Monterey County, CA Parking Rules: RV & Boat Parking (2026)

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.