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

Heavy Restrictions

Verified 1 week ago|Source: SCMC Chapter 10.40 Stopping, Standing and Parking →

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Key Facts

Code Reference: SCMC Chapter 10.40
OV Definition: >=20 ft long, 8 ft tall, or 7 ft wide
Prohibited Hours: 12 a.m.-5 a.m.
Permits: Resident, guest, hotel, contractor

Summary

Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapter 10.40 (Stopping, Standing and Parking) prohibits any 'oversized vehicle' from parking on city streets or municipal lots between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a valid OV permit is displayed. An oversized vehicle is any vehicle 20 feet or longer, 8 feet or taller, or 7 feet or wider — covering most RVs, trailers and boats on trailers. The ordinance was adopted in November 2021 and reaffirmed in April 2022 after Coastal Commission review.

Full Breakdown

Santa Cruz (pop. 62,956, county seat of Santa Cruz County) regulates oversized vehicles citywide under Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapter 10.40, codified at https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/SantaCruz/html/SantaCruz10/SantaCruz1040.html. The ordinance prohibits the stopping, standing, parking or leaving standing of any oversized vehicle on any public highway, street, alley, or city parking lot between midnight and 5:00 a.m. 'Oversized vehicle' is defined as any vehicle 20 feet or longer, 8 feet or taller, or 7 feet or wider. Four permit types are available: (1) residential OV permits, (2) guest-of-resident permits, (3) hotel guest permits, and (4) contractor permits. Only properly permitted vehicles may park between midnight and 5 a.m. The term 'residential district' for purposes of this section uses the same meaning as Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 24.22.654. The City Council reaffirmed the rules in April 2022 and the California Coastal Commission cleared the ordinance for enforcement in late 2023.

Violations & Fines

Violations are infractions that may result in citation (typically $65-$150) and towing at the owner's expense. Repeat violators may be subject to escalating fines and impoundment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I park my RV on a Santa Cruz street overnight?

Only with a valid Oversized Vehicle permit. Under SCMC 10.40, any vehicle 20 feet or longer, 8 feet tall, or 7 feet wide cannot be parked on city streets or lots between midnight and 5 a.m. without a permit.

How do I get a Santa Cruz RV parking permit?

The City of Santa Cruz issues four permit types — residential, guest-of-resident, hotel guest, and contractor. Apply through the City's Parking Services office; permits must be displayed during the prohibited 12-5 a.m. window.

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

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

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