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Mobilehomes: Tiny Homes

Tiny Homes

Tiny homes are not covered by the same laws as Mobilehomes/Manufactured homes, but are included in this guide because of their small size. Laws governing Tiny homes are are "local", not State (at this point).

Tiny Homes

City of San Diego: Tiny Home City of San Diego Development Services Department Information Bulletin 403: Movable Tiny Homes for:

Other Elements, Information and Categories referenced in: City of San Diego: Tiny Home City of San Diego Development Services Department Information Bulletin 403: Movable Tiny Homes: 

  • LOCATION
  • BUILDING STANDARDS
  • FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE REGULATIONS
  • UTILITIES
  • DESIGN ELEMENTS OF A TINY HOME
  • PARKING
  • PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS
  • FEES

Key Features of a Tiny Home

A Movable Tiny House (MTH) is a transportable dwelling unit that is constructed to comply with standards applicable to recreational vehicles. They shall be licensed and registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. A MTH shall:

  1. Not be larger than allowed by California state law for movement on public highways; and
  2. Not exceed one (1) story in height, and
  3. Not be able to move under its own power; and
  4. Shall have a floor area that is between 150 and 430 square feet and shall provide independent living facilities for one or more persons, independent of the primary dwelling unit.
  5. Shall not have a separate address from the primary dwelling unit.
  6. Only one companion unit or movable tiny house, and one junior unit are permitted on a premise. Guest quarters and non-habitable structures shall be permitted in addition to the companion unit or movable tiny house, and junior unit.
  7. A companion unit, junior unit, or movable tiny house shall not be used for a rental term of less than 30 consecutive days.
  8. Accessory dwelling units, including dwelling units as defined as companion units, junior units, movable tiny houses, or guest quarters are exempt from DIF impact fees.

-  City of San Diego: Tiny Home City of San Diego Development Services Department Information Bulletin 403: Movable Tiny Homes