Grand Rapids, MI Parking Rules: RV & Boat Parking (2026)
Key Facts
- Max RVs allowed
- 1 RV, up to 25 feet
- Standard location
- Rear yard (side yard if screened)
- Driveway parking window
- May 1 to October 31 only
- Side yard screening
- 6-ft solid fence or hedge required
Summary
Grand Rapids limits residential lots to one 25-foot recreational vehicle, generally stored in the rear yard, with driveway parking allowed only from May 1 through October 31.
Outdoor storage or use of one (1) operable recreational vehicle, not exceeding a length of twenty-five (25) feet (excluding the hitch, bumper and other towing attachments), is permitted within a Residential Zone District in accordance with this Section. ... vehicle storage shall only be in the rear yard. ... One (1) recreational vehicle may be parked on a driveway from May 1 through October 31, provided the vehicle is maintained in good condition ... and is not being occupied or repaired.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 70).
Full Breakdown
Grand Rapids City Code § 5.2.12 permits one operable recreational vehicle up to 25 feet long (excluding the hitch and bumper) per residential lot, plus a second vehicle on lots over 22,000 square feet. Storage is limited to the rear yard, or a side yard screened by a 6-foot solid fence or hedge if the rear yard is not workable. One RV may instead sit on the driveway from May 1 through October 31 if it stays in good condition, is at least 15 feet from the front lot line, and is not occupied or under repair.
Violations & Fines
Zoning code violations are enforced by the City's inspection staff and prosecuted as municipal civil infractions, which can require removal or relocation of a non-compliant vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park my RV in the driveway year-round in Grand Rapids?
Can I keep a boat trailer in my front yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Grand Rapids
How Grand Rapids compares: Cities with the Strictest Parking Rules·Compare Grand Rapids to another location·View the Michigan parking rules overview
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RV & Boat Parking in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Kent County handle rv & boat parking.