Ridgecrest, CA Parking Rules: RV & Boat Parking (2026)
Key Facts
- Location priority
- Side or rear yard first
- Front setback
- Allowed only if rear access blocked
- Dwelling use
- Never permitted
- 72-hour rule
- Cannot block sightline to street
- Ownership
- Must belong to resident or guest
Summary
Ridgecrest permits recreational vehicles, boats, and boat trailers in residential side or rear yards under Municipal Code section 106-366(o); if that space isn't accessible, they may move to the front setback, but only for storage: never as a dwelling, and never hooked to sewer, water, or permanent power.
(o)In all residential zones in the city a recreational vehicle, boat or a boat trailer may be parked in the following manner:(1)Outside of a structure in the side yard or rear yard area of a residential district, provided that:a.The recreational vehicle, boat or boat trailer, except for self-propelled recreational vehicles customarily used for ordinary transportation purposes when occupying a parking space shall not obstruct the access to required parking in the garage area.b.In the event space is not accessible in the side or rear yard, a recreational vehicle, boat or boat trailer may be parked in the front setback area; a corner yard would be determined to have reasonable access to the rear yard unless a grade difference of three feet or more exists; in addition, a fence shall not be determined to prevent reasonable access.(2)No part of the recreational vehicle, boat or boat trailer may extend over the public sidewalk or public thoroughfare (right-of-way).(3)Parking is permitted only for storage purposes and any camper, recreational vehicle, boat or boat trailer shall not be:a.Used as a dwelling unit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 6).
Full Breakdown
Under section 106-366(o), an RV, boat, or boat trailer in a Ridgecrest residential zone must sit in the side or rear yard first; the front setback is allowed only when rear/side access is blocked by a fence or a three-foot-plus grade change. It can't overhang the public sidewalk or right-of-way, can't be lived in, permanently plumbed, or wired, and must belong to the resident or a guest. If stored 72 hours or more and it blocks a neighbor's sightline to the street, the planning director can order it relocated or removed, appealable to the planning commission.
Violations & Fines
Any violation of Chapter 106 is an infraction under section 106-64(a); the city can also treat a noncomplying RV or boat setup as a public nuisance and seek abatement through the city attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I live in an RV parked at my Ridgecrest home?
Can I park my boat trailer in the front yard instead?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ridgecrest
How Ridgecrest compares: Cities with the Strictest Parking Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Ridgecrest 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.
RV & Boat Parking in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Kern County handle rv & boat parking.