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Zoning is the single most important thing to research before you commit to building a tiny house. It determines where you can legally park, live in, and operate a tiny house -- and the rules vary dramatically from one county to the next.
We spent weeks on the phone with county planning departments before we even started our build. It wasn't glamorous, but it saved us from making a very expensive mistake.
What to research
- Your county's zoning code -- look for language around "accessory dwelling units," "recreational vehicles," "tiny houses on wheels," and "manufactured homes"
- Minimum square footage requirements -- many areas have minimums that tiny houses don't meet
- Foundation vs. wheels -- a tiny house on wheels is typically classified differently than one on a foundation
- RV classification -- if your tiny house is on wheels, it may be classified as an RV, which limits where you can live full-time
- Utility hookup requirements -- water, sewer, electrical standards for your area
Our experience
In the Santa Cruz Mountains, we were able to park our tiny house on private land and connect to existing utilities. But the process of confirming this was legal took multiple calls, emails, and in-person visits to the county planning office. Every jurisdiction is different, and the rules are often unclear even to the people enforcing them.
Our advice: Don't assume anything. Call your county. Ask specific questions. Get answers in writing when you can. And start this process before you spend a dollar on your build.