Tiny home rules in Saint Paul, MN β covering tiny houses on wheels (THOWs), park model RVs, and tiny home on foundation builds β determine where they are legal and how they get permitted.
Saint Paul permits tiny homes as ADUs when built on a foundation and meeting state building code standards. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles.
Tiny homes in Saint Paul are regulated based on their construction type. Permanent tiny homes built on a foundation may qualify as ADUs under Saint Paul Legislative Code Ch. 66 and must meet all applicable ADU size, setback, and zoning standards. They must comply with the Minnesota State Building Code including minimum habitable room sizes, ceiling heights, egress requirements, and utility connections. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are generally classified as recreational vehicles under city code and cannot be used as permanent dwellings in residential zones. RVs may be stored on residential property subject to parking and storage regulations but are not approved for habitation. Minnesota adopted Appendix Q of the IRC in the state building code, which provides specific standards for tiny houses (400 sq ft or less) including reduced stairway widths and ceiling heights. A building permit and certificate of occupancy are required for any tiny home intended for permanent habitation. Saint Paul has explored tiny home villages for transitional housing through special zoning approvals.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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See how Saint Paul's tiny homes rules stack up against other locations.
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