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Marion County, OR Accessory Structures: Tiny Homes (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Tiny home rules in Marion County, OR, 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.

Key Facts

County tiny-home ordinance
None specific
On foundation
Dwelling or ADU
ADU authority
ORS 197.312
On wheels
Treated as an RV
Building standard
Oregon dwelling code

Summary

Marion County has no tiny-home-specific ordinance. A permanent tiny house on a foundation is regulated as a dwelling or accessory dwelling unit under state law and county zoning; a tiny house on wheels is generally treated as a recreational vehicle.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Marion County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

“Accessory dwelling unit” means an interior, attached or detached residential structure that is used in connection with or that is accessory to a single-family dwelling.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

There is no dedicated tiny-home ordinance in Marion County. How a tiny house is regulated depends on its form. A site-built tiny home on a permanent foundation is a dwelling, and where it accompanies an existing home it qualifies as an accessory dwelling unit, which ORS 197.312 defines as an interior, attached, or detached residential structure accessory to a single-family dwelling. It must meet Oregon's one- and two-family dwelling code and the county Rural Zoning Code accessory-structure and setback standards.

Violations & Fines

Occupying a tiny house on wheels as a permanent residence where not allowed, or placing a foundation tiny home without permits, is a code violation enforced by the county or city, with orders to cease occupancy, obtain permits, or remove.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are tiny homes legal in Marion County?
Yes, when built as a permitted dwelling or ADU on a foundation under state building code and county zoning. A tiny house on wheels is treated as an RV and cannot generally be a permanent residence outside a park.
Can I live in a tiny house on wheels on my land?
Generally not as a permanent home outside a licensed RV or manufactured-home park or an approved shelter program. Rules on temporary RV occupancy vary, so confirm with Marion County planning.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Marion County

All Marion County rules

Compare Marion County to another location·View the Oregon accessory structures overview

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