Introduction
The tiny house movement has been gaining popularity across the United States, and California is no exception. With its diverse landscapes and progressive attitudes, California is an attractive destination for tiny house enthusiasts. However, navigating the rules and regulations for parking and living in a tiny house in California can be complex. This article provides a detailed guide to help you understand the legal landscape for tiny houses in the Golden State.
Rules and Regulations in California
In California, tiny houses must comply with both state and local building codes. The primary building code is the California Building Standards Code (CBSC), which incorporates the International Residential Code (IRC). These codes set standards for safety, habitability, and construction. Tiny houses on wheels (THOWs) are often classified as recreational vehicles (RVs) and must meet RV Industry Association (RVIA) standards.
Local zoning laws play a crucial role in determining where you can park and live in a tiny house. These laws vary significantly between counties and municipalities. Some areas may have specific ordinances that allow tiny houses, while others may have restrictions based on minimum square footage, lot size, and other factors. It is essential to check with your local zoning office to understand the specific requirements in your area.
For tiny houses on wheels, you will need to register your home with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and comply with RV regulations. If you plan to place your tiny house on a permanent foundation, you will need to obtain the necessary building permits and undergo inspections to ensure compliance with the CBSC and IRC.
House Types in California
California recognizes several types of housing, including single-family homes, multi-family homes, and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Tiny houses can fit into different categories depending on their construction and usage. For example, a tiny house on a permanent foundation may be classified as a single-family home, while a tiny house on wheels might be considered an RV or mobile home.
ADUs are secondary housing units on a single-family residential lot, and California does recognize them. A tiny house can be considered an ADU if it meets the local zoning requirements and building codes for such units. This can be a viable option for those looking to place a tiny house on a property with an existing primary residence.
Counties in California that Allow Tiny Houses
Several counties in California have specific regulations that permit tiny houses. Here are a few:
- Los Angeles County: Allows tiny houses as ADUs, provided they meet certain size and setback requirements.
- Fresno County: Permits tiny houses as ADUs, but strict size limits are in place.
- Santa Cruz County: Allows tiny houses on wheels (THOWs) in all zoning districts, as long as they comply with the California Building Code.
- San Luis Obispo County: Permits tiny houses as ADUs, provided they meet certain size and setback requirements.
- Santa Barbara County: Allows THOWs in all zoning districts, as long as they comply with the California Building Code.
- San Diego County: Permits tiny houses as ADUs, and THOWs in all zoning districts, as long as they comply with the California Building Code.
- Sacramento County: Approves tiny homes as ADUs, and THOWs can be placed in any zoning area, provided they meet California Building Code standards.
Tiny House Communities in California
We know of 13 tiny house communities in California. Here is short description of each of them.
Tiny Home Parking w/Hookups in North County San Diego - November 1st
Long-term tiny home parking behind a residence on 1/2 acre in a beautiful, quiet area of suburban Escondido. This spot offers panorama sunsets, full hookups and a separate driveway on a culdesac. Surrounded by greenery and orchards, this is the perfect place to park + live the good live for less!
AMENITIES: Full hookups (sewer/electric/water), off-street parking, room to add a small deck or sea...
Learn more about Tiny Home Parking w/Hookups in North County San Diego - November 1st here
Tiny Home Land Lease
We have a sweet piece of property in Fallbrook that sits at the back of the driveway available for rent ! Currently the tiny house would need to be 100% self sufficient as we install septic hook ups and water. $900 for the land rent. Space for car parking as well! Enjoy the quiet of the country while you’re only 5 minutes away from the 15 freeway, 5 minutes to downtown Fallbrook, and 25 minutes to...
Learn more about Tiny Home Land Lease here
Sustainable Vineyard and Permaculture Community in Sierra Foothills
40 Acre property, former winery, now a growing permaculture community. Looking for like minded people to create a self-sustaining tiny home community. 10 acres of 30 plus year old grape vines, 3 acres of fenced pasture for growing crops, 2 wells, large ground mount solar, 2 chicken coops and lots of space and possibilities for those interested in growing their own food. Large community building...
Learn more about Sustainable Vineyard and Permaculture Community in Sierra Foothills here
Now Accepting Tiny Homes at Blue Lakes Village RV Park
With the Mendocino Mountains as our backdrop and located just steps away from Upper Lake we invite you to share the love of the outdoors and bring your tiny home to our park! Our Northern California escape offers fishing, swimming, kayaking, and most importantly, it’s the perfect place to call home.
Our RV park is a quiet, well shaded, carefully curated space that prioritizes relaxation. Learn...
Learn more about Now Accepting Tiny Homes at Blue Lakes Village RV Park here
Wonderful place to park your tiny home in West Marin
Ideal spot to park your tiny home. Close to beach, lagoon and town of Bolinas. The space is in our backyard on 7 acres.
Water and electricity hook up.
Tiny home on wheels would park where trailer is currently in photo.
Learn more about Wonderful place to park your tiny home in West Marin here
Parking for Tiny Houe in Nevada City, CA Community
Community land on Nisenan Ancestral Homelands, 10 minutes from downtown Nevada City. Currently 4 families and a few adults on the land. We value proactively attending to relationships, open-mindedness and non-dogmatism, honoring Indigenous people and wisdom, more bikes/fewer cars, racial justice and reducing ecological impacts of being modern humans. To care for our relationship with the land, we ...
