Santa Ana, CA Parking Rules: RV & Boat Parking (2026)
Key Facts
- Overnight ban window
- 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m., citywide
- Intersection buffer
- No parking within 50 feet, any time
- Section
- Municipal Code § 36-149
- Overnight permit
- Up to 3 consecutive 24-hour periods (§ 36-153)
- Annual cap
- 72 permits per address per calendar year
- No living in RV
- Camping/lodging in parked RV barred even with permit
Summary
Santa Ana bans parking any oversized, non-motorized or recreational vehicle on a public street between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., and within 50 feet of an intersection at any time, under Municipal Code § 36-149. Residents can get a temporary permit under § 36-153 for overnight RV parking, capped at three consecutive 24-hour periods and 72 permits per address per year.
(a) It is unlawful for any person to park or leave standing upon any public street, park road, or parking lot, any oversized vehicle, non-motorized vehicle, or recreational vehicle between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. (b) It is unlawful for any person to park or leave standing within fifty (50) feet of any intersection of public streets, a public street and park road, a public street and alley, or a park road and alley, as measured from the prolongation of the curb lines or the edge of the pavement of the cross street or alley, any oversized vehicle, non-motorized vehicle, or recreational vehicle at any time.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 32).
Full Breakdown
Section 36-149, "Prohibition of parking of oversized vehicles, non-motorized vehicles, and recreational vehicles," imposes two separate bans. " That permit process lets a resident or their bona fide guest apply in writing to the City Manager for temporary overnight RV parking: the permit is valid only on the resident's own block, lasts no more than 24 hours, can be renewed for up to three consecutive 24-hour periods, and is capped at 72 permits per address per calendar year, with a fee set by council resolution.
Section 36-153(h) bars using the parked RV "for overnight camping, lodging or for accommodation purposes" even while the permit is active. Both bans take effect only once the City Manager has posted signs giving notice (§ 36-151), and violations are enforced as misdemeanors or administrative citations under § 36-152.
Violations & Fines
Parking an oversized, non-motorized or recreational vehicle on a public street 2 a.m.-6 a.m., or within 50 feet of an intersection at any time, violates § 36-149 once notice signs are posted. Section 36-152 makes violations a misdemeanor, alternatively enforceable by administrative citation; using a permitted RV for overnight lodging violates § 36-153(h) separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park my RV on the street overnight in Santa Ana?
How many overnight RV parking permits can I get in Santa Ana?
Can I live in my RV while it's parked on the street with a permit?
Can I park my boat trailer near an intersection in Santa Ana?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Ana
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