Tiny House Living in Colorado: Rules and Regulations

Introduction

The tiny house movement has been gaining popularity across the United States, and Colorado is no exception. With its stunning landscapes and outdoor lifestyle, Colorado is an attractive destination for tiny house enthusiasts. However, navigating the rules and regulations for parking and living in a tiny house in Colorado can be complex. This article provides a detailed guide to help you understand the legal landscape for tiny houses in the Centennial State.

Rules and Regulations in Colorado

In Colorado, tiny houses must comply with both state and local building codes. The primary building code is the International Residential Code (IRC), which sets standards for safety, habitability, and construction. Colorado has adopted the 2018 IRC, which includes specific provisions for tiny houses, such as minimum room sizes and ceiling heights.

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 Colorado 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 IRC.

House Types in Colorado

Colorado 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 Colorado 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 Colorado that Allow Tiny Houses

Several counties in Colorado have specific regulations that permit tiny houses. Here are a few:

El Paso County: Allows tiny houses as ADUs, provided they meet size and setback requirements.
Park County: Permits tiny houses as ADUs with strict size limits.
Walsenburg: Allows tiny houses on wheels (THOWs) in all zoning districts, as long as they comply with the Colorado Building Code.
Salida: Permits tiny houses as ADUs, provided they meet size and setback requirements.
Durango (Escalante Village): Allows THOWs in all zoning districts, as long as they comply with the Colorado Building Code.
Denver: Permits tiny houses as ADUs and THOWs in all zoning districts, as long as they comply with the Colorado Building Code.

Tiny House Communities in Colorado

We know of 9 tiny house communities in Colorado. Here is short description of each of them.

Big Ben’s RV Park and Tiny House Community (Arriba)

Big Ben’s Community in Arriba, CO is currently set up to receive 11 Tiny House on Wheels with an expansion to add an additional 20 sites.

Learn more about Big Ben’s RV Park and Tiny House Community (Arriba) here

Tranquil LGBTQ+ Friendly Hobby Farm on Colorado's Eastern Slope

Escape and Explore in Comfort: Discover the perfect blend of tranquility and adventure at our unique LGBTQ+ owned hobby farm. Nestled amidst the sprawling beauty of Colorado's eastern slope, our secluded Tiny House site offers a serene getaway coupled with easy access to some of Colorado's most captivating sights. Prime Location: Strategically Situated just minutes from diverse landscapes and ...

Learn more about Tranquil LGBTQ+ Friendly Hobby Farm on Colorado's Eastern Slope here

MarLin Village Tiny Home Community

Discover MarLin Village, the first Tiny Home Neighborhood to be situated in the beautiful and serene Southwestern Colorado town of Bayfield, nestled by the peaceful banks of the Pine River within LaPlata County. At MarLin Village, we strived to create a great village at an affordable price, featuring 15 spaces tailored to accommodate your Tiny Home. Within our close-knit community, you'll find ...

Learn more about MarLin Village Tiny Home Community here

Highlander lot

My back yard is 0.33 acres fenced in with security cameras in quiet community in Pueblo Colorado.

Learn more about Highlander lot here

Tiny House Lot for Lease

34’ x 45’ lot for lease in Laporte, CO on the NW border of Fort Collins. Lot abuts a 20-acre field, has a privacy fence, flagstone patio, 16’ x 30’ crushed cement pad, 12’ x 26’ driveway, native wildflowers, shade trees, waterline, greywater that is connected to sewer line and 30-amp hookup (possible 50-amp). $650 utilities included, available immediately.

Learn more about Tiny House Lot for Lease here

Hermosa Orchards Village

Hermosa Orchards is a small family owned and operated community development located on 6.7 acres in the beautiful Animas River Valley just outside Durango, Colorado. The location is 15 miles from Purgatory Ski Resort and 2 miles from Durango Hot Springs. This development consists of 6 leased single family homes and 22 leased home spaces, community spaces and open space. This is a community of u...

