Albany, NY Accessory Structures: Tiny Homes (2026)

New York adopted IRC Appendix Q in the 2020 NYS Residential Code, which provides modified building standards for tiny houses 400 square feet or less. Foundation-built tiny homes can legally be constructed in Albany County where the underlying zoning permits a single-family dwelling; ADU ordinances in City of Albany (Chapter 375-80, detached ADU permitted in most residential zones per 2021 amendments) and Town of Bethlehem (Code §128-80) provide pathways. Minimum dwelling size varies by municipality — some require 750-1,000 sq ft minimum in primary dwelling zones, though Appendix Q allows smaller where specifically permitted. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles under NY Vehicle and Traffic Law; occupying an RV as a permanent dwelling outside a licensed manufactured home park or campground is prohibited in nearly all Albany County zoning districts (Albany §375-42, Colonie §190 limits RV occupancy to 30 days). Manufactured homes on permanent foundations are regulated under NY Executive Law §373 and must be HUD-Code certified post-1976. Utility connections, potable water, and NYSDEC-approved septic (6 NYCRR Part 75) or sewer hookup required. Hudson floodplain properties (Coeymans, Watervliet, Cohoes) require flood elevation compliance.