1. Services for Residents
  2. Housing & Property
  3. Yard & Garden
  4. Recreation Vehicles

Recreation Vehicles

We know your recreational vehicle (RV)  is your "home away from home"! Whether you have a motorhome, travel trailer, or fifth-wheel, these vehicles are perfect for enjoying our beautiful country while still having all the comforts of home. However, once you're back to life in the city, there are a few important dos and don'ts to keep in mind when storing your RV. 
 

Storing an RV on Private Property 

The Zoning Bylaw, No. 8770, outlines the requirements for vehicle storage in residential zoning districts. You may park your RV on private property, but please keep these regulations in mind: 

  • Make sure your RV is parked at least 1.2 metres away from the interior edge of the city sidewalk; 
  • Your RV must have a valid license plate; and 
  • If you're parking it in the required front yard, it must sit on a hard surface like your driveway, gravel pad or pavers. 

Popular Misunderstandings

  • You don't need a permit to store your RV on private property; and 
  • You can park your RV in the side or back yard on dirt or grass. The hard surface requirement only applies to the front yard - so you've got options! 
     

Using an RV on Private Property 

Hosting friends? Great news! Guests can stay in an RV for up to 14 days within a 3-month period, provided they have access to the essentials within the home (like the kitchen and bathroom). Living in an RV on private property as temporary housing is not allowed, according to the Zoning Bylaw. 
 

Parking an RV on the City Street 

Stopping by on your next big adventure or cleaning out your RV following a great summer filled with memories? Here are the rules for storing your RV on the city street, as found in Section 21 of the Traffic Bylaw, No. 7200. For more information about regulations for parking an RV on the street contact Parking Services or visit the Parking Services page.

Self-Propelling and Hitched RV's

An RV that is self-propelling or hitched to it's tow vehicle can be parked on the road for up to 36 hours. After that, it will need to be relocated off-street for 48 hours before parking again. If your RV is attached to its tow vehicle and the total length is over 6 meters, it is considered an over length vehicle, and can only be parked on the street for 1 hour.

Unhitched RV's

If the RV is unhitched, the tires must be chocked. Chocking involves blocking the front and rear tire on same side of the vehicle with a device that will prevent unattended movement of the RV.

An RV that is unhitched to it's tow vehicle can be parked on the road for up to 36 hours. After that, it will need to be relocated off-street for 48 hours before parking again. 

An RV that is not attached to its tow vehicle, even though it may exceed 6 meters in length, is not considered an over length vehicle and may be parked on the street for 36 hours, provided it is then relocated off-street for 48 hours.

Other Requirements 

Please ensure your RV is parked at least one metre from driveways, not blocking any fire hydrants, and is not in a restricted parking area.