Recreational Vehicle, Boat, and Trailer Parking in Long Beach Residential Districts

In the City of Long Beach, residents may park or store recreational vehicles (RVs), boats, and trailers on residential lots as an accessory use, provided the vehicle does not exceed 7 tons in weight, 36 feet in length, or 11 feet 6 inches in height [Section 21.41.276]. While these vehicles may be parked on a paved driveway, the City of Long Beach prohibits the "storage" (defined as remaining in one location for 72 or more hours) of any such vehicle within the front yard setback area [Section 21.15.1970, Section 21.41.281]. Furthermore, any boat or camper shell visible from a public right-of-way must be mounted on a licensed and operative vehicle [Section 21.41.276.C].

Size and Weight Restrictions

The City of Long Beach establishes strict physical limits for any recreational vehicle parked, stored, or loaded within a residential district. These dimensions include all rooftop equipment.

Vehicle Metric	Maximum Permitted Limit
Dry Weight	7 tons
Total Length	36 feet
Total Height	11 feet 6 inches

[Section 21.41.276]

Definitions of Parking vs. Storage

The regulations for the City of Long Beach distinguish between temporary parking and long-term storage based on the duration the vehicle remains stationary.

Parking: The stopping or stationary location of a vehicle for less than seventy-two (72) hours [Section 21.15.1970].
Storage: The placing of a vehicle at one location for more than seventy-two (72) hours without use [Section 21.15.2920].

Permitted Locations on Residential Lots

The City of Long Beach zoning code dictates where these vehicles may be placed based on the specific area of the residential lot.

Front Yard and Driveways

Vehicles are generally prohibited from being parked in the front yard setback, with specific exceptions for driveways. In the City of Long Beach, no vehicle—including RVs—may be "stored" (72+ hours) in the front yard setback [Section 21.41.281]. Parking is permitted only on a paved driveway or a paved area located between the driveway and the nearest side property line [Section 21.41.281.A].

Side and Rear Yards

Recreational vehicles may be stored in side or rear yard areas. When stored in a side yard setback, the vehicle must be located as far as physically feasible from the side lot line. It must also be placed as far to the rear of the lot as possible while still allowing necessary access to the property's garage [Section 21.41.276.B].

Access and Obstructions

In the City of Long Beach, a recreational vehicle may be parked or stored in a manner that blocks access to required garage parking spaces only if the property is a single-family dwelling and the owner of the recreational vehicle actually resides in that dwelling [Section 21.41.276.B.1].

Specific Rules for Boats and Camper Shells

If a boat or a camper shell is stored on a residential lot in a location visible from a public right-of-way, the City of Long Beach requires it to be mounted on a licensed and operative vehicle. This rule applies to any such equipment stored in the open [Section 21.41.276.C].

Use and Occupancy Restrictions

While a recreational vehicle may be parked on a residential lot, the City of Long Beach strictly prohibits its use as a living space.

Dwelling Prohibited: The use of a recreational vehicle as a dwelling unit is prohibited in all residential zone districts [Section 21.31.120].
General Prohibitions: Residents may not use a recreational vehicle for living, sleeping, eating, or entertaining while it is parked on the lot [Section 21.41.276.C].

Sections Cited

Section 21.15.1970 - Parking
Section 21.15.2270 - Recreational vehicle
Section 21.15.2920 - Storage
Section 21.31.120 - Prohibited uses
Section 21.41.276 - Recreational vehicle parking—Residential districts
Section 21.41.281 - Vehicle parking in residential setbacks