RV parking rules in West Manchester Township

West Manchester Township RV parking at a glance

When can an RV park on a public street?

Section 97-3 allows parking or storage only to ready an RV or boat for use near in time to the street parking. It is not general street storage. No more than 72 consecutive hours on any single public street, and no more than seven total days on public streets in any consecutive 30-day period. Moving to another street does not erase the seven-day total.

The chapter defines public street as a street, road, lane, court, alley or public square accepted/adopted by West Manchester as a public road. An RV is a vehicle/trailer designed for temporary recreational camping/travel living or shelter, including fifth wheels, folding campers, slide-ins, truck campers and motorhomes. Boats and their transport trailers are included separately.

Can I sleep in an RV parked on the street?

No. §97-4 prohibits sleeping overnight or keeping any residence in an RV or boat parked on a public street under the preparation provision. Loading for tomorrow’s trip does not authorize overnight sleeping. Street use or parking also may not create a nuisance under §97-6.

Can I run an extension cord to the RV?

Section 97-5 prohibits shore-power connections creating hazards for pedestrians or traffic. A power cord across a sidewalk must be underneath a cord protector covering every portion on/across the sidewalk. That requirement is not blanket approval of the electrical installation.

An RV or boat may never be connected to a permanent or shore-power electrical source for more than 72 consecutive hours, whether parked on a public street or on private property. The private-lot scope is explicit; moving off the street does not remove it.

What about long-term driveway storage or guest camping?

Chapter 97’s street preparation route does not settle private-lot storage zoning, yard setbacks or private guest accommodation. The shore-power limit does apply privately, but that is not permission for sleeping, water or sewer hookups. Confirm those uses and any approved campground separately with zoning.

What should I confirm before preparing for a trip?

Confirm actual Township jurisdiction and whether the road falls within the chapter’s definition, record all public-street days within the rolling 30-day period, keep the unit unoccupied overnight and avoid nuisances and electrical hazards. Ask Police about posted street limits and zoning about any private placement or utility work.

Who to contact for your setup

Ask West Manchester Township zoning staff about your parcel, zoning district, vehicle classification, legal yard boundaries and intended activity. Ask Police about the exact street, posted restrictions and temporary controls. Confirm later amendments, private covenants, leases and utility approvals separately.

Use the West Manchester Township parking checker to organize the starting conditions. The checker cannot approve a parcel, a variance or an unverified exception.

Official sources reviewed November 6, 2026

• West Manchester §§97-3–6: parking, sleeping and shore power

  Readying-for-use purpose; 72 consecutive hours on a single street, seven total days in 30, no street sleeping and shore-power limits.

• West Manchester §§97-1–2: scope and definitions

  Public street means a street/road/lane/court/alley/public square accepted or adopted by Township; RV includes motorhomes and camping trailers.

A review date records when we checked these sources. The notes above explain any use of older code editions or limits on access to the full source; an address-specific township determination may still be required. Read our research method.