Tiny home rules in Santa Paula, 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.
Santa Paula permits tiny homes on foundations as ADUs under California ADU law. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are classified as recreational vehicles and may not be used as permanent dwellings in residential zones. Factory-built tiny homes certified by HCD are treated as manufactured housing.
Tiny homes in Santa Paula fall into different regulatory categories. Tiny homes on permanent foundations that meet California Building Code are treated as standard construction and may be built as ADUs (up to 1,200 sq ft) or primary dwellings (meeting minimum zoning requirements). Factory-built tiny homes certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) are treated as manufactured housing and may be placed on residential lots meeting CBC Chapter 19 and local zoning. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are classified as recreational vehicles under California Vehicle Code and may not be used as permanent residences — they can only be occupied temporarily (up to 180 days) for caretaking purposes with a temporary use permit. California AB 68 and SB 13 have made it easier to place tiny homes as ADUs.
Using a THOW as a permanent residence in a residential zone is a zoning violation with daily fines. Placing an uncertified factory-built unit without permits is a building code violation. All permanent tiny homes require building permits and must meet CBC minimum standards.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Ventura County.
See how other cities in Ventura County handle tiny homes.
See how Santa Paula's tiny homes rules stack up against other locations.
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