Regulations for Parking Recreational and Commercial Vehicles in the City of Orlando
Recreational vehicles (RVs) and boats in the City of Orlando must be stored either in a completely enclosed garage or within a side or rear yard, provided they are no taller than 10.5 feet and no longer than 25 feet. Side or rear yard storage requires a 6-foot solid fence or wall for screening and a minimum 5-foot setback from all property lines. Parking on public streets or within front yards for the purpose of loading or unloading is strictly limited to a maximum of 36 hours.
General Requirements for Recreational Vehicles
In all City of Orlando residential or office districts, the parking of recreational vehicles is governed by specific locational and size standards. These regulations apply to any vehicle used for recreational purposes, which generally includes motorhomes, trailers, and boats.
Enclosed Storage
A recreational vehicle may be parked within a completely enclosed private garage on any property in the City of Orlando, provided the vehicle is not being used as a residence while parked [Sec. 58.926].
Side and Rear Yard Parking Standards
If a resident of the City of Orlando chooses to park a recreational vehicle outside of a garage, it must be located in a side or rear yard and meet the following technical criteria:
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Height | 10.5 feet (measured at the highest point) |
| Maximum Length | 25 feet |
| Surface Material | Paved parking surface |
| Access | Must be accessible from the street by an approved driveway |
| Required Screening | Solid wall or solid fence at least 6 feet in height |
| Property Line Setback | Minimum 5 feet from side and rear lines |
| Structure Setback | Minimum 5 feet from any adjacent building or structure |
[Sec. 58.926(b)]
Provisions for Loading and Unloading
The City of Orlando allows for the temporary parking of recreational vehicles in areas otherwise prohibited (such as driveways or front yards) solely for the purpose of loading and unloading. This activity is permitted for a period not to exceed thirty-six (36) hours [Sec. 58.926(c)].
Street Parking and Commercial Vehicles
The City of Orlando prohibits the parking of commercial vehicles on public streets or within privately owned driveways in residential or office districts, except for active loading or unloading.
- Size Allowance for Street Parking: A recreational vehicle may be parked on a public street only if it is less than eighty (80) inches in width and complies with all other applicable City of Orlando traffic codes [Sec. 58.926(e)].
- Commercial Weight Limits: In residential districts, even if a commercial vehicle is stored within an enclosed private garage, it is prohibited if it has a gross vehicle load rating exceeding 20,000 pounds [Sec. 58.927].
- Home Occupation Trailers: For residents operating a licensed home occupation, the City of Orlando prohibits the parking of commercial or utility trailers for more than 36 continuous hours at the residence [Sec. 58.938].
Prohibited Actions and Maintenance
The Orlando Land Development Code identifies several actions that would result in a violation regarding vehicle storage:
- Permanent Occupancy: It is prohibited to use a parked recreational vehicle as a permanent place of residence, business, or for dwelling purposes. Occupancy for more than three months in any 12-month period is considered prima facie evidence of permanent occupancy [Sec. 58.552, Sec. 58.926].
- Removal of Equipment: Removing vehicle tags, wheels, tongues, or hitches while the vehicle is parked is prohibited and serves as evidence of permanent occupancy [Sec. 58.926(d)].
- Inoperable Vehicles: Vehicles stored on any property in the City of Orlando must be maintained in operable condition. If a vehicle is wrecked, dismantled, or lacks a valid license tag, the City of Orlando may declare it a nuisance and require its removal within ten (10) days [Sec. 58.793, Sec. 58.1205].
Sections Cited
- Sec. 58.552 - Occupancy Requirements
- Sec. 58.793 - Stored Vehicles Required to be Operable
- Sec. 58.926 - General Requirement (Commercial and Recreational Vehicle Parking)
- Sec. 58.927 - Maximum Weight for Commercial Vehicles Parked in Enclosed Private Garage
- Sec. 58.938 - Performance and Design Requirements (Home Occupations)
- Sec. 58.1205 - Enforcement (Abandoned or Derelict Vehicles)