Showing ordinances that apply to South Hempstead, NY
South Hempstead is an unincorporated community (population 3,406) in Nassau County, New York. Because South Hempstead is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, Nassau County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The tiny homes rules below are the ones that govern your area.
Permanent tiny homes on foundations in Nassau County must meet full NY Residential Code requirements (minimum 70 square feet habitable rooms, egress, ceiling height, sanitation), making ultra-small dwellings impractical. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as RVs and cannot be used as permanent residences in residential zones.
New York adopted the IRC Appendix Q (Tiny Houses) as part of the 2020 Residential Code, allowing dwellings under 400 square feet with modified code requirements (reduced ceiling height in lofts, ladder egress). However, local zoning in Nassau towns/villages still imposes minimum lot sizes and minimum dwelling square footage (often 800-1,500 sq ft), effectively preventing tiny homes as primary residences. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are regulated as RVs under NY Vehicle and Traffic Law and cannot be occupied as residences on private lots in residential zones. ADU rules (see adu-rules) may permit small secondary units internally.
Illegal tiny home occupancy: $500-$5,000, vacate orders, and removal from property. RV occupancy violations: $250-$1,000 per day.
See how South Hempstead's tiny homes rules stack up against other locations.
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