Carson, CA Accessory Structures: Tiny Homes (2026)

Carson does not have a separate local tiny-home ordinance. Tiny homes are regulated through two state pathways depending on how they are constructed and placed. (1) Permanent foundation tiny homes are treated as ADUs under Gov. Code §65852.2 and must be ministerially approved if they meet ADU standards — typically a detached ADU up to 850 sq ft (one bedroom) or 1,000 sq ft (two+ bedrooms), with 4-ft side/rear setbacks and a 16-ft height limit (or up to 18-25 ft near transit/multifamily lots). They must comply with the California Building Code (Title 24 CCR) for site-built dwellings adopted in the Carson Building Code chapter. (2) Movable Tiny Houses (MTH) on a chassis are regulated by HCD under Health & Safety Code §18007 and HCD's Movable Tiny House guidelines (2018) — they must be HCD-certified, attached to utilities, and Carson treats them like an RV or manufactured home under the Zoning Code (CMC Article IX, Ch. 1), which restricts long-term occupancy outside of approved mobilehome parks. Carson has a significant mobilehome park inventory regulated by the Carson Mobilehome Park Space Rent Ordinance. Park-model RVs (≤400 sq ft) follow ANSI A119.5 / HUD standards and cannot be used as permanent dwellings on residential lots.