Sterling Heights bans recreational-vehicle and boat parking in residential front yards. RVs, campers, boats, and trailers must be stored in side or rear yards on an approved hard surface and may not exceed the height of the principal dwelling. On-street parking is limited to 48 hours, and no RV may be occupied as living quarters at any time.
The Sterling Heights Zoning Ordinance §25.04 governs the parking and storage of recreational equipment on residential lots. RVs, motor homes, travel trailers, fifth-wheels, boats, boat trailers, utility trailers, and snowmobile trailers may not be parked or stored in any required front yard, defined as the area between the principal structure and the front lot line.
Permitted storage locations are interior side yards or rear yards, behind the front building line of the principal dwelling. Storage must be on an approved hard surface — concrete, asphalt, or brick pavers — and may not exceed the height of the principal dwelling. A single recreational vehicle may be parked in a driveway for active loading/unloading for up to 48 hours but cannot remain there as a storage location.
On public streets, no RV, camper, boat, trailer, or commercial vehicle may park more than 48 consecutive hours under the city traffic code. Snow emergency declarations between November and April may impose stricter overnight parking bans. Use of recreational equipment as a residence — including overnight sleeping by guests — is prohibited in any zoning district.
Front-yard storage violations are civil infractions of $100, $250, and $500 for the first, second, and third offenses within 12 months. The city may issue daily continuing violations until the equipment is moved. On-street violations result in parking tickets and possible tow. Contact Code Enforcement at (586) 446-2489.
Sterling Heights, MI
Sterling Heights requires vehicles parked in driveways not to block sidewalks. Parking on unpaved surfaces may be prohibited. Driveway modifications need per...
Sterling Heights, MI
Sterling Heights restricts parking of commercial vehicles in residential zones. Weight and size limits apply per local ordinance and MCL §257.674.
Sterling Heights, MI
Sterling Heights enforces street parking limits per local ordinance. Michigan has no statewide time limit. Winter parking bans apply during snow emergencies.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Macomb County.
See how other cities in Macomb County handle rv & boat parking.
See how Sterling Heights's rv & boat parking rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.