Tiny home rules in Baton Rouge, LA — covering tiny houses on wheels (THOWs), park model RVs, and tiny home on foundation builds — determine where they are legal and how they get permitted.
Tiny homes on permanent foundations in Baton Rouge must comply with the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code (LSUCC, La. R.S. 40:1730.21+) and Title 7 Unified Development Code zoning. Louisiana adopts the IRC; some jurisdictions accept Appendix Q for dwellings under 400 sq ft. Tiny houses on wheels (THOWs) are treated as RVs and not permitted as permanent dwellings in residential zones.
Louisiana mandates the LSUCC statewide (La. R.S. 40:1730.21 et seq.), which adopts the International Residential Code with state amendments. Local jurisdictions including East Baton Rouge cannot adopt standards that exceed the LSUCC. IRC Appendix Q (Tiny Houses) provides standards for dwellings 400 sq ft or less; acceptance varies by parish — confirm with EBR Permits & Inspections. Tiny homes on permanent foundations are permitted as primary dwellings or as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) where allowed under Title 7 UDC, subject to minimum dwelling size, setbacks, and connection to utilities. Tiny houses on wheels (THOWs) are classified as RVs/recreational vehicles and cannot be used as permanent residences in standard residential zones. Manufactured homes are governed separately under HUD Code. Confirm specifics with EBR Planning Commission at 225-389-3144 and Permits & Inspections at 225-389-3279.
Occupying a non-code-compliant tiny home as a dwelling can trigger code enforcement action, condemnation, and orders to vacate. Placing a THOW as a permanent residence in a residential zone is a zoning violation.
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