Butte County, CA Parking Rules: RV & Boat Parking (2026)
Key Facts
- Stored = parked
- >72 hours in same location (Sec. 24-74(A))
- Front/street-side setback
- Allowed only on driveway/paved surface, perpendicular to street, not over sidewalk
- Right-of-way limit
- 9 days max (Sec. 24-74(E))
- Registration
- Must bear current registration or legal non-op (Sec. 24-74(C))
- Condition
- May not be stored wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative (Sec. 24-74(D))
Summary
In Butte County's urban residential zones, recreational vehicles and boats cannot be stored in required front or street-side setbacks unless on a driveway/paved surface, parked perpendicular to the street, and not encroaching over the sidewalk; storage is defined as parking in the same spot for more than 72 hours.
Recreational vehicles and boats may not be stored within any required front or street side setback area unless they are parked on a driveway or paved surface, are parked perpendicular to the street, and do not encroach over a sidewalk or other part of the public right-of-way. Recreational vehicles and boats may be stored within an interior side yard without screening if the recreational vehicle or boat is placed upon a paved surface. For the purposes of these provisions, the term "stored" means continuously parked in the same location for more than 72 hours. As otherwise allowed in subsection (A) above, all stored recreational vehicles and boats shall be screened from public view by building walls, decorative screen walls or fences, and landscaping to the greatest extent possible. A stored recreational vehicle or boat shall bear current vehicle registration or a legal non operation registration as required by State law. Recreational vehicles or boats shall not be stored in a wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative condition. Recreational vehicles or boats shall not be parked within a public or private right-of-way for longer than nine days.
Full Breakdown
Butte County Code Article 15 (Recreational Vehicles and Camping), Section 24-74, sets the parking and storage standards for RVs and boats in urban residential zones. Storage is defined as continuous parking in the same location for more than 72 hours. Stored RVs and boats are also subject to: (1) current vehicle registration or legal non-operation registration as required by State law (Sec. 24-74(C)); (2) prohibition against being stored wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative (Sec. 24-74(D)); and (3) the nine-day maximum in any public or private right-of-way (Sec.
24-74(E)). E. In rural zones (AG, TM, TPZ, RC, RR, FR), Section 24-75 allows camping in a registered RV connected to approved power, sewage, and water for up to 180 days per year with an Administrative Permit, or up to 14 days in any 30-day period without those connections.
Violations & Fines
Improperly stored RVs or boats are enforced as zoning violations by Butte County Code Enforcement. Storing a wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative RV/boat additionally triggers the Abandoned Vehicle Abatement procedures under Chapter 14, Article XII, which declares the condition a public nuisance and allows abatement, removal, and cost-recovery liens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my RV in my front yard?
Does the RV need current registration to sit in my driveway?
Can I live in my RV on my own property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Butte County
How Butte County compares: Cities with the Strictest Parking Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Butte County to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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