Tiny home rules in Chula Vista, 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 in Chula Vista are regulated either as ADUs under state law or as standard dwelling units subject to California Building Code requirements. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and may not be used as permanent residences. Factory-built tiny homes must meet HCD certification standards.
Chula Vista does not have a standalone tiny home ordinance. Tiny homes are regulated under existing frameworks. A permanently-affixed tiny home on a foundation may qualify as an ADU under California Government Code section 65852.2, subject to size and setback requirements. Factory-built housing must be certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles under CVMC and California Vehicle Code and cannot be occupied as a permanent dwelling. RVs may not be used for habitation on residential properties. All permanent tiny homes must meet California Building Code standards for habitable space including minimum room dimensions, ceiling height, ventilation, plumbing, and electrical systems. A building permit is required for any permanent tiny home installation.
Using an RV or unpermitted tiny home as a permanent dwelling is a zoning violation subject to code enforcement action. Penalties include fines and required removal of the unpermitted structure.
Chula Vista, CA
CVMC 19.68.030 establishes specific exterior noise level limits by zoning district. Single-family residential zones are limited to 55 dBA daytime and 45 dBA ...
Chula Vista, CA
Leaf blowers and power fans in Chula Vista must be equipped with muffler devices under CVMC 19.68.050. Operation is prohibited during nighttime hours (10 PM ...
Chula Vista, CA
Chula Vista's quiet hours are effectively 10 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and 10 PM to 8 AM on weekends, when lower nighttime noise limits apply under CVMC 19.68. ...
Chula Vista, CA
Chula Vista has adopted an expedited permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations under CVMC 15.29.030 pursuant to California Government Code se...
Chula Vista, CA
Vehicles in Chula Vista must park on improved driveway surfaces. Parking on front lawns, unpaved areas, or blocking sidewalks is prohibited. Driveway modific...
Chula Vista, CA
Chula Vista addresses animal hoarding through keeping limits in Chula Vista Municipal Code Title 6 and through the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility, the only...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle tiny homes.
See how Chula Vista's tiny homes rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.