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

Monterey County addresses RV and boat parking through two separate code systems. Chapter 12.72 (Abandoned Vehicles) - codifying the County's adoption of Cal. Vehicle Code section 22660 et seq. - allows the Sheriff or code enforcement to tag and remove any vehicle (operable or not) that remains on a public street for more than 72 consecutive hours. The same 72-hour rule applies to RVs, boats, and trailers parked on county streets. On private residential lots, MCC Title 21 (inland zoning) and Title 20 (coastal zoning) bar use of an RV or trailer as a dwelling outside an approved RV park or campground; temporary occupancy (typically up to 14 days per year for visiting guests) may be allowed by ministerial permit. Zoning standards in residential districts require RVs, boats, and utility trailers to be screened or stored behind the front-yard setback and in some cases require side or rear yard placement. Cities of Salinas, Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove, Seaside, and Marina have separate stricter rules - especially Carmel-by-the-Sea, which bars overnight RV parking on city streets entirely.