Recreational Vehicle, Boat, and Utility Trailer Parking in the City of Mesa
In the City of Mesa, residents may only park recreational vehicles (RVs), boats, and utility trailers on public streets for up to 48 hours or in front yards for up to 72 hours for the purposes of loading, unloading, or cleaning. For long-term storage, the City of Mesa requires these vehicles to be kept in an enclosed garage or placed in a side or rear yard behind the front line of the primary dwelling. Storage in a side yard is subject to specific vehicle length limits and requires a 6-foot opaque fence for screening if the vehicle is taller than six feet.
General Restrictions for Residential Districts
The City of Mesa classifies recreational vehicles (RVs), watercraft, and utility trailers under specific storage regulations when located within the Agricultural (AG) District, Single Residence (RS) District, Small Lot Single Residence (RSL) District, Downtown Residence (DR) District, and Multiple Residence (RM) District [Section 11-30-7].
Additionally, the City of Mesa prohibits the overnight parking or storage of any commercial vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeding 13,000 pounds on any residential lot [Section 11-32-2].
Temporary Parking and Loading
The City of Mesa provides limited allowances for parking these vehicles on the street or in a front yard for short-term maintenance and preparation.
Short-Term Parking Limits
| Location | Maximum Time Limit | Permitted Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Public Street | 48 Hours | Loading, unloading, or cleaning only [Section 11-34-5(B)(2)] |
| Front Yard | 72 Hours | Loading, unloading, or cleaning only [Section 11-34-5(B)(4)] |
| Public Street (Emergency) | 1 Hour | General emergency parking [Section 11-34-5(B)(1)] |
Long-Term On-Site Storage
For permanent storage on a residential lot in the City of Mesa, the rules depend on the number of dwelling units on the property and the total square footage of the lot.
Residential Lots with Fewer than 5 Units
For properties with four or fewer units, the City of Mesa allows the storage of one RV, boat, or trailer in the following locations:
- Within an entirely enclosed accessory building or garage [Section 11-34-5(B)(3)].
- In the rear yard or a side yard, provided the vehicle is placed behind the front line of the dwelling [Section 11-34-5(B)(3)].
The maximum length of the vehicle permitted in a side yard is governed by the lot size:
Side Yard Storage Standards
| Lot Size | Maximum Vehicle Length | Screening Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 15,000 sq. ft. or larger | 40 Feet (including tongue) | 6-foot opaque fence required if vehicle is >6 feet tall [Section 11-34-5(B)(3)] |
| Smaller than 15,000 sq. ft. | 30 Feet (including tongue) | 6-foot opaque fence required if vehicle is >6 feet tall [Section 11-34-5(B)(3)] |
Residential Lots with 5 or More Units
On larger multi-family parcels, the City of Mesa mandates that all RVs, boats, and trailers be parked only in approved, specifically designated parking spaces or within an approved on-site storage area [Section 11-34-5(B)(3)].
Prohibited Activities
While an RV or boat is parked on a residential lot in the City of Mesa, the following actions are strictly prohibited:
- Living/Sleeping: It is unlawful to use a parked RV or trailer for living quarters or commercial purposes [Section 11-34-5(B)(3)].
- Visibility/Safety: No vehicle may be parked in a manner that creates a traffic hazard or obstructs the visibility of the traveling public [Section 11-34-5(B)(2)].
- Inactivity: If a vehicle is inactive for more than two days, it must be parked so that it is not visible from the right-of-way whenever possible [Section 11-42-7].
Sections Cited
- Section 11-30-7: Outdoor Storage
- Section 11-32-2: General Regulations and Standards (Parking)
- Section 11-34-5: General Provisions (Manufactured Home/RV)
- Section 11-42-7: Vehicle Signs
- Section 11-86-4: Commercial Use Classifications
- Chapter 87: Definitions