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Modesto, CA Parking Rules: RV & Boat Parking (2026)

Heavy Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Zoning Section: Modesto MC § 10-3.214
Max RVs on Residential Lot (outside): 2
Setback from Dwelling: 3 feet
Sidewalk Overhang: Prohibited
Trailer On-Street Fine: $137 (§ 3-2.2007)
Street Storage Limit: 72 hours (§ 3-2.1002)

Summary

Modesto zoning section 10-3.214 limits a residential lot to two recreational vehicles parked outside a structure, requires they sit at least 3 feet from any habitable building and outside the clear-vision zone, and prohibits any portion of the RV from overhanging the public sidewalk.

"Recreational vehicle" ... means ... any motor vehicle, whether operable or not, and any transportable structure including, but not limited to, a camper shell, mobile home, travel trailer, tent, camp car, camp trailer, recreational vehicle, bus, boat or aircraft that has been designed or equipped to permit human habitation or shelter.

Source: Modesto Code EnforcementView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 71).

Full Breakdown

214 ('Recreational Vehicles - Permitted Locations') governs where RVs, boats, boat trailers, motor homes, travel trailers, motorcycle trailers, campers and aircraft may be parked or stored. In residential zones, any number of recreational vehicles may be kept wholly inside a lawfully existing structure on the premises, and up to two additional RVs may be kept outside a structure subject to three conditions: (1) no portion of the recreational vehicle overhangs any public sidewalk; (2) no portion is closer than three (3) feet to any building used for human habitation; and (3) no portion intrudes into a required clear-vision zone at a driveway or intersection.

Unlimited RVs are allowed inside a licensed mobile home or trailer park, and unlimited RVs may be stored or displayed in non-residential zones where the use is otherwise permitted. ' On the public street, RVs are also subject to the 72-hour storage limit (sec. 1002) and to the trailer-parking prohibition in sec. 2007 ($137 fine).

Violations & Fines

Code Enforcement may cite zoning violations under Title 10 and abate them as nuisances under Title 9 (Property Maintenance Code). On-street violations of the 72-hour rule are $108 (sec. 3-2.1002); illegally parked trailers carry a $137 fine under sec. 3-2.2007 per the City's Parking Violation Fine Schedule. Report via 209-577-5250 or the Go Modesto App.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I park my RV in my driveway in Modesto?

Yes, up to two recreational vehicles may be parked outside a structure on a residential lot under section 10-3.214, but they cannot overhang the public sidewalk, cannot sit within 3 feet of any building used for habitation, and cannot block the clear-vision zone at a driveway or intersection.

How long can I leave my boat or RV on the street in front of my house?

Up to 72 consecutive hours under section 3-2.1002 ($108). Trailers parked separately on the street may also be cited $137 under section 3-2.2007. After 72 hours the vehicle can be towed under California Vehicle Code § 22651(k).

Does Modesto require RVs to be behind the front building setback or screened?

Section 10-3.214 sets the 3-foot setback from buildings, the no-sidewalk-overhang rule, and the clear-vision-zone rule, and limits a lot to two outside RVs. Properties may also be subject to HOA or CC&R restrictions that are stricter than the zoning code.

Sources & Official References

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