Tiny home rules in Lodi, 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.
Lodi does not have a tiny-home-specific ordinance. A tiny house on a permanent foundation is treated as a single-family dwelling or ADU under LMC Chapter 17.36, and a movable tiny house on wheels is treated as a recreational vehicle, which may not be used as a permanent residence on residential lots.
Lodi's Development Code (Title 17) requires that any structure used as a dwelling meet the California Residential Code and zoning standards for the parcel. A tiny house on a permanent foundation that meets habitable space, plumbing, electrical, and egress requirements can qualify as an ADU under LMC 17.36.130 — the city has four free pre-approved ADU plans starting at 375 sq ft. A tiny house on wheels, registered as a recreational vehicle or park trailer, falls under LMC parking and RV-storage standards: RVs may not be occupied as a permanent residence on a residential lot in the city, and short-term occupancy is limited to RV parks. Movable tiny houses meeting state HCD certification standards may be allowed as a JADU or ADU in limited circumstances under Government Code §65852.22 and §65852.2.
Living in an RV or tiny house on wheels on a residential lot in Lodi is a code violation enforced by Community Improvement at 310 W. Elm Street. Unpermitted construction of a tiny house on a foundation triggers building-permit violations and stop-work orders.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Joaquin County.
See how other cities in San Joaquin County handle tiny homes.
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