Tiny House Permits: The 101 Of It

Tiny homes hold a special place in the hearts of everyone. However, legally owning one is a tough nut to crack, even in 2023. Many homeowners are in the dark about whether the building codes and permits apply to mini-dwellings, like a tiny home for backyard. But what is the significance of building codes? Well, building codes are designed to implement standard construction guidelines, thereby ensuring that the structures are safe for inhabitation. The case is no different for tiny houses, as occupant safety is a matter of concern there as well. So, it should come as no surprise that building codes and permit requirements apply to tiny houses as well.

A tiny home for backyard is typically a small-sized home having an area between 80 and 400 sq. feet. It can be set up on a trailer bed or a cement foundation. Tiny houses are available both with wheels and without wheels. Here you should note that no uniform construction arrangement or models apply to tiny home construction. Customization options vary from one homeowner to another, while design can vary from builder to builder.

However, although tiny homes are legal in the U.S., the local codes vary from one place to another, which can be a big determining factor about getting a permit for the tiny home.

Permitted land usage: First and foremost, you must ensure that the property where you want to set up a tiny home has allowed land use. Once this fact is ascertained, you can ask for the required permits from the local building apartment.


Built on wheels: If your tiny house is built on wheels, it should comply with the regulation standards for recreational vehicles. An RVIA certification would be enough to prove the same.


Intention to reside: If you are erecting a tiny house for backyard intending to inhabit it, all the local building codes will apply. Thus, you have to obtain a building permit. Building codes mandate certain construction and safety standards to ensure a building is safe for occupancy.


Safety during occupancy is paramount, and the case is no different for tiny houses, whether mobile or not. Therefore, depending on the categorization of your tiny house, permits are an absolute must.


But how can you easily obtain a permit? Well, our next section explains that at length.

How to obtain a buy/build permit?

First, visit the local building authority and try to gain insight into the development norms that apply to the construction of your tiny house. Then, you can avail the services of a contractor who knows all the applicable building codes and might be familiar with the roadblocks of permits and the construction process. You can also hire a land-use attorney if you have questions about further legality.


Moreover, if the tiny house for backyard is on wheels, you will have to obtain an RVIA certificate from the manufacturer, as aforementioned. Yes, home-built RV certification is available in some states. But again, you have to be lucky enough to be an inhabitant of that state. The next step is residing zones and compliant parking for your tiny house on wheels, which calls for its own set of homework in legality.

What are the building code challenges tiny homes are confronted with?

Complying with building codes is at the core of tiny house construction. However, there are some roadblocks with building standards that are sure to plague you. Some of them are electrical segmentation when the tiny house walls serve multiple purposes, 120 sq. ft. area for a single room, city requirements assessors, neighborhood purview complaints, etc. In such a situation, keeping yourself updated with the zoning and coding specifications is always the right thing to do.

What are the misconceptions surrounding tiny homes?

Building grants rules suddenly get triggered the moment you mention your construction of a house. Newbie homeowners are often under the false impression that a tiny house for the backyard is free from any clauses or conditions, which is also communicated by dodgy salespersons. However, the fact of the matter is that the city will shift its jurisdiction from shifting to recreational vehicle safety standards.


Here, you should note that you won’t be immune to permits if you claim that you are using the tiny home for the backyard for camping purposes and not residing in it. You have to comply with the specific areas and duration limits for camping as set by the municipal authorities. If you oppose it by moving around in your tiny house, the authorities can point out that you are dwelling in your tiny house rather than using it for camping purposes.

Final Take:

With states supporting the tiny house revolution, tiny homeowners can look forward to better permit days. For instance, San Luis Obispo has allowed the construction of a tiny home for backyard with specific riders. You have to renew the license after a specific time span.


So, we hope, by now, you have a fair understanding of the 101 of tiny house permits. Embracing a minimalist lifestyle has become the norm in the USA, especially in the last couple of decades. In such a scenario, many are opting for tiny home living, and thus sales for something like a tiny home for backyard has grown exponentially. So, what are you waiting for? Buy a tiny house today, start living in it, and feel the difference for yourself.