Do you own a boat or RV and plan to keep it at home in North Palm Beach? You are not alone. Many residents love the convenience of launching close to home and storing gear on site, but the Village has clear rules to protect neighborhood appearance and safety. In this guide, you’ll learn what the Village typically regulates, how Anchorage Park’s resident program works, and the practical steps to stay compliant from day one. Let’s dive in.
What the Village regulates
North Palm Beach regulates where and how you can store boats, trailers, and RVs on residential lots. The rules usually address driveway placement, side and rear yard storage, and visibility from the street. You should also expect standards for fencing or screening, limits on street parking, and restrictions on repairs or fueling at home.
Village policies and park procedures can change. Fees, decals, and hours are updated periodically. Always verify with the Village Code of Ordinances, Code Enforcement, Building/Permitting, and Parks and Recreation before you rely on any single source.
Where you can store at home
Most Florida municipalities allow some form of on-lot storage with conditions. North Palm Beach follows this general pattern. Review your lot layout and check how the rules apply to your driveway, side yard, and rear yard.
Driveway and front-yard placement
Driveway storage may be allowed, often with limits to avoid blocking sidewalks or sight lines. Some communities limit the size or number of trailers in front of the home. Confirm if temporary staging for loading and unloading has time limits.
Side and rear yard screening
Many neighborhoods require boats and RVs to be screened from street view if stored long term. Screening can include fencing, landscaping, or placement behind the front building line. Ask whether your fence or screening solution needs a permit before you install it.
Street parking and right-of-way
Parking a trailer or RV on the public right-of-way is often restricted, especially overnight. Unregistered or improperly tagged trailers on the street are commonly subject to enforcement. Confirm local time limits and any posted signs on your block.
Temporary vs. long-term storage
Expect different rules for short-term staging versus permanent storage. Temporary windows usually cover loading, cleaning, or quick repairs for a short period. Long-term storage may require screening, setback, and quantity limits. When in doubt, ask Code Enforcement what qualifies as temporary at your address.
Permits, fences, and screening
If you plan to add a fence, gate, privacy panels, or a dedicated pad to store your boat or RV, you may need a building or zoning permit. Setbacks, height, and materials usually have standards. Securing approvals before you build will help you avoid delays and violations.
What you cannot do on your lot
Most residential areas limit activities that create noise, fumes, or runoff. That often means no live-aboard use on a trailer, no major painting or fueling at home, and no washing that sends soap or chemicals into storm drains. Follow stormwater and pollution rules whenever you clean or service your vessel.
Anchorage Park: who can use it
Anchorage Park is a key perk for Village residents. The ramp and on-site storage options are for residents who meet the eligibility rules and display the proper decals. The program typically requires proof of residency and current registration for your vessel and trailer.
Resident decals and documents
Be prepared to show a driver’s license with your local address and a recent utility or property tax bill. You should also have current boat registration, a valid trailer plate, and proof of insurance if required. Decals usually must be displayed on the vehicle and trailer as directed by the Parks and Recreation office.
Ramp access and conduct
Ramp access follows park hours and posted procedures. You should plan your launch so you can stage, launch, and retrieve within posted time limits. Follow on-site directions for traffic flow, trailer queues, and courtesy at the ramp.
Storage options and waitlists
Anchorage Park may offer on-land storage options for residents. Availability can change seasonally and may involve a waiting list. Confirm current fees, the assignment process, and renewal deadlines directly with Parks and Recreation.
Step-by-step checklist for new residents
- Before you move
- Measure your boat, trailer, or RV and note total length and height.
- Review your lot layout and driveway width to plan legal placement.
- Decide whether you will store at home or apply for Anchorage Park storage.
- Read the current rules
- Obtain the Village Code sections covering boat, trailer, RV storage, and parking.
- Request Anchorage Park’s resident policy for decals, ramp access, hours, and fees.
- Gather documents
- Proof of residency: driver’s license plus a utility or property tax bill.
