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Where Can I Put a Tiny House in California A Homeowner’s Guide for 2025

Tiny house living has become a compelling solution for California homeowners interested in affordable housing, multigenerational support, or rental income. In this guide, we answer the question where can I put a tiny house by walking you through the legal options under current tiny home regulations, local building department rules, and build a tiny house best practices. Whether you’re exploring the tiny home lifestyle or evaluating tiny home communities, Golden State ADUs is here to guide you through the nuances of zoning regulations, building codes, and placement rules.

What Counts as a Tiny Home in California

Fixed Tiny Homes vs Movable Tiny Homes

Tiny home models in California generally fall into two categories: tiny home living on a permanent foundation similar to an accessory dwelling unit, or tiny homes on wheels, also known as a tiny manufactured home or recreational vehicle variety. Movable units may resemble park model or modular homes. Tiny home life offers freedom and flexibility, while fixed tiny homes deliver permanence and may more easily comply with relevant codes and building department standards.

Legal Size Limitations and Building Codes

State regulations define minimum floor space requirements and safety standards for permanent dwellings. California’s residential building codes require at least one room to be 120 square feet, with additional rooms at least 70 square feet, a ceiling height of 7 feet 6 inches, and proper kitchen and bathroom setup. These building standards are critical when placing a tiny home on your residential lot. These square footage rules ensure adequate floor area and habitable living space, even when pursuing a tiny home lifestyle.

5 Legal Places You Can Put a Tiny House in California

1 | On Your Residential Lot as an Accessory Dwelling Unit

California encourages accessory dwelling units statewide. Most counties allow tiny homes on wheels or fixed tiny homes to qualify as ADUs when they meet building codes and local zoning ordinances. This is an effective option for homeowners aiming for affordable housing or rental income. Golden State ADUs makes this path straightforward by handling planning department coordination and permitting. Many of these properties include access to community gardens, walking trails, and even a dog park, enhancing the tiny home lifestyle experience.

2 | As a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) Inside Your Home

Tiny home life can be incorporated inside your existing home as a JADU. JADUs must follow local building codes and typically max out near 550 square feet. They provide a compact, easy-to-build solution for caregivers or multigenerational living without expanding your footprint. These small houses offer a practical way to legally live in a tiny space while maintaining comfort.

3 | On a Lot with Multiple ADUs Under the California HOME Act (SB 9)

The California HOME Act, also known as SB 9, allows homeowners to subdivide a residential lot and add up to eight detached accessory dwelling units along with an existing home. This law overrides municipal limitations and opens creative density possibilities and investment opportunities for tiny homeowners. Many of these developments feature amenities like a fitness facility, fire pit, and hiking trails to foster a strong community spirit.

4 | As a Movable Tiny Home in Select Counties

Several counties, including Placer County, create a path for movable tiny houses to be used as ADUs as long as they are registered with the DMV and pass zoning clearance. Tiny homes in this category need to comply with both general use rules and specific ADU zoning regulations. Humboldt’s inland areas also allow tiny homes on wheels as permanent ADUs, though coastal zones remain restricted. These movable units are often found in rv parks designed to accommodate tiny manufactured homes while providing utility hookups and community amenities.

5 | In Rural or Unincorporated Areas with More Flexibility

Rural areas often offer more flexibility in permitting tiny manufactured home options with off-grid solutions. There are unique placement rules around septic, well access, and frontier zoning which require due diligence, yet can provide cost savings on land use and affordable housing. If you plan to buy land in these areas, it’s important to verify local tiny home regulations and confirm the property is zoned to allow considered dwellings like tiny homes.

Where You Cannot Legally Put a Tiny House and Why

Zoning Laws That Hinder Tiny Home Placement

Local zoning ordinances still stand in many areas, restricting tiny homes, especially HOAs, historic districts, or places without updated codes. These stricter regulations can block tiny home communities or individual placements. Compliance with local land use and building department rules remains essential.

Prohibitions on Using Tiny Homes as Short-Term Rentals

Most jurisdictions disallow using tiny homes, ADUs, or park model units for short-term vacation rentals. Sonoma County, for example, requires long-term occupancy only in ADUs. This prevents exploitation and preserves residential integrity.

