Sterling Heights, MI Parking Rules: RV & Boat Parking (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- City Code §§ 37-21 to 37-28
- Window/door setback
- 3 feet minimum
- Sidewalk setback
- 8 ft (15 ft enclosed trailers)
- Unit limit
- Two units per lot
- Street/driveway grace
- 48 hours, loading only
Summary
Sterling Heights limits RVs, boats and utility trailers in residential yards to specific setback distances, driveway placement rules and a two-unit-per-lot cap.
No person shall park or store any unit upon public or private property in any single family residential area, except in strict conformance with the conditions set forth hereunder:
(A) Any unit shall be parked or stored, unless otherwise permitted hereafter:
(1) In an enclosed building, such as a garage; or
(2) In the rear yard, the side yard or in the case of a corner lot, the front yard, which is not parallel to the residential address of the property, subject to the following limitations:
a. The unit shall be parked or stored no closer than three feet from any window or door of any residential building, and
b. The unit shall be parked or stored no closer than eight feet from any public sidewalk or no closer than seven feet from the front lot line where no public sidewalk exists.
(i) Exception: Effective January 1, 2017, an enclosed utility trailer shall not be parked or stored any closer than 15 feet from any public sidewalk and no closer than 14 feet from the front lot line where no public sidewalk exists.
(B) Any unit may be parked or stored upon an established driveway in the front yard, provided parking or storage in an enclosed building is not possible and there is no parking or storage space available in the rear yard or side yard or there is no reasonable access to either the rear yard or side yard, subject to the following limitations:
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-46: Local legislation current through Ord. 509, passed 5-19-26).
Full Breakdown
Sterling Heights' Recreational Vehicle Parking and Storage Ordinance (City Code §§ 37-21 to 37-28) lets residents keep RVs, boats, camper enclosures and utility trailers in single-family zones only in a garage, the rear or side yard, or a corner lot's non-address-facing front yard. Units stored in a yard must sit at least 3 feet from any window or door and 8 feet from a public sidewalk (7 feet where none exists); enclosed trailers need 15 and 14 feet, respectively, since 2017. Driveway parking is allowed only when yard storage isn't possible, capped at one unit on the driveway and two per lot overall, and units may never be hooked to utilities or used as living quarters except for overnight sleeping.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the unit limits, ignoring setback distances, or connecting a stored unit to electricity, gas or sewer service triggers a notice of violation with 24 hours to correct, then a citation under §§ 37-26 to 37-28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park my boat or RV in my driveway in Sterling Heights?
How many RVs or trailers can I keep at my house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sterling Heights
How Sterling Heights compares: Cities with the Strictest Parking Rules·Compare Sterling Heights to another location·View the Michigan parking rules overview
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