Meriden, CT Parking Rules: RV & Boat Parking (2026)
Key Facts
- Allowed
- 1 camping trailer/RV and 1 boat per dwelling
- Never allowed
- storage in the front yard
- Screening
- 6-foot fence or landscape screen if side/rear
- Fine
- $50 per day
- Construction trailers
- up to 1 year, § 213-43C
Summary
Meriden bans outdoor storage of trailers, recreation vehicles and boats citywide, with one exception per household. Section 213-43 allows a single camping trailer or RV and a single boat per dwelling unit in a residential district, but neither may sit in the front yard, and either must be screened by a six-foot fence or landscape screen if kept in a side or rear yard.
The outdoor storage or parking and use of a trailer or recreation vehicle by any person or persons is hereby prohibited in all districts, except that: ... Not more than one camping trailer or recreation vehicle per dwelling unit may be stored, but not used for any purpose, on a lot in any residence district, provided that such lot is occupied by a dwelling, and provided further that such trailer or recreation vehicle is not stored in the front yard. If stored in a side or rear yard, said trailer or recreation vehicle shall be screened from adjoining properties by a fence or landscape screen of at least six feet in height. ... Not more than one boat per dwelling unit may be stored on a lot in any residence district, provided that such lot is occupied by a dwelling, and provided further that such boat is not stored in the front yard. If stored in a rear or side yard, said boat shall be screened from view from adjoining properties by a fence or landscape screen of at least six feet in height.
Full Breakdown
The default rule in Section 213-43 is an outright, citywide prohibition on outdoor storage, parking or use of a trailer, recreation vehicle or boat; the one-per-dwelling allowances in Subsections A and B are exceptions carved out of that ban, not a separate permit. Both allowances share the same three conditions: the lot must be occupied by a dwelling, the trailer, RV or boat cannot be stored in the front yard, and if it sits in a side or rear yard it needs a fence or landscape screen at least six feet high.
The section also lets the Building Official issue temporary permits for construction-site trailers under Subsection C, capped at one year with renewable six-month extensions, and for post-disaster trailers under Subsection D, limited to one per affected household unless the Planning Commission authorizes more. Because Section 213-43 sits in the same Article VIII of Chapter 213 as the commercial-vehicle rules, it is enforced the same way, by the Zoning Enforcement Officer under Section 213-64, and a violation is billed at the reduced $50-per-day rate the Code sets specifically for 'recreational vehicles, trailers, or boats' under Section 213-71(2)(b).
Violations & Fines
Storing a second RV, boat or trailer, or keeping one in a front yard, draws a $50-per-day citation under Section 213-71(2)(b), the rate the Code sets specifically for RV, trailer and boat violations. The Zoning Enforcement Officer must serve written notice before citing, and a fine attaches only after 30 days pass without the violation being corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many boats or trailers can I keep at my Meriden home?
Can I store my RV in my front yard if I screen it?
What if I need a construction trailer on-site?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Meriden
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