Providence, RI Parking Rules: RV & Boat Parking (2026)
Key Facts
- Where allowed
- Enclosed structure or screened rear yard
- Screening required
- Solid fence or masonry wall
- Utility hookups
- Prohibited while stored
- Storage tents
- Not permitted
- Governing code
- Zoning Ordinance Art. 14, Sec. 1409
Summary
Providence requires RVs, trailers, campers, and boats parked in residential yards to sit in a fully enclosed structure or a fence-screened rear yard, never in front or side yards, with no storage tents allowed.
Recreational vehicles include trailers, campers, motor homes, boats, pop-up campers, and trailers that transport recreational vehicles such as boats and jet-skis. Recreational vehicles may be stored in a residential district either within a fully enclosed structure or within the rear yard. If stored in the rear yard, the recreational vehicle shall be screened from view from any public right-of-way, excluding alleys, by a solid fence or masonry wall. ... Temporary storage tents for recreational vehicles are prohibited.
Full Breakdown
Under Providence's zoning ordinance, a recreational vehicle -- defined to include trailers, campers, motor homes, boats, pop-up campers, and boat or jet-ski trailers -- parked in a residential district must sit inside a fully enclosed structure or in the screened rear yard, hidden from the public right-of-way (alleys excepted) by a solid fence or masonry wall; temporary storage tents do not satisfy this. The RV cannot be hooked up to utilities or used for living, sleeping, or housekeeping, and it must stay mobile -- an RV parked so it could tip or roll is a dangerous condition subject to zoning enforcement.
Violations & Fines
An RV parked in a front or side yard, left unscreened in a rear yard, hooked to utilities, or used as living quarters is a zoning violation subject to enforcement fines and an order to relocate, enclose, or screen it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park my RV in my driveway in Providence?
Can I live in an RV parked at my house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Providence
How Providence compares: Cities with the Strictest Parking Rules·Compare Providence to another location·View the Rhode Island parking rules overview
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RV & Boat Parking in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle rv & boat parking.