Risk of Placing Tiny Homes Without Permits

Unpermitted placement, even on your own lot, can trigger enforcement from the local building department. Fines, removal, or utility disconnection are real risks. Always consult your local building official before finalizing plans.

How to Find Out What’s Allowed on Your Property

Step 1: Check with Your Local Planning Department or Building Department

Begin with your city or county planning department or local building department to examine zoning maps and determine if ADUs, tiny homes, or park model dwellings are allowed in your zone. Look for residential lot designations that allow accessory dwellings. Most counties are now ADU-friendly, but checking local regulations remains the first step.

Step 2: Verify Zoning Regulations, Setbacks, and Utility Access

Tiny homes must conform to building regulations and zoning laws, including setbacks from property lines, height limits, and access to water, sewer, or electricity. In major cities like San Diego or San Francisco, be sure to check the specific regulations around utility hookups and street access.

Step 3: Consult a Local ADU Expert for Due Diligence

Golden State ADUs handles local zoning and due diligence. We coordinate with your local planning department and building official to ensure your tiny house meets placement rules and building standards without surprises. We assess whether a tiny house lifestyle unit or accessory dwelling unit is right for your property.

What Permits Do You Need to Place a Tiny House

Building Permits for Tiny Homes on Permanent Foundation

If your tiny house is a permanent dwelling, it must meet local building department requirements, including structural safety, fire codes, energy compliance, and inspections. These permits reflect strict building code adherence and ensure long-term viability.

DMV and Planning Department Permits for Movable Tiny Homes

For tiny homes on wheels or park model units, you may need DMV registration and approval from your local planning department. This includes making the unit look residential through skirting, proper entry stair, and permanent utility hookups.

Expected Timeline and Costs

Accessory dwelling unit permitting and new construction typically takes 3 to 6 months. Permitting costs range from a few thousand dollars up to $10,000 or more. Build costs for tiny home models span from $30,000 on the low end to over $90,000 for higher-end park model options.

Why Consider Building a Tiny Home in 2025

Affordable Housing in a High-Cost Market

The tiny house movement offers a path to affordable housing and rental income. Accessory dwelling units help home affordability and allow homeowners to supplement mortgage payments. Future legislation may bring additional financing tools for ADUs and tiny homes.

ADUs Add Long-Term Property Value

When legally built, an ADU or tiny home on your property boosts living space, floor area, and resale appeal. We help evaluate cost vs return and guide decisions around design, size, and location. Areas are known for progressive zoning laws that support tiny home living and accessory dwelling units.

Embrace Multigenerational Living or Tiny Home Lifestyle Flexibility

A tiny home on-site can serve as a private home office, stay for adult children, or guest suite. This aligns with the tiny living trend and modern needs.

Frequently Asked Tiny House Placement Questions

Can I live in a tiny house full time in California?

Yes, if your tiny home qualifies as a permanent dwelling or ADU under local regulations, you can legally live in your tiny house full time.

Do I need a permanent foundation for a tiny home?

Not always. Movable units, such as tiny manufactured homes or recreational vehicles, can qualify as ADUs in some areas if compliant with zoning regulations.

Which counties allow tiny homes on wheels as ADUs?

Placer and Humboldt inland regions do. Many cities, like San Diego, also allow tiny homes on wheels as ADUs if registered by the DMV.

Can I place a tiny house on vacant land?

Generally no. Zoning laws require a permanent residence on most parcels before placing a secondary unit. Some tiny home communities may allow exceptions.

Are there incentives or grants for tiny homes or ADUs?

Yes. State programs offer financial incentives for building accessory dwelling units, particularly those used as affordable housing.

What is the minimum square footage requirement?

California building codes require at least one room to be 120 square feet, and additional rooms to be at least 70 square feet.

Do I need a licensed contractor to build a tiny home?

Yes, especially for tiny homes on a permanent foundation. Even tiny manufactured homes should be built by professionals familiar with local building standards and building codes.

Next Steps – Let Golden State ADUs Help You Build It Right

If you’re exploring where can I put a tiny house in California or seeking help with accessory dwelling units, tiny home models, or how to build a tiny house, Golden State ADUs is here to help. We support homeowners across Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, Elk Grove, and surrounding communities.

Our team navigates local regulations, zoning laws, building codes, and planning department requirements to ensure your project is smooth from concept to completion. **Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and bring your tiny home vision to life.