Santa Barbara County, CA Parking Rules: RV & Boat Parking (2026)
Key Facts
- RV-specific street rule
- None published; general rules apply
- Street time limit
- 72 hours (Ch. 23, Art. III; CVC 22651(k))
- Tall-vehicle restriction
- 6 ft+ near intersections where signed (CVC 22507)
- County lot storage
- Detached trailers/boats prohibited (Ord. 5163, 12A-23(e))
- On-lot storage
- Governed by County zoning, not traffic code
Summary
Unincorporated Santa Barbara County has no RV- or boat-specific street ordinance. RVs, boats, and trailers on a county highway fall under the general 72-hour limit and California Vehicle Code rules. Large vehicles over six feet tall are restricted near intersections only where signs are posted (CVC 22507). On-lot storage is governed by zoning.
No person shall use any area of an off-street County parking facility for storage of any kind, including the parking of detached trailers, fifth wheels, and other equipment, or for storage of any personal property, or for any use other than parking a motor vehicle and accessing adjacent public facilities, unless authorized by the Director of General Services.
Full Breakdown
Santa Barbara County does not publish a stand-alone recreational-vehicle or boat parking section in its Motor Vehicles and Traffic code (Chapter 23). On a public county road, an RV, camper, boat, or trailer is treated like any other vehicle: it cannot remain parked more than 72 consecutive hours (Chapter 23, Article III), after which it may be removed under California Vehicle Code Section 22651(k). California Vehicle Code Section 22507 lets the County, by ordinance or resolution, restrict parking of vehicles six feet or more in height within 100 feet of an intersection, but only where signs or markings give adequate notice.
A detached trailer, fifth wheel, or stored boat left in a County off-street parking facility is separately prohibited as storage under County Ordinance 5163 (Section 12A-23(e)) unless authorized by the Director of General Services. Long-term storage of an RV or boat on a private residential lot is a land-use matter handled through the County's Land Use and Development Code and Coastal Zoning Ordinance rather than the traffic code, so screening, setback, and surfacing rules depend on the property's zone district. Because no County RV-specific time limit or fine is codified for streets, residents should treat the 72-hour limit, posted large-vehicle signs, and zoning standards as the operative rules and confirm placement with Planning & Development.
Violations & Fines
An RV, boat, or trailer left on a county road beyond 72 hours may be cited and towed under CVC 22651(k). A six-foot-plus vehicle parked within a signed restricted area near an intersection violates the posting authorized by CVC 22507. Storing a detached trailer or boat in a County off-street lot violates Ordinance 5163 (Sec. 12A-23(e)).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park my RV or boat on the street in unincorporated Santa Barbara County?
Can I store an RV or boat on my own property in the unincorporated county?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Barbara County
How Santa Barbara County compares: Cities with the Strictest Parking Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Barbara County to another location·View the California parking rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.