Building Codes in the Tiny Housing Boom

Learn how building codes have changed to reflect the times as more people begin embracing the tiny home movement.

By Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell
Updated on June 8, 2022
article image
by Unsplash/Jed Owen

What does tiny house code compliance look like? Learn how building codes have changed to reflect the times as more people begin embracing tiny homes.

Data aren’t readily available on how many people are living in tiny homes in the United States. Home-ownership data are typically collected by the mortgage industry, and since real estate experts say 68 percent of tiny home dwellers don’t have a mortgage, data are difficult to find. However, the national Association of REALTORS estimates that little homes under 1,000 square feet make up about 1 percent of the market.

If so many people are interested in the idea of little house living, why aren’t there more folks living that dream? A primary factor is that many people don’t believe they can give up their large homes (and all their stuff) and still be happy. Dale and I didn’t think we could, until we did. But the movement is also held back in part due to building codes on minimum square footage, and requirements for permanent water, sewer, and electrical sources.

The majority of people building or buying little homes are building or parking them in rural areas because codes in most cities don’t allow for tiny homes. In addition, cities generally require dwellings to have a permanent water source and flushing toilets (while many portable tiny homes have composting toilets).

Many of these codes were put into place after the Great Depression and during the post-World War II boom. During the Depression, people were forced to create shantytowns just to have a place to sleep. Most of these dwellings were not only unsightly, but also unsafe. Local governments wanted to make sure residents were building safe homes and not “tenements” or “shantytowns.”

In addition, many counties, cities and states haven’t figured out how to define a tiny home on wheels. Many people build mobile tiny homes so they can travel and take their home with them. Tiny homes on wheels are generally better insulated and built to last longer than a traditional recreational vehicle. Moreover, they’re designed for full time living, while a recreational vehicle is not. But cities and counties don’t know how to classify a tiny home on wheels. Is it a mobile home? An RV or a guest structure, particularly when it is parked in someone’s driveway or backyard? Each local jurisdiction has its own ordinances, and the definitions vary. Therefore, some people living in tiny homes may be doing so outside of the law, putting themselves at risk of fines or even losing their homes.

Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368