Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Houston

Houston, TX Parking Rules: RV & Boat Parking (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Fine
Up to $150 per day
Applies
Only in council-designated areas
Exempt
Paved driveways
Covers
Boats, RVs, trailers, motor homes

Summary

In residential areas that petition the city to opt in, parking an RV, boat, trailer or motor home on bare dirt or grass in a front or side yard is a misdemeanor under Sec. 28-303, fined up to $150 a day.

It shall be an offense for any person to park or to cause, suffer or permit the parking of a vehicle or equipment on any surface that is not an improved surface as defined in this article, within any front or side yard of a single-family residence in a residential area subject to this section. It is presumed that the registered owner of the vehicle or equipment is the person who parked, caused, suffered or permitted the vehicle or equipment to be parked in violation of this article.

Source: ParkHouston - Large and Commercial VehiclesView official code

Full Breakdown

Houston Code § 28-303 bans parking a 'vehicle or equipment', a term § 28-302 defines to include boats, house trailers, motor homes, camper cabins and trailers over 20 feet, on any unpaved (non-'improved') surface in a front or side yard, but only inside residential areas the city council has formally designated after a homeowners-association or 60%-owner petition. Paved driveways are exempt. Separately, § 29-56 lets any RV citywide sit unoccupied and unhooked from utilities in a yard without this designation.

Violations & Fines

Misdemeanor, fine up to $150; each day of continued violation is a separate offense. Enforced by police, the neighborhood protection official, or the parking official.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I park my boat on my Houston lawn?
Only if your neighborhood hasn't opted into Sec. 28-303's unpaved-surface ban; if it has, boats and RVs must sit on a paved driveway, not grass or dirt.
Does this rule apply across all of Houston?
No: it applies only in residential areas the city council designated after a homeowners association or 60% owner-petition request under Sec. 28-303.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Houston

Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsStreet Parking LimitsLight RestrictionsLoading ZonesSome RestrictionsPreferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsCurb Color RulesLight RestrictionsAbandoned VehiclesLight RestrictionsDriveway RulesSignificant RestrictionsCommercial & Oversized VehiclesLight RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: CompostingFew RestrictionsNoise from Specific Sources: Car Alarm LimitsLight RestrictionsHOA Rules: HOA DisputesSome Restrictions

All Houston rules

How Houston compares: Cities with the Strictest Parking Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Houston to another location·View the Texas parking rules overview

Get notified when RV & Boat Parking in Houston, TX changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

RV & Boat Parking in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Harris County handle rv & boat parking.

Baytown, TX
Significant Restrictions