Monterey County, CA Parking Rules: RV & Boat Parking (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Monterey County only
- Zoning chapter
- 21.57 (inland) / 20.57 (coastal)
- RV definition
- County Code 20.06.930
- Street time limit
- 72 hours (Veh. Code 22651(k))
- Report to
- Monterey County Sheriff's Office
Summary
Unincorporated Monterey County zoning treats RVs, boats, and trailers as 'major recreational equipment.' Chapter 21.57 (inland) and 20.57 (coastal) regulate parking and storage of this equipment in residential 'RES' districts. On public streets, an unmoved RV or boat trailer is reportable to the Sheriff after 72 hours under California Vehicle Code rules.
To screen: To shelter or locate in such a way that major recreational equipment is made not obtrusive, not conspicuous, not glaring, not visually intrusive. It does not mean to completely hide but it does mean to curtain, fence, mask, shade, or camouflage, or put into the background, so that the recreational equipment is not immediately apparent from adjacent properties and roads used by the public.
Full Breakdown
Monterey County's zoning ordinance addresses recreational equipment storage on private residential property through Chapter 21.57 (inland zoning, Title 21) and the coastal counterpart Chapter 20.57 (Title 20), both titled 'Regulations for Parking and Use of Major Recreational Equipment Storage in Seaward Zone or RES Districts.' The county zoning code (Section 20.06.930) defines a recreational vehicle as 'a vehicle designed and used for temporary human habitation and with its wheels in place, and primarily used for recreational purposes.' These provisions apply only in the unincorporated county, separate from the City of Monterey.
On public roads, the county does not impose a special RV ordinance; instead, the California Vehicle Code controls. A recreational vehicle or boat trailer left on a highway for 72 or more consecutive hours may be cited and removed under Vehicle Code Section 22651(k), and the Monterey County Sheriff's Office accepts reports of 'RVs, trailers, campers, and boats improperly stored.' The Sheriff marks a suspected abandoned RV and gives the owner 72 hours to move it before abatement begins under County Ordinance Chapter 12.72 and Vehicle Code Sections 22660, 22661, and 22669. Property owners storing recreational equipment in residential zones should confirm the specific setback and storage limits for their zoning district before parking long-term.
Violations & Fines
An RV or boat trailer left on a public street more than 72 hours can be cited and towed under Vehicle Code Section 22651(k). Improperly stored RVs, trailers, campers, and boats on private property are reportable to the Sheriff and may be abated under Chapter 12.72. Storage of major recreational equipment in residential 'RES' districts must comply with the zoning limits of Chapter 21.57 (inland) or 20.57 (coastal).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park my RV or boat on the street in front of my house?
Where can I store my RV on my own property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Monterey County
How Monterey County compares: Cities with the Strictest Parking Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Monterey County to another location·View the California parking rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.