Tiny home rules in Elfin Forest, 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 unincorporated San Diego County are regulated differently based on type. Tiny homes on foundations are treated as ADUs (up to 1,200 sq ft detached). Tiny homes on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot serve as permanent dwellings. Building permits required for foundation-based tiny homes.
Foundation-based tiny homes are regulated as ADUs under California Government Code §65852.2 and the County ADU ordinance. They must meet all building code requirements including minimum ceiling heights, egress, plumbing, electrical, and energy efficiency. Maximum size for detached ADUs is 1,200 sq ft. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are classified as recreational vehicles under California law and cannot be used as permanent dwellings. RVs may be parked on residential property subject to zoning requirements but cannot be occupied as a primary residence. Manufactured homes and mobile homes on permanent foundations may be allowed in certain zones. The County does not have a specific tiny house code separate from ADU regulations.
Using an RV or THOW as permanent housing violates zoning regulations. Unpermitted foundation-based tiny homes face standard building code enforcement.
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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 Elfin Forest's tiny homes rules stack up against other locations.
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