Santa Clara, CA Parking Rules: RV & Boat Parking (2026)

100 of the Title 18 Zoning Code (Recreational Vehicle Parking in Residential Zones) treats "storage" and "parking" of trailers, boats, and RVs interchangeably. In residential zones, the vehicle must belong to the resident of that property and can only sit outdoors on a continuously paved, graveled, or approved alternative-material driveway. Five conditions apply at once: the vehicle sits perpendicular to the front curb, no part of it overhangs the public sidewalk or right-of-way, no more than one RV, boat, or trailer occupies the front setback per residential unit, it stays at least three feet from the side and rear property lines, and it cannot block access to or occupy a required parking space.

122. Permanent hookups to sewer, water, or electric lines are barred; temporary electrical or propane connections to prepare the unit for immediate use are allowed for a maximum of 72 hours. Stored units also cannot be used to hold goods, materials, or equipment beyond what is part of the unit or needed for its immediate use. In non-residential zones (excluding mixed-use), an operable RV, boat, or trailer may be stored if it belongs to the property owner or the owner has given written permission, capped at three vehicles at a time; a fourth vehicle or more converts the use to a commercial storage use subject to separate Zoning Code requirements.

Non-residential outdoor storage must sit in a side or rear setback no closer than two feet to the parcel line, or inside an enclosed structure meeting that zone's standards.