Arlington County Regulations for Parking Recreational Vehicles (RVs), Boats, and Trailers

In Arlington County, parking or storing a trailer is generally prohibited in any district unless it is kept within an approved enclosed garage or accessory building [Section 12.9.16]. However, unoccupied recreational vehicles and camping trailers that are less than 30 feet in length and eight feet in width may be parked on-site if they are positioned to the rear of the front line of the main building [Section 12.9.16]. Under no circumstances may any parked trailer or recreational vehicle be used for living quarters or business practices while stored in Arlington County [Section 12.9.16].

General Trailer and RV Parking Standards

Arlington County maintains strict oversight on the placement of specialized vehicles on private property to preserve neighborhood character and safety. The Arlington County Zoning Ordinance distinguishes between general utility trailers and recreational vehicles intended for camping or travel.

Technical Dimensions and Placement Requirements

For residents in Arlington County residential districts, the following standards apply to any recreational vehicle, pick-up coach, utility trailer, or tent trailer:

Standard Category	Requirement
General Prohibition	Trailers are prohibited from being parked in any district unless specifically exempted.
Enclosed Storage Exception	One trailer may be parked or stored if it is inside an approved enclosed garage or accessory building.
Maximum RV/Camping Trailer Length	Must be less than 30 feet.
Maximum RV/Camping Trailer Width	Must be less than eight feet.
Required Placement (Outdoor)	Must be parked to the rear of the front line of the main building.
Prohibited Uses	Use as living quarters or for any business practice is strictly forbidden.

Rules for Boats and Unlicensed Vehicles

In Arlington County, boats are typically transported or stored on trailers, and therefore fall under the general trailer regulations. Additionally, if a boat or RV is unlicensed or uninspected, specific Arlington County Zoning Ordinance rules apply to its maintenance on the property.

Unlicensed and Inoperative Vehicles

A maximum of one operable unlicensed or uninspected vehicle (which may include a motorized boat or RV) may be kept on a premises in Arlington County, provided it is parked to the rear of the front line of the main building [Section 12.9.19]. If a resident has inoperative vehicles or more than one unlicensed vehicle, these must be stored within a fully enclosed building [Section 12.9.19].

Definitions in Arlington County

To ensure compliance with Arlington County law, it is important to understand how these vehicles are defined:

Recreational Vehicle: A vehicle or vehicle trailer designed as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use. This includes motor homes, travel trailers, truck campers, camping trailers, converted buses, and house boats [Section 18.2].
Main Building: The building in which the principal use of the lot is conducted. For most residents, this is the primary house [Section 18.2].
Enclosed: A structure is considered enclosed if its sides are more than 40 percent covered by any material other than customary wire or mesh screening [Section 18.2].

Prohibited Activities and Commercial Use

Arlington County prohibits the use of parked trailers or RVs for anything other than storage. Residents may not:

Establish living quarters within the vehicle while it is parked on the lot [Section 12.9.16].
Conduct any business or commercial activity from the trailer or vehicle [Section 12.9.16].
Park commercial vehicles (those exceeding 10,000 pounds gross weight or designed for more than 16 passengers) in any Residential (R) or Residential Apartment (RA) district, except for active loading or unloading [Section 12.9.4].

Sections Cited

Section 12.9.4: Commercial vehicle parking
Section 12.9.16: Recreational Vehicle or trailer parking
Section 12.9.19: Vehicle, unlicensed and/or uninspected
Section 18.2: General Terms Defined