What is a Tiny Home on Wheels?

A Tiny Home On Wheels (THOW), sometimes called Moveable Tiny Home, is a form of Recreational Vehicle (RV).  It cannot exceed 400 square feet as this would push it into the classification of Mobile Home or Manufactured Home with different regulations.

Where can I park my Tiny House?

A THOW can be parked in many RV parks and Mobile Home Parks.  Check with your specific parks regarding their rental rates, rules and requirements.

 A THOW can be parked on private property in some jurisdictions.  See below regarding Building Permits.

What does a Tiny Home parking space require?

A THOW is like an RV but without any storage tanks or independent power supply.  Therefore, it needs a firm space to park on.  Our homes require the space to be approximately 25 feet square to accommodate the home and access stairs.  That can be compacted road base, decomposed granite, asphalt, concrete, pavers, etc.  In addition, access by way of stairs or ramp to a deck is needed.  A deck height of approximately 32 inches works best for our homes.

 It also requires utilities.  Fresh water in the form of a hose spigot, a 50 amp RV style outlet, and a 3 inch sewer connection.  Propane or natural gas connections are optional.

Where do I find Parking Spaces for Tiny Homes?

RV and Mobile home parks can be found through internet searches.  Amenities, rates and rules vary, so contact directly specific parks of interest.

For spaces on private property, online bulletin boards such as Craigslist and Facebook Market are good options.  Check the “Parking and Storage” sections.  Again, rates and conditions vary.  Keep in mind, as noted above regarding Permits, living in a THOW on these spots may not be a “permitted” use and you could be forced to move should the building authorities decide to intervene.  Take this into account in signing any lease. 

Another option is placing an advertisement on these online boards.  A picture of your tiny home along with a description of yourself and what you are willing to pay is helpful.  The potential landlord may not have utilities installed.  Therefore, you may have to negotiate who pays the costs to get those installed.

Does a Tiny Home on Wheels require a Building Permit?

In most cities and counties, THOWs are treated the same as RVs.  That means that no building permits are issued or needed to park a THOW on one’s property.  HOWEVER, it is likely not a “permissible use” to live in a THOW or RV beyond a limited number of days—typically 28 – 90 days.  Though many people do live in them, they are doing so in contradiction to local regulations.

In many places, the authorities tolerate people living in THOWs SO LONG AS there are no complaints from neighbors or safety hazards.  We suggest potential Tiny Home buyers check with their local planning department to determine their policies regarding THOWs and code enforcement.  In addition, we suggest checking with surrounding neighbors regarding how they might respond to a THOW parked nearby.

Is a tiny home an ADU?

A limited number of jurisdictions have recognized that THOWs are different from RVs in that they are constructed for full-time living and are more aesthetically pleasing than RVs.  Therefore, they have passed regulations and issue permits allowing THOWs for full time living as ADUs.  Typically, they are only permitted as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).  This means there must be a Primary Permanent Dwelling Unit on the property to which the THOW serves as an ADU.  There are a very limited number of jurisdictions that allow THOWs as primary residences on private property.

How does a tiny home get delivered?

Central Coast Tiny Homes typically provides delivery and installation with our homes. Most other manufactures offer assistance in arranging delivery through a third party trucking company. Customers may pick up their homes from the manufacturer themselves provided they have a vehicle capable of the job.