Tiny home rules in Phoenix, 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.
Phoenix allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) under Zoning Ordinance Section 706, which can function as tiny homes. Up to 2 ADUs are permitted per single-family lot (one attached, one detached). ADUs are capped at 75% of the primary dwelling's floor area, with a 1,000 sq ft maximum on lots up to 10,000 sq ft. HOAs may impose additional restrictions.
Phoenix classifies tiny homes based on construction type. Foundation-built tiny homes are treated as standard dwellings and must meet local building codes including minimum square footage (often 400 to 800 sq ft). Tiny homes on wheels (THOW) are typically classified as RVs or mobile homes with different zoning restrictions. Appendix Q of the IRC provides building standards for tiny houses under 400 sq ft. ADU ordinances may provide a pathway for tiny homes as secondary dwellings. Utility connections, septic/sewer, and foundation requirements apply. Some jurisdictions have created specific tiny home zoning districts or overlay zones.
Unpermitted dwellings: removal or retroactive permitting. Zoning violations: fines and required relocation. Occupancy without certificate: prohibited.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix's Resident Permit Parking Program, established in 1987, lets the City Council designate 'resident only' permit areas under City Code Sec. 36-157 wher...
Phoenix, AZ
A backyard recreational fire is the one open-flame exception that does not require a Phoenix open-burning permit, but Phoenix Fire Code section 307.4.2 requi...
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix follows the 2018 Phoenix Building Construction Code Chapter 9 (IBC/IRC) and Ordinance G-5898 (effective April 18, 2014). Smoke alarms are required in...
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix allows home occupations in any residential district without a permit if they stay within the secondary-use standards of Zoning Ordinance Section 608....
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on residential property. PCC Section 23 requires property maint...
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, lighting hours, and blower noise are governed by HOA CC&Rs. PCC Secti...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle tiny homes.
See how Phoenix's tiny homes rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.