Tiny home rules in Santa Monica, 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 on foundations in Santa Monica are regulated as ADUs under CA Gov Code §65852.2 and the local zoning code. Tiny homes on wheels are not permitted as permanent dwellings. The city must allow ADUs per state law.
Santa Monica 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.
Santa Monica, CA
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Santa Monica, CA
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Santa Monica, CA
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Santa Monica, CA
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Santa Monica, CA
Portable fire pits on private property in Santa Monica must comply with South Coast AQMD regulations. Burns are prohibited on spare-the-air days. Beach fires...
Santa Monica, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle tiny homes.
See how Santa Monica's tiny homes rules stack up against other locations.
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