Reedley, CA Accessory Structures: Tiny Homes (2026)

Tiny homes in Reedley are regulated through the accessory dwelling unit provisions of Municipal Code Chapter 10.52, which implements California Government Code Sections 65852.2 and 65852.22. Reedley does not have a standalone tiny home ordinance, so all tiny home projects must fit within the ADU regulatory framework or comply with standard single-family residential building standards. Site-built tiny homes that meet the full California Building Code may be permitted as ADUs, subject to the same development standards that apply to all ADUs in Reedley: maximum 1,200 square feet, 4-foot side and rear setbacks for new detached construction, and 16-foot maximum height. There is no city-imposed minimum size for ADUs, but California law prohibits cities from establishing minimum size requirements that would prevent construction of an ADU of at least 800 square feet. Many tiny home ADUs are successfully built at 400-600 square feet. Factory-built tiny homes must be certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to qualify for placement on a residential lot. HCD-certified units must meet the same health and safety standards as site-built homes, including structural integrity, fire safety, plumbing, and electrical requirements. Assembly Bill 2580, signed into law in 2022, created a framework for movable tiny homes (sometimes called MADUs, or movable accessory dwelling units) that can be placed as ADUs if they are HCD-certified, connected to permanent utility systems, and placed on an approved foundation or support system. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) that are not HCD-certified are classified as recreational vehicles under California Vehicle Code and the California Health and Safety Code. Recreational vehicles cannot serve as permanent residences on residential lots in Reedley and may only be occupied temporarily for periods defined by local RV parking and storage regulations. Living in a THOW as a permanent dwelling violates both state law and Reedley's zoning ordinance. Reedley gained national attention in 2023 when a large unauthorized tiny home community was discovered within city limits, highlighting the enforcement challenges and housing demand that tiny homes represent in small agricultural communities in the San Joaquin Valley. The city addressed the situation through code enforcement and worked with affected residents to identify alternative housing options. Property owners interested in tiny home ADU projects should contact the Community Development Department at (559) 637-4200 to discuss their specific plans, as the department can provide guidance on whether a proposed tiny home design meets the ADU requirements and what permits are needed.