Rockland County, NY Accessory Structures: Tiny Homes (2026)

Rockland County towns apply dual regulatory tracks to tiny homes. Foundation-built tiny homes are governed by the NY Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, which adopted IRC Appendix AQ (Tiny Houses under 400 sq ft) allowing loft bedrooms, ladder access, and reduced ceiling heights. However, local zoning minimum dwelling sizes control: Clarkstown typically requires 750 sq ft minimum in R-zones, Ramapo 800 sq ft, Orangetown 600-900 sq ft depending on zone. Nyack and Piermont's smaller historic lot sizes may accommodate smaller dwellings. Tiny homes on wheels (THOW) are classified as RVs or manufactured homes under NY Vehicle and Traffic Law and cannot serve as permanent residences in most residential zones; extended RV occupancy violates Clarkstown, Ramapo, and Orangetown zoning. Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinances in Clarkstown (recent amendments) and Ramapo allow small secondary dwellings on qualifying single-family lots, providing a legal pathway for tiny-home-scale structures. Septic requirements under Rockland County Sanitary Code Article III and Rockland DOH approval are critical for non-sewered areas in Stony Point, Palisades, and western Ramapo. NY HSTPA tenant protections apply once occupancy begins.