Tiny home rules in Berkeley, CA — 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 foundations qualify as ADUs under Berkeley and state law. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are not permitted as permanent dwellings; RV-parked living is prohibited.
Berkeley permits tiny homes built on permanent foundations meeting California Residential Code standards as Accessory Dwelling Units under BMC 23.304.160 and Gov Code 65852.2. A tiny home on foundation up to 1,200 square feet (typically 200-500 sq ft for true tiny homes) receives ministerial approval within 60 days, requires normal ADU permits (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical), and must meet egress, ceiling height (7 ft), loft stair/ladder standards, and energy code. Prefabricated tiny homes certified as Manufactured Housing (HUD-code) or Factory-Built Housing may also qualify but need site installation permits. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) built to ANSI RV standards are classified as recreational vehicles under California Health and Safety Code and are not permitted as permanent dwellings in Berkeley. Living in an RV or THOW on private residential property is prohibited by BMC 14.40 (Vehicles) and 23.304. Some jurisdictions permit THOW movable tiny houses (MTHs) under SB 2 emergency shelter rules; Berkeley has not adopted that pathway broadly. Contact Planning at (510) 981-7410.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Alameda County.
See how other cities in Alameda County handle tiny homes.
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