Tiny House Zoning Regulations: All You Need to Know

Since the tiny home movement which originated in the United States started, the tiny house has been thriving.

They seem to be everywhere nowadays all thanks to the great recession of 2008. However, despite this surge in the popularity of tiny homes, tiny house dwellers have not been having an easy time securing permits to build their homes and live inside it permanently.

There are a lot of zonal regulations and building codes to adhere to. And this constitutes one of the significant discouragements to new tiny homeowners when they first start.

This is why we have brought you a breakdown of the states that accommodates tiny houses in America. We also added valuable information of all that you need to know about the zonal regulations and codes of each of these states so you can build the tiny home of your dreams.

Types of tiny homes

There are two types of tiny houses, and they are explained below.

1. Tiny house on wheels

Also known by the legal term ?recreational vehicle” (RV). You can easily construct this type of home yourself. They can also be transported from one place to the other since they don’t have a foundation. After building, you’ll need to register the home and then look for a space in which you can park it. But this shouldn’t be a problem as there are many campsites all around. Besides, you could use the backyard of a friend’s house.

The downside with this unit is that most states do not support permanent residency in an RV, except, of course, if the RV is in a designated RV park. But these laws are seldom enforced so you may get away with a breach. Typically, zoning and building codes do not concern owners of RV units, especially if they mean to travel the world with it.

2. Tiny house on a foundation

This kind of houses is also known as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in the legal term. It is a kind of tiny home that is built directly on land and has a foundation. They come in the small structure of cottages and granny flats.

Building this kind of tiny house involves more complexities than RV homes. The only available option when planning to build an accessory dwelling unit is perhaps to build it at the backyard of a home that is already in existence. This is due to the regulations that ban people from buying land to build a tiny home. Even so, only a few states can tolerate single ADUs and small house communities.

Building Codes versus Zoning

Both zoning and building codes are meant to regulate and govern the construction of tiny homes.

While building codes are concerned entirely with the physical building itself, zoning is adopted by cities, boroughs, and townships to oversee how the house is used and how that influences the surrounding community.

As such, zoning regulations differ depending on the particular town or state. Even so, most cities and towns require no less than 1, 000 square feet if you’re building a new home on land. You may, however, want to call your local zoning to find out the exact required square footage.

On the other hand, Building codes have multiple chapters, each of which addresses the lowest acceptable quality or safety levels for every part of a building.

America has chosen to adopt the International Residential Code (IRC). According to this code, one- and two-family houses, with size specifications, must not be less than 70 square feet. Also, the ceiling must be at least 7 feet tall.

States with Lenient Building Codes or Zoning Regulations

Despite local zoning ordinances and regulations, one can still seek permission to build a house that doesn’t comply with the zonal regulations. Some appeal processes are in place to cater for unusual conditions and odd requests.

Finding a city for a tiny house may not be as easy as you think, but here are a few states with progressive construction codes that give room for tiny house designs.

Florida

Florida is home to many tiny home parks and hotels. The state shows support to the small house movement. Therefore, it boasts of having some of the most progressive house zoning regulations in the whole United States. Though no town has agreed to approve the home-style just yet, there’s a big possibility that they will soon.

California

California is one of the tiny house friendly states in the United States. The city is quite famous for the nomads who live in their vehicles, though this is not legal. California is generally known to support small house projects even though specifics may differ from one county to the other.

Counties like Contra Costa, Mendocino, Lake, Sonoma, Napa, and Sacramento support tiny houses on wheels; in fact, they are allowed as caregiver dwellings in the backyard of an individual that needs help. Not so long ago, Fresno approved RVs making the city the first in the country to endorse tiny houses on wheels in residential areas

New York

New York seem to be accepting small home designs gradually. It has adjusted its zoning restrictions and allowed home builders to construct apartments that are below 400 square feet. Though you’ll find tiny cabins almost in all parts of rural areas, no county has legally accepted the style.

Massachusetts

Residents of Nantucket are advocating for an amendment of the town’s zonal ordinances to accommodate tiny houses. If everything goes well, Nantucket will become the first community in Massachusetts to allow tiny buildings. Still, there a quite some RV dwellings in the state.

Colorado

Some places in Colorado have made it easier for people to build tiny houses. Walsenburg, for example, has not only abandoned the minimum square footage regulations but has also brought the requirement for exit door width down. Park County too has a more accommodating tiny house code.

Michigan

Michigan has effected a unique project to constructs tiny residences for low-income residents. The state has also adapted their zoning ordinances to be more tiny house-friendly. Advocates are working hard to legalize ADU dwellings, especially in residential areas

Texas

Having declared itself the tiny house capital of the country, Texas is increasingly being populated by small homes. However, tiny home dwellers are expected to turn in their designs for approval. They must also agree to connect to water supply, electric grid, and sewage system. Breckenridge, allow tiny houses that are on permanent foundations with a minimum of 320 square feet while Austin supports tiny dwellings of any size as far as they’re on foundations.

Oregon

Tiny houses only get more popular by the day in Oregon. Portland accepts it openly. In Portland, homes are allowed to host one tiny house or even a tiny house community. The state also hosts the famous tiny house hotel.

Understanding the Different Types of Tiny Homes:

There are several types of tiny homes, including tiny houses on wheels (THOWs), park model RVs, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Each type of tiny home is subject to different regulations and laws.

Building Codes and Zoning Laws for Tiny Homes:

Building codes and zoning laws vary by state and municipality, and may impact the construction and placement of a tiny home. It’s important to research local laws and regulations before building or purchasing a tiny home.

Minimum Square Footage Requirements for Tiny Homes:

Many states and municipalities have minimum square footage requirements for homes, which may impact the construction of a tiny home. Some jurisdictions have created exceptions or special provisions for tiny homes.

Permits and Inspections for Tiny Homes:

Permits and inspections are typically required for the construction and placement of a tiny home, regardless of the type of home. It’s important to obtain the necessary permits and inspections to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.

Parking and Utilities for Tiny Homes:

Parking and utilities are also important considerations for tiny home living. Some states and municipalities have created regulations or guidelines for parking and utility hookups for tiny homes.

Alternative Options for Tiny Home Living:

For those who are unable to build or live in a traditional tiny home, there are alternative options such as co-housing, tiny home communities, and home-sharing platforms.

Working with a Lawyer for Tiny House Legal Issues:

Working with a lawyer who specializes in real estate law can provide valuable guidance and support for anyone facing legal issues related to tiny homes. A lawyer can help navigate the complex legal landscape and protect the rights of tiny home owners.

Choosing the Right Location for a Tiny Home:

Choosing the right location for a tiny home involves considering factors such as zoning laws, access to utilities, and proximity to resources and amenities. It’s important to carefully evaluate potential locations before making a decision.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tiny House Laws in the USA:

Frequently asked questions about tiny house laws in the USA may include questions about building codes, zoning laws, and parking and utility requirements. It’s important to thoroughly research the laws and regulations in your area and seek professional advice if needed.

What is the future of Tiny Houses?

Lots of changes are being made locally as far as tiny homes are is concerned. In the same vein, tiny house advocates are also clamoring, at the national level, for new tiny house codes to be added to the country’s building code.

This new code will serve as a template which other tiny house projects will follow. With this in place, it shouldn’t be long before you can start bringing your tiny home dreams to fruition.

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