Dublin, CA Accessory Structures: Tiny Homes (2026)

Dublin does not have a dedicated 'tiny home' ordinance, so a tiny house intended as a permanent residence is treated as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) under Chapter 8.80, which implements California Government Code 66310 et seq. To qualify as an ADU, the structure must provide complete independent living facilities (living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation) and be placed on a permanent foundation; under California law a tiny house on wheels does not qualify as an ADU unless the wheels and tongue are removed and it is mounted on an approved foundation and connected to approved utilities. Section 8.80.040 requires an ADU to be a minimum of 150 square feet (or the size needed for an efficiency unit) and limits detached units to 16 feet in height (18 feet near transit) with up to four-foot side and rear setbacks. A building permit and ministerial review (60-day decision under Section 8.80.030) are required. A movable tiny house on wheels used for living is essentially a recreational vehicle for code purposes and cannot be used as a permanent dwelling on a residential lot. Because state law preempts much of the local ADU framework, most of the binding standards come from Gov. Code 66310+ rather than a Dublin-specific tiny-home rule. Homeowners considering a tiny home should confirm foundation, utility, and ADU requirements with Dublin's Planning Division at (925) 833-6610.