Ripon Clarifies RV Parking Rules, Aims to Keep Streets Clear

In a move to address growing concerns about recreational vehicle storage, the City of Ripon has issued a reminder about its RV parking regulations, highlighting key rules that affect both longtime and newer residents differently.

The regulations, which cover everything from motorhomes to boats and ATVs, allow residents to temporarily park their vehicles on public streets for up to 48 hours – just enough time to prep for a weekend getaway or clean up after a family vacation.

But it's the permanent storage rules that have caught many residents' attention. In an interesting twist, the city maintains different standards based on when homes were built. Residents living in pre-1988 homes enjoy more flexibility, with permission to park one RV in their front yard driveway. Those in newer homes face stricter requirements, having to keep their recreational vehicles either in side yards or behind their houses, at least 20 feet back from the front property line.

The guidelines serve both practical and aesthetic purposes, balancing community standards with residents' needs.

The reminder comes as more Americans are embracing RV travel and outdoor recreation, putting pressure on residential neighborhoods to balance storage needs with community appearance. The city's regulations aim to strike that balance, though residents seeking clarification can contact Officer Brassaw directly at lbrassaw@cityofripon.org or 209-599-0276.

The rules apply to a broad range of vehicles, including travel trailers, fifth wheels, motorhomes, truck campers, pop-up campers, boats, boat trailers, utility trailers, and all-terrain vehicles – essentially anything that might be used for recreation but isn't a regular passenger vehicle.

Officials emphasize that all stored vehicles must be parked on permanent surfaces, regardless of location, to maintain property values and prevent damage to landscaping.