Nevada County, CA Parking Rules: RV & Boat Parking (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Nevada County Code 12.03.150 (RV Use & Temporary Occupancies)
- Seasonal Limit
- 90 days total, April 15 - October 15 (parcel with no dwelling)
- Guest Limit
- 90 days per parcel per calendar year (non-paying guests)
- Registration
- Current DMV registration and operating permit required
- Rent
- No rent may be charged for any temporary occupancy
- Authority
- Code Compliance Division (530) 265-1222, option 4
Summary
In unincorporated Nevada County, recreational vehicles may be stored on private residential parcels, but using an RV for temporary occupancy is regulated by Code Section 12.03.150. Seasonal and guest stays are capped at 90 days per year, and DMV registration must be kept current.
Purpose. To provide for the temporary occupancy of recreational vehicles on property not located within a mobilehome park or a campground, and which are not subject to the Employee Housing regulations established in Sec. 3.10 of this Chapter. ... 1. Unless specifically exempted by the Section, a Temporary Residence Permit shall be obtained from the Building Department upon proof of compliance with applicable standards. ... 2. No more than one recreational vehicle may be occupied per parcel for any and all permitted occupancies except for resource-based seasonal agricultural employee housing as allowed by Section 12.03.100. ... F. Seasonal Use. Seasonal stays in a recreational vehicle are permitted for the owners of any parcel with no permanent dwelling thereon, not to exceed a total of 90 days between April 15th and October 15th of any one calendar year. Seasonal use is not subject to a Temporary Residence Permit ... G. Overnight Guest Stays. Overnight stays in a recreational vehicle are permitted for non-paying guests of the occupants of any legally established permanent dwelling on the parcel, not to exceed a total of 90 days per parcel in any calendar year, without a Temporary Residence Permit, provided that standards of Section 12.03.150.F.1 through Section 12.03.150.F.4, above, are satisfied.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
150, governs 'Recreational Vehicle Use and Temporary Occupancies' on property not located within a mobile home park or campground. Recreational vehicles are defined per Section 18010 of the California Health & Safety Code. The County allows limited temporary occupancy in defined situations: seasonal use on a parcel with no permanent dwelling is permitted up to 90 days total between April 15 and October 15 of any one calendar year without a Temporary Residence Permit; overnight stays by non-paying guests of occupants of a legally established dwelling are likewise allowed up to 90 days per parcel per calendar year.
' Boats and boat trailers are not separately permitted for occupancy and are treated as stored vehicles. Simply storing an RV or boat on your own residential parcel (not occupied) is generally allowed subject to zoning setbacks; the occupancy limits and permit triggers are the regulated part.
Violations & Fines
Occupying an RV beyond the allowed seasonal/guest periods, charging rent, or connecting utilities without inspection and permits is a code-compliance violation handled by the Code Compliance Division, which can require removal or compliance and pursue abatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I live in my RV on my own land in unincorporated Nevada County?
Can I store an unoccupied boat or RV on my residential property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nevada County
How Nevada County compares: Cities with the Strictest Parking Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Nevada County to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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