Fines and tips for parking recreational vehicles on city streets in residential areas
Residential RV Parking
Park your RV safely and responsibly on city streets in residential areas to avoid parking fines
Owning a recreational vehicle (RV) is freedom but comes with responsibility. Whether you're a seasoned RV owner or a first-time renter, it's important that you're aware of and comply with the Bylaws related to recreational vehicles to avoid fines and keep the peace with your neighbours.
Between April 1 and October 31
If your home has a suitable front driveway, an RV can be parked on your front driveway for three consecutive days. After which, it will need to be removed from the area for at least 48 hours. Please note that if you have a suitable front driveway, street parking is not permitted between April 1 and October 31.
If you don't have a suitable front driveway, an RV can be parked on the street in front of your home for up to three days. After that, it must be off-site for 48 consecutive hours, for example, in storage or at an RV park or campsite. Please note that there is no additional street parking available for RVs during the summer months.
Between November 1 and March 31
Any RV may be parked for up to three days on the street in front of your home, followed by 48 consecutive hours that it needs to be off-site, for example, in storage or at an RV park/campsite. Remember, parking on front driveways is not allowed.
Street Parking Fines
| Payment schedule | Within 10 days | Between 10 & 30 days | After 30 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $160 | $200 | $400 |
Tips on avoiding fines
Here are seven tips on safely and legally parking RVs on residential streets to avoid fines
- Know the bylaws: The best way to know the bylaws is to read them for yourself. Always check the Community Standards and Traffic Bylaws before parking your recreational vehicle.
- Avoid blocking visibility: RVs parked in a way that obstructs the view of intersections, crosswalks, playgrounds or traffic signs are safety risks that block the movement of other vehicles or pedestrians—park in spots with clear sightlines. If you are unsure, pick another spot away that doesn't obstruct anyone's view.
- Use your driveway: If you have a front driveway, park your RV in your driveway during the allowed months. Please do not park your RV in a manner that blocks sidewalks or neighbours' driveways.
- Be mindful of neighbours: Be considerate of your neighbours when parking your RV, especially in narrow streets or neighbourhoods with limited parking.
- Communicate with neighbours: Maintaining good relationships with neighbours is important and overly prolonged RV parking can lead to complaints and potential conflicts. Let your neighbours know if you plan to park your RV on the street for a few days, especially if it is near their property. Open communication builds trust and goodwill.
- Don't leave detached trailers on streets: All removable trailers or campers must always be attached to their towing vehicle when parked on a public street or alley. If the trailer is detached from the towing vehicle for any length of time, you may get a ticket.
- Use designated storage: When your RV is not in use, consider storing it in designated storage facilities that comply with the bylaws related to recreational vehicles. Find out which RV storage facilities are closest to you.
