El Paso County, CO Accessory Structures: Tiny Homes (2026)

Tiny homes in El Paso County are classified by construction type. Foundation-built tiny homes must meet 2021 IRC as adopted by the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department; the IRC Appendix Q amendment allows dwellings 400 sq ft or less with relaxed ceiling height (minimum 6'8" in living areas, 6'4" in bathrooms), loft stair requirements, and emergency egress. Tiny homes on wheels (THOW) are classified as either recreational vehicles (if built to ANSI A119.5 / NFPA 1192) or manufactured homes (if HUD-certified), not as site-built dwellings. Most El Paso County residential zones prohibit RV use as permanent residence — occupancy beyond 14-30 consecutive days violates the Land Development Code. El Paso County adopted an ADU ordinance via Resolution 22-05 allowing accessory dwelling units on single-family lots meeting size and setback requirements, which can accommodate small-footprint tiny homes as site-built ADUs. Utility requirements (potable water connection or approved well, septic or sewer connection, permanent electrical) apply to all dwellings. HB 24-1152 (state ADU mandate) applies to jurisdictions in MPOs with 1,000+ population — unincorporated El Paso County outside Colorado Springs MPO has limited state preemption.