Tiny home rules in Orange, 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.
Tiny homes in Orange are regulated through the ADU framework under OMC Chapter 17.29 and California Government Code Section 65852.2. Tiny homes on permanent foundations meeting building code qualify as ADUs. Tiny homes on wheels are not permitted as permanent residences.
The City of Orange regulates tiny homes under its ADU provisions in OMC Chapter 17.29. A detached ADU up to 850 square feet (one bedroom) or 1,000 square feet (two+ bedrooms) is permitted on single-family lots through a ministerial building permit. Junior ADUs up to 500 square feet within existing structures are also allowed. Tiny homes on permanent foundations that meet California Building Code residential standards qualify as ADUs. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are classified as recreational vehicles and cannot serve as permanent residences on residential lots. All habitable tiny homes must meet CBC requirements for ceiling height, egress, ventilation, plumbing, and fire protection.
Placing a tiny home without permits or using a THOW as a permanent residence may result in code enforcement action, nuisance violations, fines, and removal orders.
Orange, CA
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Orange, CA
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Orange, CA
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Orange, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle tiny homes.
See how Orange's tiny homes rules stack up against other locations.
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