RV and boat parking in Placentia: the local rules

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

What Placentia's code says

Placentia code What Placentia's code adds
Where it may be parked	In the street side, interior side or rear yard. Applies: Single-family lots; if a driveway or paved path gives full access there, the RV may not be kept in front. § 23.78.150 · code text A legally permitted driveway or other paved accessway that provides full and unrestricted access to a street side, interior side, or rear yard of the residence that can fully accommodate the storage of a recreational vehicle or recreational apparatus in compliance with PMC Section 23.78.040. On a paved area outside the required building setback next to a public street (alleys excluded). Applies: HMR overlay district; screened as required, unless the driveway exception applies. § 23.78.160 · code text A paved area that is not within the required building setback area abutting a public street, excluding alleys; Fully inside a lawful building, not visible from the street or other property. Applies: HMR overlay district. § 23.78.160 · code text Enclosed completely within a building in a lawful manner where it is not visible form the street or other public or private property. On a paved driveway connecting a garage or carport to a street. Applies: HMR overlay district; an exception to the setback and screening rules. § 23.78.160 · code text The exception to subparagraphs a and b above is that vehicle may be stored or parking on a paved driveway connecting a garage or carport with a public or private street.
Front-yard parking	At most 1 RV or apparatus, only if no garage, carport or side or rear yard access can hold it. Applies: Single-family lots; it may not block more than half of the required parking. § 23.78.150 · code text A maximum of one (1) recreational vehicle or recreational apparatus may be located within the front yard area. At least 6 feet back from the front property line (street right-of-way line). Applies: RVs or apparatus in the front yard; tongue and hitch excluded but may not enter the right-of-way. § 23.78.150 · code text A recreational vehicle or recreational apparatus parked within the front yard area shall be setback a minimum of six (6) feet from the front property line, measured from the existing street right-of-way line, typically the edge of the sidewalk closest to the residence, to the outermost point of the primary body or frame of the recreational vehicle or recreational apparatus.
Screening and surface	A solid masonry wall or solid fence or gate at least 6 feet high. Applies: RVs or apparatus stored in the street side yard. § 23.78.150 · code text Acceptable screen method shall include a minimum six (6) foot high solid masonry wall or non-open work fence or gate as determined as appropriate by the director. An all-weather surface, subject to the director's review and approval. Applies: RVs or apparatus parked in the front yard. § 23.78.150 · code text No vehicle, recreational vehicle, or recreational apparatus may be parked on an unpaved surface within the front yard, except on an all-weather surface, subject to the review and approval by the director. A paved area and a permanent, solid, opaque fence or wall 6 feet high. Applies: HMR overlay district; other residential storage options. § 23.78.160 · code text Screened by a 6-foot high permanent, solid opaque fence or wall. Unpaved surfaces are not allowed. Applies: HMR overlay district, except as otherwise permitted. § 23.78.160 · code text Stored or parking on any unpaved surface, except as permitted above.
Living in an RV	Not allowed, either temporary or permanent. Applies: Single-family residential lots and zones. § 23.78.145 · code text At no time shall a recreational vehicle or recreational apparatus be used for temporary or permanent dwelling purposes.

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

Placentia's code: In the street side, interior side or rear yard. (Single-family lots; if a driveway or paved path gives full access there, the RV may not be kept in front.) (§ 23.78.150); On a paved area outside the required building setback next to a public street (alleys excluded). (HMR overlay district; screened as required, unless the driveway exception applies.) (§ 23.78.160).

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