- Current boat registration and valid trailer plate.
- Proof of insurance if the Village or Parks office requires it.
- Apply for decals and, if needed, storage
- Submit your resident ramp decal application as instructed by Parks and Recreation.
- If you need a storage slot, ask about availability or a waiting list.
- Plan your on-lot setup
- Confirm whether front driveway storage is allowed at your address.
- If long-term storage is in a side or rear yard, determine screening and setbacks.
- If you need a fence or pad, ask Building/Permitting about permits before work begins.
- Use the ramp the right way
- Display decals on your vehicle and trailer as required.
- Follow staging and launch protocols and observe posted time limits.
- Do not leave trailers or vehicles overnight unless the rules allow it.
- Keep everything current
- Renew decals, registrations, and storage agreements on time.
- Keep copies of your approvals and any communications from the Village.
Enforcement and how to respond
If a violation occurs, the Village typically starts with a notice or warning. Continued noncompliance can lead to citations and fines, and some violations can trigger daily penalties. Illegally parked or abandoned equipment in the right-of-way may be towed at the owner’s expense.
If you receive a notice, respond quickly. Correct the condition, request an extension if needed, or ask about the appeals process. For unique lot constraints, you may explore a variance. Communicate early with Code Enforcement and keep records of your steps to comply.
Environmental and safety basics
- Registration and plates: Trailers in Florida must be registered and display a valid plate. Unregistered trailers on public streets are often subject to enforcement.
- Boating safety: Follow Florida’s boating laws, safety equipment requirements, and operator rules when using Village ramps and waterways.
- Prevent invasive species: Clean, drain, and dry your boat. Remove visible vegetation and empty livewells and bilges before leaving the ramp.
- Prevent pollution: Avoid washing boats in a way that sends soaps or chemicals into storm drains. Do not fuel on residential lots or in areas where it is not allowed.
What to avoid
- Leaving a boat or trailer on the street overnight when it is prohibited.
- Blocking sidewalks or placing equipment in the public right-of-way.
- Storing a boat or RV without required screening if your property needs it.
- Performing major repairs, painting, or fueling at home without clear permission.
- Launching at Anchorage Park without a resident decal or proper documentation.
- Missing renewals for decals, storage agreements, or registrations.
How Opulence Group helps
If boat storage is important to your move, your purchase plan should address it from the start. We help you evaluate lot layouts, side-yard options, HOA considerations, and proximity to ramps that fit your lifestyle. We also guide you on who to contact at the Village so you can confirm the latest rules, decal requirements, and storage availability before closing. When you are ready to align the right property with the boating life you want in North Palm Beach, reach out to Opulence Group. Let’s Connect.
FAQs
Can I park my boat or RV in my North Palm Beach driveway?
- Many municipalities allow driveway parking with limits on size, visibility, and sidewalk clearance. Confirm the Village’s driveway rules and any time limits before you store long term.
Can I keep my trailer on the street overnight in North Palm Beach?
- Overnight trailer parking on public streets is commonly restricted. Check posted signs and the Village code to avoid a citation or tow.
How many boats or RVs can I store on my lot in North Palm Beach?
- Local codes often set numeric limits and screening standards. Verify the exact allowance for your zoning district with the Village.
Do I need a permit to add a fence for boat screening in North Palm Beach?
- Fences and screening often require permits and must meet height and setback rules. Confirm requirements with Building/Permitting before installation.
How do I get Anchorage Park ramp access and a resident decal?
- Be ready to show proof of residency, current registration, and insurance if required. Apply through Parks and Recreation and follow their directions for decal placement.
Is there a waiting list for Anchorage Park storage?
- Storage availability can change seasonally, and waitlists are common. Contact Parks and Recreation to check current openings and fees.
What happens if I receive a boat storage violation in North Palm Beach?
- Expect an initial notice, then potential fines if you do not correct the issue. Illegally parked trailers can be towed, and you may have appeal options through the Village.
