The endless fascination with tiny houses has not lost its momentum. Nowadays, several people opt for a tiny lifestyle to travel freely, save money, and practice sustainability.
These tiny houses, which have captivated Americans’ hearts, are known as “abodes,” and they are more or less 400 square feet. Moreover, laws that prohibit accessory dwellings and builders not emphasizing small living spaces are two significant aspects that hinder the tiny house nation from growing.
However, many states have become more welcoming and allow homeowners to build houses under 400 square feet.
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Thinking of Going Tiny?
Are you contemplating which states allow miniature house building? Or are you thinking of taking part in the Tiny Home Movement? Then, welcome to our page!
Many people like you wonder how it is possible to stay in a tiny home without breaking the laws.
I know, it sounds fantastic to live in a miniature house without any perplexities, but once you start living in a tiny space worry-free, you will be glad that you did your thorough study.
The US Regulations Regarding Tiny Homes
You should consider a few things before determining where you want to construct your tiny home. These are as follows:
Laws
The laws vary because they depend on your chosen state and the kind of your miniature house. Several US states like the idea of small housing communities and tiny homes, while others may not.
Therefore, it is generally good to learn about the laws of your specific location. Two essential factors that you must consider are zoning regulations and your location building codes.
If you have registered your tiny home as an R.V., you do not have to deal with building codes and zoning. You can park it anywhere. However, if you want to build a tiny home for yourself, it is a bit trickier.
Zoning Regulations
Zoning regulations depend on where you want to build your house. Moreover, zoning regulations determine your house’s size requirement based on your zone.
Tiny House Community highlights that several countries and cities do not allow homeowners to build more than 1000 square feet.
Unluckily, you cannot build or park your tiny homes wherever you want. You will have to call and ask your regional zoning department to collect more information about the locality.
Building Codes
Construction codes dictate you how to construct your miniature house. Here are a few essentials that a tiny house must have:
- The rooms’ ceiling height should be at least 7 feet.
- There are no particular rules about the number of windows in a tiny living space. But, you should have emergency exits.
- A separate single bathroom is necessary.
- Your small home should have a ladder or stairs to reach the loft areas.
The popular US States That Allow Tiny Houses
Whether you are an owner or want to become one, the most inevitable part is to search a place for your tiny home.
I have listed the most sought-after states where you can spot your home for your small home.
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California
Tiny Home Friendly: 7 out of 10
California, a Golden and a tiny home friendly state, is the most sought-after state for wanderers and travelers who wish to stay in a vehicle.
It is an ideal state for tiny-home enthusiasts because it supports people to reside in a camper van.
Furthermore, California’s city officials are more inclined towards the tiny house villages, because it serves as a solution for housing shortages, homelessness crisis, and excessively high rent.
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Colorado
Tiny Home Friendly: 6 out of 10
A few towns in this state permit owners to construct their tiny houses and Walsenburg was the first town in Colorado to do so.
Furthermore, Walsenburg has also made changes in tiny homes’ zoning regulations, and they should be between 120 sq. ft and 600 sq. ft.
Colorado is becoming a stellar place for tiny homeowners to go tiny due to the various outdoor activities available. Since people save money by downsizing, they can spend more on adventurous activities like canoeing, scuba diving, skiing, etc.
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Florida
Tiny Home Friendly: 7 out of 10
Florida supports and hosts tiny house hotels and R.V. parks for enthusiasts like you who want to live in small housing communities.
It is one of the states that support tiny homes and minimalist movements. However, your small house on the wheels must be registered in the Florida DMV.
Furthermore, Sarasota – a county in Florida is the third well-known US state for tiny living. However, this county allows your small house on the wheels to stay at the R.V. parks for no more than 45 days. If you stay beyond 45 days, you must have a foundation.
In other towns like in St. Petersburg, your dwelling unit should have a 375 sq ft floor area, and it cannot extend beyond 750 sq ft. In contrast, in Orange County, your dwelling unit should not be less than 400 sq ft.
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Massachusetts
Tiny Home Friendly: 8 out of 10
In several cities and towns of Massachusetts, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are permissible. The ADU specifications can vary depending on the city or a town you are residing in; therefore, you must check your city’s guidelines.
For instance, Nantucket County allows third dwelling, and it can be up to 550 sq ft.
Since the state has not clearly defined what small houses on wheels are, it could be challenging to dwell in these mobile houses.
Moreover, it is not an issue if you are camping in the R.V. park for limited days; however, the problem may arise if you are planning to camp there for an extended period.
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Michigan
Tiny Home Friendly: 8 out of 10
Michigan is adapting zoning regulations to make their state more friendly for tiny houses. Furthermore, advocates for affordable housing are still doing their best to make ADUs legal in residential areas.
In Detroit, a tiny house community is under construction for low-income residents, and they are permitted to build houses between 250 sq. ft and 400 sq. ft.
In Northern Michigan, the Briley Township has put forward the newest kind of dwelling titled as “Economy Efficient Dwelling.”
An economy efficient dwelling is beyond 240 square feet but not more than 500 square feet. The side elevation must not be lower than 12 feet and must not exceed 20 feet. Also, this kind of dwelling should be on a foundation that is both permanent and approved.
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Oregon
Tiny Home Friendly: 8 out of 10
It is one of the very few states that allow you to title your tiny camper, and Oregon DMV will provide specific instructions.
All you have to do is complete a record search request, get yourself a bond appraisal, and buy a surety bond to apply for a bonded title.
Moreover, Portland is one of the best cities for tiny homes because it supports and allows the development of ADU.
Residents are inclined towards tiny home movement because living in an urban city means sky-high costs that not all people can afford. Also, Portland permits everything from tiny home communities to small house hotels.
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Texas
Tiny Home Friendly: 9 out of 10
Since the prices of houses are rising, it makes it very difficult to purchase a home. Therefore, Texas is an ideal state for tiny living because it supports tiny house movement and provides excellent and affordable housing options.
Spur, a town in Texas, two years back, touted itself the “tiny home capital of America,” after the local government voted to remove every building restrictions. Since then, the town has attracted several tiny home builders.
Before building the home, they have to place their house on a concrete foundation because of the tornadoes, submit their design for consent and agree to interconnect with the water supply, sewage systems, and electrical grid.
Furthermore, Breckenridge requires permanent foundations for tiny houses, and they should be less than 320 square feet.
In contrast, Fort Worth dwelling units should not exceed 400 square feet, and the owner should apply for ADU permits in person instead of submitting forms online.
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Georgia
Tiny Home Friendly: 8 out of 10
In 2014, Decatur, a city in Georgia, adopted the Unified Development Ordinance. It was a law that states that accessory dwelling units will not require minimum square feet.
The tiny home movement is growing much faster, and several Georgia counties permit tiny homes to show that they support this movement.
Final Thoughts
Finding a place for your tiny home is not as easy as you think because the law changes by state and country. Hence, the best idea is to call the local municipality to get the latest information.
Hopefully, I have made your research process easier with several options to enjoy your epic adventures.
Moreover, do not be disappointed by outdated laws. Some states are better for tiny homes because somebody made an effort to change the state laws.
So if your dream city or a state is not an ideal place for tiny houses, you will find like-minded individuals who would want to bring the change.
