Tiny home rules in Newton, MA — 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 Newton must meet MA Building Code 780 CMR and zoning minimums; generally only allowed as ADUs or primary dwellings meeting standard dwelling size.
Newton does not have a specific tiny home zoning classification. A tiny home may be lawful in Newton if it meets Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR (which adopted Appendix Q for tiny houses under 400 square feet starting in 2018) and complies with Newton zoning minimum dwelling size, setbacks, lot coverage, and utility requirements. The most practical path is placement as an ADU under MGL c.40A s.3A, where tiny homes up to 900 square feet are permitted by right on single-family lots. Tiny homes on wheels (park model RVs) are generally not permitted as permanent dwellings in Newton residential zones and cannot substitute for a site-built or manufactured foundation home. Water, sewer, and electric connections are required. No tiny home villages or encampments are currently zoned in Newton.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Newton, MA
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Retaining walls in Newton over 4 feet in height measured from footing to top require a building permit and engineered design per 780 CMR.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle tiny homes.
See how Newton's tiny homes rules stack up against other locations.
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