San Diego, CA Accessory Structures: Tiny Homes (2026)
Tiny home rules in San Diego, 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.
Key Facts
- Size range
- 150-430 sq ft
- Max per lot
- One, plus ADU/JADU
- Min rental term
- 30 consecutive days
- Side setback
- 5 ft from lot line
- Permit process
- Process One (limited use)
Summary
Movable tiny houses are allowed citywide as an accessory structure with a Process One permit, capped at 430 square feet and limited to one per lot.
Movable tiny houses are permitted as a limited use in accordance with Process One in the zones indicated with an "L"... (b) One movable tiny house may be permitted per premises in addition to Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units... (c) A movable tiny house shall not be used for a rental term of less than 30 consecutive days.
Full Breakdown
San Diego permits one movable tiny house per residential premises, in addition to any ADU or JADU, under SDMC § 141.0318. It must be 150-430 square feet, single-story, unable to move under its own power, DMV-licensed and registered, placed behind or beside the main house (never the front yard), at least 5 feet from the side lot line and 10 feet from other structures, with wheels concealed and the unit connected to water, sewer and electric (no gas). Rentals under 30 days are barred.
Violations & Fines
Building without the required Process One clearance, or a unit that fails to meet the size, siting, or NFPA/ANSI certification standards, is subject to standard code enforcement action and permit revocation under Chapter 12's enforcement provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a movable tiny house in my front yard?
Do I need a separate address for a movable tiny house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego to another location·View the California accessory structures overview
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Tiny Homes in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle tiny homes.