Tiny home rules in Lincoln, 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.
Permanent tiny homes in Lincoln are regulated as accessory dwelling units under Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 18.37 and California Government Code §65852.2, with state law preempting most local restrictions. Lincoln offers pre-approved 661 sq ft and 746 sq ft ADU plans.
Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 18.37 governs accessory dwelling units and is the primary pathway for a permanent tiny home on a residential lot. State ADU law (Gov. Code §65852.2) guarantees ministerial approval of at least one ADU up to 850 sq ft (1,000 sq ft if more than one bedroom) at 16 feet in height with 4-foot side and rear setbacks, and prohibits owner-occupancy requirements for ADUs permitted before 2025 (with a sunset on the new owner-occupancy option in §65852.2(a)(6)). Pursuant to AB 1332 (Gov. Code §65852.27), Lincoln adopted a Pre-Approved ADU Master Plan program effective January 1, 2025, offering a 661 sq ft one-bedroom and a 746 sq ft two-bedroom design with a 30-day complete-application decision. Movable tiny homes on wheels are regulated by the California Department of Housing and Community Development as either recreational vehicles or manufactured homes under Health & Safety Code §18000 et seq.; recreational vehicles may not be used as permanent dwellings outside of permitted RV parks under state law.
Occupying an unpermitted tiny home or RV as a permanent dwelling is a violation of LMC Title 15 and California Health & Safety Code §17920.3 (substandard housing). Enforcement includes orders to vacate, mandatory permitting under Chapter 18.37, and infraction fines under LMC §1.12.020 ($100/$200/$500). Continuing violations may be charged daily.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Lincoln, CA
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