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Maricopa County, AZ Parking Rules: RV & Boat Parking (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing section
MCZO Article 814.1.1
Allowed location
Side or rear yard only
Front yard
Barred except 72-hr loading/unloading
Clearance required
5-foot clear path around storage
Penalty
Class 2 misdemeanor plus civil fines

Summary

In unincorporated Maricopa County, RVs, boats, travel trailers, and motor homes stored outside a garage or carport must be parked in the side or rear yard: never the front yard, except for 72-hour loading or unloading.

City-specific rules exist: Surprise, Goodyear, Peoria, Glendale, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, and Phoenix have their own rv & boat parking rules that differ from Maricopa County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

If a travel trailer, aircraft, boat, camping trailer, truck camper or motor home is located or stored outside of a garage or carport it shall be only placed in the rear yard of the lot or side yard of the lot but not within the required front yard except that for loading and unloading purposes may be permitted for a period of time not to exceed 72 hours. Such storage shall maintain a five (5) foot clear path around any structures.

Source: https://www.maricopa.gov/6573/ORDINANCE-P-5View official code

Full Breakdown

MCZO Section 814 governs where mobile homes, travel trailers, aircraft, boats, camping trailers, truck campers, and motor homes may sit outside mobile home or travel trailer parks. Article 814.1.1 requires that any such vehicle stored outside a garage or carport go in the rear or side yard, keeps the front yard off-limits except for a 72-hour loading/unloading window, and requires a five-foot clear path around any structures. Article 814.1 separately bars using the stored unit for living, sleeping, or housekeeping.

Violations & Fines

Violating Section 814 is a class 2 misdemeanor and a public nuisance under the MCZO; Maricopa County Code Enforcement can also pursue civil penalties, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I park my RV in my driveway in front of my house in unincorporated Maricopa County?
No. Under MCZO § 814, RVs, boats, and trailers stored outside a garage or carport must sit in the side or rear yard: the front yard is off-limits except for 72-hour loading or unloading.
Can I live in an RV parked in my yard in unincorporated Maricopa County?
No. Article 814.1 bars using a stored trailer, boat, or motor home for living, sleeping, or housekeeping purposes, with narrow exceptions requiring a Temporary Use Permit.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Maricopa County

All Maricopa County rules

How Maricopa County compares: Cities with the Strictest Parking Rules·Compare Maricopa County to another location·View the Arizona parking rules overview

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