I used to assume that if I were to own the property I live on, I can park my boat or RV wherever and whenever I want on my lot. However, I recently learned that isn’t always true. I didn’t realize that I had to involve neighbors in my business as much as I do, which does both disappoint and surprise me.
Parking Your Boat
I don’t own a boat. However, I found information about boat parking when searching for RV storage instructions. Rules about boat parking depend on a variety of conditions.
In The Garage
If I decided to buy a boat, I’d want to plan for a separate stall for it in my garage. This storage space would conceal it and protect it from any overly concerned neighbor or local police. It also provides weather protection for it during both on- and off-season times.
In the Driveway
In many cases, you can at least use your driveway temporarily for standard speed boats or canoes. It depends where you live, however.
All jurisdictions have their rules regarding whether you can park your boat in the driveway or not. For instance, one location allows its residents to park it in this space between April 15th and October 15th. However, parking it where you normally would your vehicle usually demands that you do use it while “in season.” Oftentimes, local ordinances may prohibit you from leaving it in this location during off-season months (usually late fall or winter).
In the Yard
Imagine for a moment the “grief” you may get just for parking a standard vehicle for too long in your yard. Then, think about the size of your boat or another recreational vehicle you own. Storing a Boat or RV anywhere in your yard could cause even more controversy than the vehicle you normally use for everyday transportation. It seems that larger RVs could disturb neighbors more than just a boat, just so you know.
Parking Your RV
I don’t own an RV either, but I’m looking into my parking and storage options for a unit I plan to build from scratch. These guidelines pertain to most RV types, whether they be the larger or smaller ones.
On the Side of The House
Sometimes, you’ll see RVs, camper trailers or 5th wheels sitting on the side of a house without any protective roof or cover over them. Other times you will see them protected.
If you choose to build a shelter over your RV parking spot, make sure you plan for enough space all around it and far enough away from the edge of your property. In some cases, the roof you install to cover your recreational craft must have at least three enclosed walls. On the other hand, some locations may not require a roof over at all if the RV sits neatly on the side of the house without extending past the length of your home to the road.
Of all the places to park your RV on your property, on the side of your home may work the best. However, you must build its shelter to construction safety codes if living in metro locations or suburbs.
In The Driveway
Mike Scarpignato warns, “There certainly could be lots of rules about parking or storing an RV in your driveway. And it’s your responsibility to learn and know the rules.”
If you have more than one person that drives in your household, your RV could take up at least one of their parking spots in your driveway. However, you might have authorization to temporarily park it in the driveway if it doesn’t extend past the sidewalk or into traffic.
In The Yard
“Any RVE in excess of 18 feet in length may be parked in the front yard of residential property for a period not to exceed three consecutive days in any seven-day period.”
That’s what it says in Division 6 of the Holy Hill, Florida Code of Ordinances. Rules concerning whether you should park an RV in your yard or not vary, however. For instance, some municipalities allow shorter vehicles in yards, driveways or sides of houses. Other locations might only allow it if it’s smaller than 18 feet.
So What About The Neighbors?
Most of the time, communication with your neighbors would solve your problem, whereas you may not even realize you broke a local parking law. You possibly could negotiate with them and not even have the police or the local parking utility bother you about it at all. In many cases, local law enforcement agencies may not care where you park your boat or RV if no one complains.
The number one concern you may have with neighbors is making sure you don’t have a unit that seems like an eyesore to them. If your boat or RV has rusts in it, you may want to consider renting a storage unit for it instead of parking it on your property.
Other Boat or RV Parking Information
Don’t take this as legal advice but consider it a warning or a suggestion: Keep in mind that you may not have the authorization to park it in your driveway or yard even if you do own your home. It’s wise to find out from the Homeowners Association or your local municipality before you do. You might not have to worry as much about boats as you would RVs, however.
There Are Exceptions
I’m thinking of moving out of the city into a rural location because I could have more space between my neighbors and me to park my recreational vehicles. It’s far less of a hassle than trying to abide by municipal codes within city limits or in the suburbs.
The primary concern out on a farm or in the woods is keeping your property neat and tidy instead of whether you’ll annoy your neighbors or not. Keep also in mind local environment and conservation laws too.
