Rock Island County, IL Parking Rules: RV & Boat Parking (2026)
Key Facts
- Where allowed
- Side or rear yard only, on impervious surface
- Loading/unloading exception
- 24 hrs, twice per 7 days, 30 hrs apart
- Guest occupancy limit
- 30 consecutive days, no charge
- Inoperable storage limit
- 6 months maximum
- Applies to
- Unincorporated county Residential Districts
Summary
In unincorporated Rock Island County, a recreational vehicle can only sit in a required side or rear yard on residential property, and it cannot be lived in except for short guest stays under 30 days. Loading and unloading stops are capped at 24 hours, twice a week, under Section 154.048(G).
No recreational vehicle shall be parked or stored on any lot in a Residential District except in a required side or rear yard providing all yard setbacks are met by the recreation vehicle and the vehicle is parked on an impervious surface. However, such equipment may be parked anywhere on residential premises for a period of time not to exceed 24 hours during loading and unloading no more than twice in any consecutive period of seven days. At least 30 hours must separate each occurrence. No such equipment shall be used for living, sleeping, or housekeeping purposes when parked or stored on a residential lot... however, that such equipment may be used for the housing of guests of occupants of the principle resident if: (a) Occupancy shall not exceed 30 consecutive days; and (b) No charge is made for such occupancy.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-1: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 2024-12-A, passed 12-17-2024; and State legislation current through 2024 Illinois Legislative Service, Pamphlet #6).
Full Breakdown
048(G)(1) of the Rock Island County Code of Ordinances bars parking or storing a recreational vehicle on a Residential District lot except in a required side or rear yard, and only if the vehicle meets all applicable yard setbacks and sits on an impervious surface. The code carves out a loading and unloading exception: equipment may park anywhere on the residential premises for up to 24 hours, no more than twice in any consecutive seven-day period, with at least 30 hours separating each occurrence. Living in the RV is prohibited outright on a residential lot, with one narrow exception: it may house guests of the property's occupants if the stay does not exceed 30 consecutive days and no one is charged for the occupancy.
048(G)(2) separately regulates outdoor storage condition: an RV cannot sit stored outdoors unless it is in safe, functional condition, or can be restored to that condition for less than its own value, and in no case may an inoperable unit remain stored more than six months. Because this provision is part of the county zoning chapter, it binds only unincorporated Rock Island County; municipalities such as Rock Island, Moline, East Moline, and Milan set their own RV and boat parking rules inside city limits and are not covered by this section.
Violations & Fines
A recreational vehicle parked or stored in violation of Section 154.048(G), including one used as a residence beyond the 30-day guest exception or stored inoperable past six months, is a zoning violation subject to penalty under Section 154.999 and can be the basis for a code enforcement order from the county's Building Inspector requiring the vehicle's relocation or removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park my camper in my front yard in unincorporated Rock Island County?
Can someone live in an RV parked at my house?
How long can a broken-down RV sit in my yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rock Island County
How Rock Island County compares: Cities with the Strictest Parking Rules·Compare Rock Island County to another location·View the Illinois parking rules overview
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