RV and boat parking in San Rafael: the local rules

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

What San Rafael's code says

San Rafael code What San Rafael's code adds
Where it may be parked	An RV or boat may be parked in the garage, carport or parking space the zone requires. Applies: Applies to single-family homes and duplexes. § 14.18.190 · code text Within the garage, carport or parking space required by the zone in which the use is located; In the front yard setback, an RV or boat may park only on the driveway to required parking. Applies: Applies to single-family homes and duplexes, and only on the driveway to the garage, carport or parking spaces the zone requires. § 14.18.190 · code text In the front yard setback when on the driveway to the garage, carport or parking spaces required by the zone; An RV or boat may be parked in the front yard setback between the driveway and side property line. Applies: Single-family homes and duplexes, where the strip between the existing driveway and side property line is no wider than 12 feet at any point. § 14.18.190 · code text In the front yard setback between the existing driveway and the side property line when the distance between the two is no greater than twelve feet (12′) at any point; An RV or boat may be parked in rear yards, interior side yards, or areas not defined as yards. Applies: Applies to single-family homes and duplexes, and only if the vehicle is partially or fully screened. § 14.18.190 · code text In rear yards, interior side yards or other areas not defined as "yards," providing the unit is partially or fully screened as viewed from off-street by a solid fence that conforms to the permitted height limits, vegetation, structures or topography; RV parking is allowed only in areas designed and built for RV parking. Applies: Applies to apartment buildings of 3 or more units and mobilehome parks, under permits the planning commission approves. § 14.18.190 · code text Recreational vehicle parking is permitted in areas that are designed and constructed for such purposes under permits approved by the planning commission.
Front-yard parking	Park generally at a right angle to the street; parking parallel to the front property line is not allowed. Applies: Applies to single-family homes and duplexes. § 14.18.190 · code text Parking parallel to the front property line is prohibited;
Screening and surface	The RV or boat must be partly or fully screened by a solid fence, plants, structures or terrain. Applies: Applies in rear yards, interior side yards or areas not defined as yards at single-family homes and duplexes. A solid fence must meet height limits. § 14.18.190 · code text In rear yards, interior side yards or other areas not defined as "yards," providing the unit is partially or fully screened as viewed from off-street by a solid fence that conforms to the permitted height limits, vegetation, structures or topography; The parking space and its driveway must be surfaced with gravel, concrete, asphalt or similar material. Applies: Applies to single-family homes and duplexes. § 14.18.190 · code text The parking space and connecting driveway shall be surfaced with gravel, concrete, asphalt or similar materials.

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Frequently asked questions

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

San Rafael's code: An RV or boat may be parked in the garage, carport or parking space the zone requires. (Applies to single-family homes and duplexes.) (§ 14.18.190); The RV or boat must be partly or fully screened by a solid fence, plants, structures or terrain. (Applies in rear yards, interior side yards or areas not defined as yards at single-family homes and duplexes. A solid fence must meet height limits.) (§ 14.18.190).

RV and boat parking in San Rafael

What San Rafael's code says

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