Can you park a trailer on your property?
By
Elaine Knight
In this blog post, we will answer the question: “Can you park a trailer on your property?” We will discuss the trailer parking rules and discuss how to find out about the state parking laws. Additionally, we will talk about a few tips and requirements for parking your trailer on your property.
Can you park a trailer on your property?
Yes, you can park a trailer on your property. However, check with the HOA and read up on the local motorhome parking regulations. In some cities, you might be required to park your trailer away in your backyard. There is no particular law that prohibits you from parking your trailer on your property. Just be sure to check your city’s motorhome parking rules.
Trailer parking rules
There are some rules and regulations that need to be strictly considered when parking a trailer on your property. These are just general rules that must be followed but they vary in every city, county, and state. Here are some of the common trailer parking rules to consider.
- The owner of the trailer must be using the property as their primary residence or they should be the owner of the property.
- Avoid connecting any facilities from your homes like water, gas, or electricity to your trailer. You are not allowed to connect to these facilities if your trailer is used for parking only.
- If your property is below 0.2 acres, you are not allowed to park any motorhome that is more than 24 feet in length.
- Your trailer should have a minimum of three feet gap from any structure or fence.
- You cannot use the trailer as a permanent or temporary residence when parked or stored.
- Your trailer must have a legal license plate.
- The trailer should be parked in a paved area.
How to find out about the state parking laws?
It is crucial to check the local and state parking laws even before you purchase your motorhome. Each state has its rules when it comes to parking a trailer. You might not be allowed to park a trailer in a driveway in certain states. The best way to know these rules is to ask your county office. You can also check with the HOA or read your State’s motorhome parking laws online.
Ask the HOA
- The Home Owner’s Association will be able to give you a detailed understanding of the motorhome parking laws. You can check with the HOA by visiting them directly.
- You can also ask them for the rules and take a printout of those rules for further reference. Usually, HOAs do not encourage parking motorhomes in driveways.
- In some cases, they might allow you to park your trailer on your property but you will be required to shield the view of the trailer.
- Your trailer should not be visible to anyone. Hence, your neighbor should not be able to see your motorhome in your backyard. You will need to come up with an idea to park your vehicle and cover it completely.
Ask the County Courthouse
- Another easy way is to ask the County Courthouse. You can do this by visiting the County Courthouse directly. Just go straight to the zoning office and ask them about the motorhome parking laws.
- It is better to get the information in person to avoid any confusion. Understanding the motorhome parking laws might be difficult. Ensure to ask about all the limitations.
- Be sure to ask them about the duration and the requirements for parking a trailer on your property.
- You may be required to park your trailer only if you have a spacious backyard and a building to hide your trailer. Many people construct a shed to keep their motorhome hidden.
- Enquiring about the duration of parking your vehicle is important since some zoning laws only provide up to three months of parking for motorhomes.
Ask about the permit
- You can call up your city regulators and ask them if you need a permit for parking your trailer on your property. In some cities, you will require a permit or prove that your trailer has a title and current registration.
- The rules change according to the locality, the best way to know this is by asking your city regulators, HOAs, county courthouse, etc.
- Your trailer cannot be parked in your front yard or out of your property. You can also park your trailer in the driveway only for up to 72 hours in case of loading or unloading any cargo.
- Your trailer should ideally be parked in an enclosed structure that is located on your property and it should not be seen from outside.
- Your trailer must be clean and maintained and not be an endangerment to the public’s safety, and health. You are also required to maintain the surrounding of your trailer.
- Note that you cannot live in your trailer on your property permanently. There is a limited time for living in a trailer and your trailer should not be used as the main dwelling. On the other hand, your trailer should be connected to the main building in some way or the other.
These rules are also subject to change according to the city, county, or state. Never try to live or park a trailer permanently on your property without seeking permission from the local authority.
Tips and requirements for parking your trailer on your property
Once you have the permit to park your trailer on your property, you need to make sure that your trailer is safe and secure. There are a few other things to look into when it comes to parking your trailer on your property. Here are a few tips and requirements for parking your trailer on your property.
Construct a paved parking area
- The most important part to park a trailer on your property is to construct a paved parking area. The parking surface for your trailer must be level and solid. Hence, it is essential to construct a paved area.
- In some cases, your trailer might have leaks, and cement or solid surface can help you clean up easily. It also keeps your trailer stable and decreases the wear and tear on the tires. Another advantage is that you can keep some of your gear in the paved parking area.
Construct a roof for the trailer
- You need to have a roof over the trailer to protect it from sun, rain, or snow. This will prevent the trailer roof from deterioration and also help to keep dust away. There are several options such as pre-fab metal covers and other materials.
- It is also important that your trailer is covered as per the rules. Hence, the most important thing is to first construct a roof for the trailer.
Construct a fence around the trailer
- Some people construct a fence around the trailer for added protection. A fence can keep your trailer safe and it protects you even while you are away from home.
Keep the surroundings attractive
- Since you are parking your trailer on your property for a long time, you may as well go all out and create an attractive surrounding. You can do this by adding a couple of ornaments like grass, shrubs, trees, etc.
- You can add a couple of pots with plants and remove them whenever required. This will make your surroundings look attractive.
The most important part of all these tips is to get the right information on the trailer parking laws on your property. Ensure to ask the local authorities in advance even before purchasing your trailer. Never try to take the law into your own hands or try to park or hide the trailer on your property without permission.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have answered the question: “Can you park a trailer on your property?” We have discussed the trailer parking rules and discussed how to find out about the state parking laws. Additionally, we have talked about a few tips and requirements for parking your trailer on your property.
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