Is it Legal to Park Your RV on the Street in Front of Your Own House in Arizona?

Cutting Ties with a Single Location

I've been following a lot of social media accounts of boondockers. Boondocking is essentially camping without hookups on public land away from campgrounds. I've seen people who work remotely in their RV, and then step out their front door to take in the sunrise on the rim of the Grand Canyon.

The freedom and romance of life in an RV is highly appealing. With mobile offices and work-from-home jobs becoming increasingly popular, a lot of people are pulling up stakes and hitting the road.

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Imagine not being tethered to a single location. How exciting it would be to have the choice to work from anywhere, visit family and friends along the way, and still be able to earn a living.

It sounds amazing. That is until it's time to park that behemoth in front of someone's house. You run the risk of not only irritating the neighbors but you could get slapped with fines and parking violations. What does the law say about parking an RV in a residential area in Arizona?

The Law: Parking an RV on the Sidewalk or the Street in Arizona

If you're planning to park your RV in an older neighborhood, you might find yourself navigating narrow streets without much wiggle room. Your only option might be to park on or partly on a sidewalk. But is that legal?

According to the Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 28, Chapter 3, Article 9, Section 28-873:

It is unlawful to park or leave standing any vehicle on a sidewalk, within an intersection, on a crosswalk, or in any other manner that obstructs the normal movement of traffic or pedestrians.

This statute applies to all vehicles, and that includes RVs, without regard to size or weight.

Can I Park My RV in Front of a House in Arizona?

It's easy to understand not parking your RV on the sidewalk in front of someone else's home, but what about parking in front of your OWN house?

Even though it's your home, you're still not allowed. Parking your RV on the sidewalk, even near your home or on the street outside your home, is illegal and could result in a fine or a citation.

Some cities and counties in Arizona have additional local parking ordinances. And some places even prohibit or restrict parking an RV on a residential street altogether. The regulations vary, so check them out in advance.

RV Parking Rules in Tucson or Phoenix

Some areas always restrict RV parking. Other places limit parking during certain hours. For example, in Maricopa County, you're not allowed to park your RV on the street, unless the owner obtains a temporary parking permit from the county.

In Tucson, RV parking on the street is allowed for up to 72 hours, but only while you're loading and unloading the vehicle. Extended parking beyond that is not allowed.

It's always a good idea to check local parking ordinances so you don't end up in hot water. Whether you're visiting someone or parking in front of your own home, it's good practice to respect the neighborhood. Always avoid blocking driveways, and don't obscure views, or any access to neighbor's property.

Parking an RV on Your Property in Arizona

What about parking your RV on your own property?

The good news is there's a bit more flexibility. You're allowed to store your RV in your driveway, in a side yard, or in your backyard, but it all depends on zoning and land use regulations in your area. Of course, there are still restrictions.

In the State of Arizona, an RV:

• Must be licensed and operable.
• Cannot pose a safety or environmental hazard.
• Parked in an RV park or mobile home park can legally be evicted if the owner has an unlicensed, inoperable, or unsafe rig.
• Cannot obstruct the sidewalk or encroach on a neighbor's property.
• Parked in a neighborhood with an HOA (Home Owner's Association) can be subject to the HOA's additional or specific rules for parking.

There may be other rules to consider. Parking your RV near your home or on the street in Arizona can be challenging, but not impossible. Stay aware of the parking rules and regulations, and you can enjoy a ton of fun and live a life of freedom!