Tiny home rules in Mesa, AZ — 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.
Mesa permits accessory dwelling units up to 1,200 sq ft or 75% of the primary dwelling in single-residence districts under Ordinance 5883. Tiny homes on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot serve as permanent residences.
Mesa updated its ADU regulations through Ordinance 5883, increasing the maximum size from 30% to 75% of the primary dwelling area, up to 1,200 square feet. ADUs are permitted by right in all single-residence districts as internal, attached, or detached units. They must have water, sewer, and electric utilities. ADU design must be architecturally compatible with the primary residence. Tiny homes on permanent foundations that meet building code requirements can qualify as ADUs. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are classified as recreational vehicles under Mesa code and cannot be used as permanent dwellings. ADUs may be separately rented from the primary residence.
Unpermitted ADUs or tiny homes used as permanent dwellings without meeting building code requirements are subject to code enforcement including orders to cease occupancy.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle tiny homes.
See how Mesa's tiny homes rules stack up against other locations.
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