Newton, MA Parking Rules: RV & Boat Parking (2026)

Newton's zoning ordinance treats parking or storage of a recreational trailer or vehicle, including boats, as an accessory use allowed by right in every Residence District under Sec. 3 (Article 3, Sec. 4, Allowed Uses). No special permit or variance is needed to keep one on a residential lot, but the ordinance controls where. If the trailer or vehicle is kept inside a garage or other enclosed structure, none of the placement limits apply. Left outside, it cannot be parked or stored in the area between the front line of the principal building and the street line, meaning it cannot sit closer to the road than the house itself.

It also cannot be stored long-term in the side or rear yard setback area. The ordinance carves out one exception: a trailer or vehicle may sit in the side or rear setback for up to 7 days before it must be moved into a garage or out of the setback entirely. The Commissioner of Inspectional Services administers Chapter 30 and determines how a proposed use is classified when it is not explicitly listed, per the closing provision of Sec. 2. That same official enforces the placement rule under Sec.

1, with authority to investigate complaints, issue written violation notices to property owners, and refer unresolved cases to district court or seek an injunction in superior court. This accessory-use table was last touched through Ord. No. C-69, effective 11/17/25, as part of the Zoning Ordinance's December 1, 2025 consolidated amendment.