RV Parking Ordinance
RV Parking Ordinance Effective as of March 26, 2022
Sebastopol Recreational Vehicle (RV) Parking Ordinance No. 1136 went into effect on March 26, 2022. The ordinance is intended to ensure there is adequate parking for residents of the city and to regulate the parking of vehicles actively used as sleeping accommodations. In short, RVs may not be parked:
- less than 30 feet from any street corner at any time,
- in commercial areas between 7:30am and 10pm,
- on any public street in the city that is zoned residential at any time (exception for resident, tenant or out-of-town visitor to load/unload the vehicle for a period not to exceed 72 hours).
These prohibitions do not make up the entire ordinance and there are a number of exceptions to the prohibitions. See Sebastopol Municipal Code 10.36 (Amended) and Sebastopol Municipal Code 10.76 for more information. For questions about the ordinance, please email Sebastopol Chief of Police Ron Nelson at rnelson@cityofsebastopol.gov.
FAQs
I have an RV for emergency/evacuation use. May I park it on the street in front of my house?
RVs may not be parked on any city street zoned residential for longer than 72 hours. Enforcement is most likely to occur after a citizen complaint. At that time an officer will document the RV location and speak to the owner before issuing a citation after 72 hours of non-movement. Note that RVs may not be parked less than 30 feet from any corner on any street for any length of time.
I have guests who visit me in their RV. May they park it in the street in front of my house?
Your guest’s RV may be parked in the street in front of your home for up to 72 hours. Enforcement is most likely to occur after a citizen complaint. At that time an officer will document the RV location and speak to the owner before issuing a citation after 72 hours of non-movement. Note that RVs may not be parked less than 30 feet from any corner on any street for any length of time. Electrical cords, extension cords, hoses, cables, or other items may not be placed across, above, or on the parkway or sidewalk from any property to a recreational vehicle parked on a public street at any time. It is also unlawful to make a sewer connection with a recreational vehicle or dump wastes from a recreational vehicle onto public or private land other than a designated RV dump.
I am uncertain as to whether or not my vehicle is considered an RV under the ordinance.
The definition of “recreational vehicles” may be found in section 10.76.030 of the ordinance.
What are the penalties for violation of the ordinance?
Violations are subject to citation, towing, or both.
How do I report a suspected violation?
Call the Sebastopol Police Department’s non-emergency number at (707) 829-4400 so dispatch can get the appropriate information.
May I appeal a citation?
Parking citations may be appealed under California Vehicle Code 40215 et seq.
Who do I contact if I have questions about the ordinance?
Email Sebastopol Chief of Police Ron Nelson at rnelson@cityofsebastopol.gov with questions about the ordinance.