Learn more about Parking for Tiny Houe in Nevada City, CA Community here
Tiny Home Community in Lake Almanor/ Chester CA
Tiny home park in beautiful Lake Almanor/ Chester CA. We are currently accepting applications for 5 open spots at our RV/ MHP Park.
City water, Sewer and garbage included in monthly rent. Our park is small with no frills or clubhouse. Its quiet and safe and the roads are lighted and paved.
Lake Almanor is a little known Gem in the high sierra Elev. 4500 with endless recreation opportunities...
Learn more about Tiny Home Community in Lake Almanor/ Chester CA here
Park your Tiny Home Indefinitely. Southern California Mountain Community.
Large, spacious lots.
Incoming homes must meet Park Standards as to condition and architectural appearance.
Full utility hook-ups, including natural gas.
www.omhplebec.com
Learn more about Park your Tiny Home Indefinitely. Southern California Mountain Community. here
Clayton Palms Community - Creekside RV Area
Clayton Palms is an all age community on Marsh Creek Road.
There are 8 designated RV spaces at the rear of the community.
These RV homes can be purchased and financed.
Learn more about Clayton Palms Community - Creekside RV Area here
Space for Tiny Home
I am offering a rental on a quarter acre rural block of land in Dinsmore (CA). Perfect for an off grid tiny house or caravan. The block has a nice flat area for your dwelling and access to water.
Learn more about Space for Tiny Home here
Private mt. property by Trinity River
Off-grid space on 2+ forest acres. Shopping is 7 miles away. This is an 1840's gold mining ghost town with most of the mining features still in place. We want to preserve these; but there is plenty of room and wilderness to stretch and explore an outdoor lifestyle. Property is behind a locked gate with a house on the front 2 acres. There are fruit trees, grapes, and room to garden - you help, you ...
Learn more about Private mt. property by Trinity River here
Lemon Cove Village
Welcome to Lemon Cove Village, a family friendly RV Park at the base of Sequoia National Park, just 25 miles from the entrance to Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park, and minutes from Three Rivers and the Kaweah River. Nestled in the foothills of the western Sierra Nevada mountain range in California.
Lemon Cove Village RV Park is located in the small town of Lemon Cove, populati...
Learn more about Lemon Cove Village here
Delta Bay
Park Delta Bay is a RV and tiny house resort on the banks of San Joaquin River in the heart of the California Delta with a great family atmosphere and outstanding customer service. The resort has full-hookup RV sites, vacation cottages, and tent sites. Extended stays, relocations, and long term campers welcome.
Our country club amenities include the riverside location, natural tranquil fields, wa...
Learn more about Delta Bay here
A Sample of Tiny Houses For Sale in California
We know of 22 tiny houses in California. Here is a sampling of them.
2023 Custom made Tumbleweed Tiny Home
Financing available
30' Tumbleweed Tiny Home - Built in 2023.
Only used for one month and then I had to move it off my mountain property. Snow load 75 pounds per square foot for this Tiny Home - not enough for my mountain property.
Custom features include heated floors, ladder access to second loft, drop down butcher block table, washer and dryer hook ups, and induction two burner stove. T...
Learn more about this 2023 Custom made Tumbleweed Tiny Home for sale.
Lulu $36,900 8x24ft
SUMMER SALE only one left!!! Regular price $40,000 on sale for $36,900.
*Certified built to ANSI standard
*Brand NEW tiny home and trailer
*Comes with removable hammock hitch
*YOU will be the first owner
*AC/heater mini split unit
*Fully finished ready to move in just add appliances. *Insulation in floor, walls and ceiling
*Downstairs. bedroom fits a queen size bed
*Loft approx 8x7 fits ...
Learn more about this Lulu $36,900 8x24ft for sale.
Tiny home in Encinitas
Located within walking distance of the beach.
Close to restaurants and entertainment areas.
New water heater, gas stove and mini split heating and air unit.
Must qualify for space rent or pay to move off site.
Learn more about this Tiny home in Encinitas for sale.
Turn-Key, Never Lived in, Tiny House
Brand new Tiny House made by Pinnacle Peak Custom Homes built and purchased in 2022 and never used.
TV room with electric fireplace and TV,
Brand new kitchen appliances,
Gas stove,
Mid-size "vintage" refrigerator; never used,
Storage cubbies under stairs,
Two lofts can fit queen size beds,
Stairs to "master" loft,
Ladder to second loft,
Windows in lofts open up for cross ventilation,
Win...
Learn more about this Turn-Key, Never Lived in, Tiny House for sale.
Modern Tiny Home on Wheels Almost NEW 8.5ft x 20ft Los Angeles CA
Almost brand new Tiny Home on Wheels that is Park Model RV Certified w/ ANSI 1195.2
8.5 Feet by 20.5 Feet Ground Level + Sleeping Loft
Used as model unit for display purposes
Exterior Metal Siding & Standing Seam Metal Roof
Repurposed Shipping Container used to create Studio + Sleeping Loft Tiny Home on Wheels
1 Bath Room with Shower
Full Kitchen – Quartz Counter Top, Custom Cabinetry, Stain...
Learn more about this Modern Tiny Home on Wheels Almost NEW 8.5ft x 20ft Los Angeles CA for sale.
Conclusion
Living in a tiny house in California is an exciting possibility, but it requires careful navigation of local building codes and zoning laws. By understanding the regulations and working with local authorities, you can find a suitable place to park and live in your tiny home. For more information on tiny houses in California, visit the Tiny Home Builders Marketplace.
