Tiny home rules in Bellevue, WA — 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.
Bellevue allows tiny homes on foundations as ADUs under LUC 20.20.120 and WA HB 1337. Tiny houses on wheels are considered RVs and cannot be permanent dwellings. ADU size max is 1,200 sq ft.
Bellevue recognizes two categories of tiny homes. Tiny homes on permanent foundations qualify as accessory dwelling units under LUC 20.20.120, implementing Washington HB 1337 which requires cities to allow at least two ADUs per single-family lot. These must comply with IRC Appendix Q (tiny houses), which permits dwellings of 400 sq ft or less with reduced ceiling heights (minimum 6 feet 8 inches in living areas, 6 feet 4 inches in bathrooms), ladder access to lofts, and emergency egress from sleeping lofts. ADU size maximum is 1,200 sq ft, with the Director authorized to approve larger sizes for certain conversions. Maximum ADU height is 24 feet for detached units. Tiny houses on wheels are regulated as recreational vehicles and cannot be used as permanent dwelling units in residential zones per BCC 9.29 and the zoning code. Hookup to utilities, building permit, electrical permit, and plumbing permit are required for foundation tiny homes. Washington reduces or waives permit fees for ADUs under 750 sq ft.
Occupying a tiny house on wheels as a permanent residence: zoning violation and potential code enforcement. Unpermitted foundation tiny home: stop-work order and correction requirements.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle tiny homes.
See how Bellevue's tiny homes rules stack up against other locations.
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