New Rules About Neighborhood Parking of RV's, Boats and Trailers

Officer Larry Hesselgesser of the San Diego Police Department has kindly shared some info here about the new parking rules for RV's, boats and campers. 

The new Neighborhood Parking Protection Ordinance, approved by City Council, is now in effect, with education of citizens during August and enforcement beginning in September. Information about the ordinance and its impacts on over-sized vehicles, non-motorized vehicles and recreational vehicles can be found at the city's website.

The San Diego City Council adopted a new Neighborhood Parking Protection Ordinance that restricts overnight parking of “oversized vehicles, non-motorized vehicles and recreational vehicles”. This ordinance is authorized by Sections 86.0138 through 86.0143 of the San Diego Municipal Code.


Oversized vehicles are defined as any vehicle, including any attached trailers, vehicles or loads thereon, that exceeds 27 feet in length AND 7 feet in height. Non-motorized vehicles include open and closed trailers with or without loads.

Recreational vehicles owners may obtain a permit allowing overnight parking. A permit is valid for one 24-hour period. Permit applicants may obtain up to three consecutive days (72 hours total) at one time.

Recreational Vehicles are defined as “any camp trailer, camper, trailer coach, or house car,” in the Vehicle Code, or, “any boat, dune buggy, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or other motorized or towed vehicle designed, maintained or used primarily for recreational purposes.”

Applicants may purchase up to 72 days of permits per year. The permit is only valid on the same block as the resident’s address.

Individuals must offer proof of residency in advance of purchasing the permit. Permit applicants – once confirmed by City staff – may purchase up to three consecutive permits (72 hours). Applicants may purchase up to 72 days of permits per year.

The City will adhere to a grace period for vehicles parked in violation of the ordinance until August 31. All citations issued after the grace period will include a first notification with no associated fines. Subsequent violations will levy a $100 fine to vehicle owners.
Permitted vehicles 
• Camp Trailer
• Camper
• Trailer Coach
• House Car
• Boat
• Dune Buggy
• All-Terrain Vehicle
• Other motorized or towed vehicle designed, maintained, or used primarily for recreation purposes

Non-Permitted Vehicles 
• Any Trailer or Trailer Bus, as Defined in Vehicle Code Sections 630 and 636
• Any vehicle, including any attached trailers, vehicles or loads thereon, that exceeds 27 feet in length and 7 feet in height

For further information about obtaining permits for over-sized vehicles, please visit the City’s “Temporary Overnight Recreational Vehicle Permit” page.

If you have any questions or concerns about the ordinance, please call the Parking Hotline at (866) 470-1308 and press ‘0’ for customer service or email at parking@sandiego.gov.