my driveway in Garden Grove?
Sources & Official References
How does Garden Grove compare?
See how Garden Grove's rv & boat parking rules stack up against other locations.