Durham County, NC Parking Rules: RV & Boat Parking (2026)
Key Facts
- Street storage
- Not allowed
- Required location
- Rear of primary structure
- Max length
- 35 feet
- Max height
- 12 feet
- Governing code
- UDO Sec. 10.2.3
Summary
In Durham, boats, camper trailers and utility trailers must be stored off the street and located to the rear of the home. Front-yard and on-street RV storage is not allowed.
Recreational vehicles such as boats, camper trailers, and utility trailers shall be stored off the street and shall be located to the rear of the primary structure.
Full Breakdown
Durham's joint City-County Unified Development Ordinance requires recreational vehicles, boats and trailers to be kept off public streets and located to the rear of the primary structure (UDO 10.2.3E). Vehicles parked in residential areas also cannot exceed 35 feet long, 8 feet wide or 12 feet high (UDO 10.2.3C). Multifamily developments may designate boat and trailer areas on an approved site plan. Because the City of Durham and unincorporated Durham County share one UDO, the same storage rule applies countywide.
Violations & Fines
Enforced by Durham Planning as a UDO zoning violation; owners are notified to relocate the RV or boat, with civil penalties for continued noncompliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park my boat in my driveway in Durham?
Do these rules cover unincorporated Durham County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Durham County
How Durham County compares: Cities with the Strictest Parking Rules·Compare Durham County to another location·View the North Carolina parking rules overview
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