Tiny home rules in Schaumburg, IL — 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.
Schaumburg's zoning and building codes effectively restrict tiny homes in residential zones. The Village enforces minimum dwelling size requirements that most tiny homes on wheels cannot meet. Tiny homes on permanent foundations must comply with all building code requirements including minimum square footage, ceiling height, egress, and utility connections. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and may not be used as primary residences.
Schaumburg's zoning ordinance and adopted building codes establish minimum standards for dwelling units that create significant barriers for tiny homes. Minimum dwelling unit sizes in residential zones typically require at least 750 to 1,000 square feet of habitable space for a one-bedroom unit, depending on the zoning district. Tiny homes on permanent foundations must meet all International Residential Code requirements including minimum room dimensions (70 square feet per habitable room with no dimension less than 7 feet), minimum ceiling height (7 feet), egress windows in all bedrooms, full bathroom with hot and cold running water, kitchen facilities, heating, and connection to municipal water and sewer. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are classified as recreational vehicles under Illinois law and Schaumburg's zoning ordinance. RVs may not be used as permanent residences on residential lots. THOWs may be parked on a residential property subject to the Village's RV parking regulations but cannot be occupied as a dwelling. Illinois does not have statewide tiny home legislation that would override local zoning. Some municipalities in Illinois have adopted tiny home friendly codes, but Schaumburg has not. Modular homes and manufactured homes meeting HUD standards and local minimum size requirements may be an alternative for those seeking smaller housing options.
Using a tiny home on wheels as a permanent residence violates the Village's zoning ordinance. Building a dwelling unit below minimum size requirements is a building code violation. Occupying a structure without proper permits, utility connections, and code compliance may result in condemnation. Fines and orders to vacate may be issued.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle tiny homes.
See how Schaumburg's tiny homes rules stack up against other locations.
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