Merced County · Building on your lot

RV and boat parking in Merced County

RVs may park in front of residences for at most 48 continuous hours, then must move at least 500 feet and wait 48 hours.

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Key points

RV street parking: RVs may park in front of residences for at most 48 continuous hours, then must move at least 500 feet and wait 48 hours.

Each rule below links to the section of the Merced County Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Merced County's code says

Merced County code What Merced County's code adds
Where it may be parked	Only on the lot where the vehicle owner lives; outdoor storage on a driveway. Applies: Applies in residential zones. § 18.38.120 · code text Storage is permitted outside a structure on a paved, graveled, or approved alternative material driveway, provided all of the following conditions exist: At least 3 feet from side and rear property lines. Applies: Applies in residential zones to vehicles stored outside a structure. § 18.38.120 · code text The vehicle is stored at least three feet from side and rear property lines;
Front-yard parking	Only if side or rear setbacks are unreachable and indoor storage impossible; 1 vehicle per unit, perpendicular to the curb. Applies: Applies in residential zones where the owner lives on the lot; the vehicle may not overhang the sidewalk. § 18.38.120 · code text Storage is permitted in the front setback only when space is not accessible in the rear or side setback, or the parcel is not on a corner and has no reasonable access to either the side or rear setback;
Screening and surface	A paved, graveled or approved alternative-material driveway. Applies: Applies to outdoor storage in residential zones. § 18.38.120 · code text Storage is permitted outside a structure on a paved, graveled, or approved alternative material driveway, provided all of the following conditions exist:
Parking on the street	No more than 48 hours in a row. Applies: RVs parked in front of homes on public or private roads; then 48 hours must pass and the vehicle move at least 500 feet. § 18.38.120 · code text Recreational vehicles may be temporarily parked on public or private rights-of-way in front of residences for not more than 48 continuous hours. 48 hours must pass, and the vehicle must move at least 500 feet, before a new 48-hour period. Applies: Applies to temporary parking on public or private roads in front of homes. § 18.38.120 · code text A total of 48 hours must elapse before the start of a new 48-hour period, together with movement of the vehicle a distance of at least 500 feet.
Living in an RV	Not allowed, except temporarily while a permanent home is built, with a temporary use permit. Applies: Applies to stored RVs and trailers in residential zones. § 18.38.120 · code text Used for dwelling purposes, except for temporary residential use during the construction of a permanent dwelling with the approval of a temporary use permit (See Chapter 18.124 Temporary Use Permits).

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

Can I park an RV or boat at my home in Merced County?

RVs may park in front of residences for at most 48 continuous hours, then must move at least 500 feet and wait 48 hours.

General information, not legal advice.

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Merced County Municipal Code — full text