Learn more about Hermosa Orchards Village here

Escalante Village

Located along the beautiful Animas River, Escalante Village is footsteps away from the Animas River path and only a 15 minute bike ride to downtown Durango. Across the street is access to the Big Canyon/Sale Barn trail heads which feed into the Horse Gulch trail network. A shopping center and plenty of amenities are all within walking distance.

Learn more about Escalante Village here

Whispering Aspen Village

Encircled by the Mosquito Mountain Range, it lies 30 minutes away from “Ski Mecca” Breckenridge. In warmer weather, climbing, hiking, guided horseback riding, and ATV off-roading is just around the corner. And, the area has the best fly fishing in the State. The Village is surrounded with outdoor activities, year round! With 20+ existing cabins, several RV’s, tiny houses on wheels, a fully equip...

Learn more about Whispering Aspen Village here

Peak View Park

RV and Park Model Long-Term Space Rental Peak View Park has 50 RV and Park Model Spaces available for long-term rental in our Woodland Park, Colorado RV and Park Model community. The sites are equipped with water, electricity and natural gas. Monthly lot fees are $600, including water, sewer and trash and of course mountain views! Electric, natural gas and satellite TV are available through loc...

Learn more about Peak View Park here

A Sample of Tiny Houses For Sale in Colorado

We know of 7 tiny houses in Colorado. Here is a sampling of them.

2017 Tumbleweed Trailer Home

This notable, 2017-built tiny house has a welcoming layout and well-thought-out design, including abundant storage, a large kitchen, a queen-bed loft with stairs, and live-edge wood throughout. Off to one side of the 20-foot trailer, this home has an attached garage that can easily accommodate bikes or skis. The location possibilities are endless with its off-grid capabilities with solar and 30-ga...

Learn more about this 2017 Tumbleweed Trailer Home for sale.

New Extra Large 595 Sq Ft Tiny Home

This one-of-a-kind, wonderfully roomy tiny home has the amenities of a larger home in a compact package. It’s perfect for a family of 4-5, or anyone wanting extra space for hosting family/friends, or whatever your heart desires. • 595 sq ft total including 430 sg ft on the main level and 165 sq ft in the loft • 10’ wide x 43’ long x 14.5’ high, which is 1’ taller than most • 12’ high living r...

Learn more about this New Extra Large 595 Sq Ft Tiny Home for sale.

Tiny Home For Sale in Colorado

This beautifully designed Tiny Home was used only while rebuilding a home that burned in a wildfire. 350 SF, 2 bedrooms (one a loft), 1 bath. Custom-built cabinets, washer/dryer combo, "garage" for storage, good storage areas, cushioned benches, great appliances, mattresses, skirting, porch included.

Learn more about this Tiny Home For Sale in Colorado for sale.

Off Grid 20ft Conex tiny home

Beautiful container home 20ft. Is an off grid container home that can be hooked up to the grid. Has a water tote, 2 solar panels outside the container(not pictured) with 2 batteries, a power converter that powers up the lights, electrical outlets and ext. the heat source is a wood burning stove. There is a water tote that is the water source going to the toilet, shower, and sinks. Has hot water as...

Learn more about this Off Grid 20ft Conex tiny home for sale.

Elegant Simplicity | Off-Grid Capable | Ava

This award-winning, off-grid-capable, luxury tiny home is a perfect sanctuary to enjoy or to use as a guest suite or vacation rental. 330 sq ft 1 bed, 1 bath (40’ X 8.5’ X 14.5’). Walk into a luxurious sanctuary boasting high-ceilings, beautiful glass cabinets, and light & greenery pouring in through every large window. The home features a gas range, quartz countertops, farmhouse sink, a gorgeo...

Learn more about this Elegant Simplicity | Off-Grid Capable | Ava for sale.

Conclusion

Living in a tiny house in Colorado 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 Colorado, visit the Tiny Home Builders Marketplace.