Tiny home rules in Houston, TX — 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.
Houston allows secondary dwelling units (ADUs) including tiny homes, with a maximum size of 900 sq ft or 50% of the main home's floor area. The 2023 Livable Places amendments to Chapter 42 expanded ADU allowances. Since Houston has no zoning, most restrictions come from building codes and deed restrictions.
Houston does not have a specific tiny home ordinance but regulates small secondary dwellings through its ADU provisions. ADUs may be up to 900 sq ft or 50% of the main home's floor area, whichever is smaller. They must have their own kitchen, bathroom, and living area and comply with Houston building codes including electrical, plumbing, and safety standards. The November 2023 Livable Places amendments to Chapter 42 increased allowable ADU sizes, relaxed parking requirements based on unit size, and brought back small-scale 3-8 unit multi-unit residential types. Properties in Houston's 34 Historic Districts require a Certificate of Appropriateness, and ADU design must match the primary structure architecturally. Deed restrictions may still prohibit ADUs in certain neighborhoods. Tiny homes on wheels are generally treated as RVs, not permanent dwellings, and may not serve as primary residences.
Building without a permit carries stop-work orders and fines. Non-compliant structures may require demolition or remediation.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
See how other cities in Harris County handle tiny homes.
See how Houston's tiny homes rules stack up against other locations.
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