Zoning Uses / RV Storage Facility

Zoning for an RV Storage Facility

Probable Zoning Classification: C - Commercial or I - Industrial

What Zoning Do You Need for an RV Storage Facility?

An RV storage facility is a commercial property where customers rent outdoor lots, covered spaces, or enclosed units to store recreational vehicles when they are not in use. RV storage facilities require C (Commercial) or I (Industrial) zoning, with the same regulatory framework that applies to boat and RV storage facilities. Light industrial zones are particularly well-suited because they accommodate the large lot sizes, wide drive aisles, and outdoor vehicle storage that this use requires.

Why Industrial Zoning Works Best

RV storage facilities need flat, accessible parcels with wide internal roads that can accommodate vehicles up to 45 feet long. Industrial zones provide this type of land at lower cost than commercial zones, with fewer aesthetic restrictions and greater tolerance for outdoor vehicle storage. Light industrial zoning permits outdoor storage as a primary or conditional use and imposes manageable screening and surface requirements.

The main zoning requirements for RV storage in industrial zones are screening (solid fencing or walls to block views of stored RVs from public roads), surface standards (paved or stabilized gravel), security lighting with limits on light spillover, access point design for large vehicles, and stormwater management for the large surface area.

Commercial Zoning Considerations

Some RV storage facilities operate in commercial zones, particularly in suburban areas where industrial land is scarce. Commercial zoning may impose additional aesthetic and screening requirements beyond what industrial zones require, as commercial districts maintain higher appearance standards. Facilities in commercial zones may need enhanced landscaping buffers, decorative fencing rather than chain-link, and building design standards for any on-site office or management structures.

Covered and Indoor Storage

Covered RV storage (canopy structures over individual bays) and fully enclosed RV storage buildings represent a premium tier of RV storage that commands higher rental rates. These facilities require building permits for the structures and must comply with commercial building codes for fire separation, structural wind and snow loads, and fire suppression. Fully enclosed RV storage buildings are increasingly popular because they provide maximum protection for expensive vehicles and face less community opposition than open-air lots.

Steps Before Opening an RV Storage Facility

Start by confirming the zoning on your target property. You can look up your property's zoning on ZoningPoint.com to identify the current classification. Contact your local planning department to verify that outdoor vehicle storage is permitted in the zone, what screening and surface requirements apply, and whether a conditional use permit or site plan review is required. For covered or enclosed storage, obtain building permits and verify compliance with fire and structural codes.

It is important that you look up the specific zoning type for your parcel of land, because every jurisdiction has their own unique zoning and this is just a generalization.

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