Grant County, WA Parking Rules: RV & Boat Parking (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- GCC UDO § 23.08.020(i)
- Living/sleeping in parked RV
- Prohibited on residential lots
- Setback rule
- Barred from front/side yard if over 6 ft tall, except driveways
- Utility hookups
- Barred except temp power for freeze protection
- Temporary RV park occupancy
- Up to 6 months, full hookups required
- First-offense fine
- $500 per occurrence, GCC § 1.32.140
Summary
In unincorporated Grant County, GCC Unified Development Code Section 23.08.020(i) sets the rules for parking or storing an RV, boat, trailer, tent trailer, houseboat or horse trailer on a residential lot. The equipment cannot be lived or slept in, cannot sit in a required front or side setback once it tops six feet tall unless parked in a driveway, and cannot be hooked up to sewer, septic or water service.
(i)Parking and Storage of Major Recreational Equipment: Parking or storage of major recreational equipment, including, but not limited to, travel trailers, boats, boat trailers, motorized dwellings, recreational vehicles, tent trailers, houseboats, and horse trailers and similar recreational equipment shall be subject to the following requirements:(1)Such equipment shall not be used for living, sleeping, or other occupancy associated with residential uses when parked or stored on a residential lot or in any other location not approved and permitted for such use; except for temporary uses permitted in accordance with GCC § 23.04.120;(2)Such equipment over six (6) feet in average height, when not parked in a garage, carport or other similar structure, shall not be located in any required front or side yard reserved for building setback, except for driveways; ... (5)Travel trailers, motorized dwellings, and recreational vehicles may be temporarily occupied for six (6) months only when located in a permitted recreational vehicle park and hooked up to utilities, sewage or septic, and water facilities.
Full Breakdown
020(i), which covers travel trailers, boats, boat trailers, motorized dwellings, recreational vehicles, tent trailers, houseboats and horse trailers on residential lots across the county's zoning districts. 120. Once the equipment stands taller than six feet on average and is not inside a garage or carport, it is barred from a required front or side setback, though a driveway is specifically exempt from that rule. Utility hookups are restricted too: no connection to sewage, septic or water lines is allowed unless the equipment sits in a permitted recreational vehicle park, though an electrical connection is allowed solely to run heat that prevents freeze damage during winter.
The equipment cannot be physically attached to decks, porches, roofs, additions, foundations, carports, storage units, walls, fences or other buildings. A travel trailer, motorized dwelling or recreational vehicle can be occupied for up to six months only inside a permitted RV park with full utility hookups, not on an ordinary residential lot.
Violations & Fines
Violations of GCC UDO Section 23.08.020 fall under the county's Title 1 code-enforcement chapter. GCC Section 1.32.140 sets a flat $500 fine per occurrence for both non-commercial and commercial violations. A second offense on the same property within 24 months adds another $500, a third adds $1,000, and a fourth or later adds $2,000, per GCC Section 1.32.220. The authorized official, the Grant County Sheriff's Office or the Development Services director, can also suspend or revoke a related permit under Sections 1.32.240-.250 and record a certificate of noncompliance against the property's title under Section 1.32.230.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I live in my RV parked in my driveway in unincorporated Grant County?
Where on my lot can I park my boat or travel trailer?
Can I hook my RV up to power, water or sewer while it sits at my house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Grant County
How Grant County compares: Cities with the Strictest Parking Rules·Compare Grant County to another location·View the Washington parking rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.