Tiny home rules in Irvine, 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 Irvine are regulated through the ADU framework per California Government Code Section 65852.2. Tiny homes on permanent foundations meeting CBC standards qualify as ADUs. Tiny homes on wheels cannot serve as permanent residences.
Irvine regulates tiny homes under its ADU provisions consistent with state law. A tiny home on a permanent foundation that meets California Building Code residential standards qualifies as an ADU and can be up to 1,200 square feet detached or 500 square feet as a JADU within an existing structure. The city processes these through the RADU application. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are classified as recreational vehicles under Irvine Municipal Code and cannot be used as permanent residences on residential lots. All habitable tiny homes must meet CBC requirements for ceiling height, egress, ventilation, plumbing, and fire protection.
Placing a tiny home on a lot without required permits is a code violation. Living in an RV or THOW on a residential lot may result in a nuisance violation.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle tiny homes.
See how Irvine's tiny homes rules stack up against other locations.
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