Tiny home rules in Glendale, AZ — 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 permanent foundations may be permitted in Glendale as ADUs under the Unified Development Code, subject to the International Residential Code. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and cannot serve as primary or permanent residences on residential lots. Arizona's 2024 ADU legislation (HB 2720) expanded options for smaller dwelling units on single-family lots statewide.
Glendale distinguishes between tiny homes on permanent foundations and tiny homes on wheels. Foundation-based tiny homes may qualify as ADUs and must comply with the city's ADU regulations: maximum 1,200 square feet for detached units, standard zoning setbacks, and full building permit with plan review. They must meet all International Residential Code requirements for habitable dwellings, including minimum room sizes, ceiling heights, egress, plumbing, and electrical. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles under Arizona law and Glendale's zoning code. RVs cannot be used as permanent residences on residential lots. They may be parked on residential property subject to RV parking regulations but cannot be connected to utilities for habitation. The city does not have a specific tiny home zoning category separate from ADU or RV classifications.
Using a tiny home on wheels as a permanent residence may result in zoning violations and fines. Building a tiny home without permits results in code enforcement action.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle tiny homes.
See how Glendale's tiny homes rules stack up against other locations.
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