Tiny home rules in Tempe, AZ — 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 permanent foundations may be permitted in Tempe as ADUs under the city's Zoning and Development Code. Tempe allows both attached and detached ADUs on single-family lots. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and cannot serve as permanent residences. Arizona HB 2720 (2024) expanded ADU rights statewide, and Tempe updated its ADU ordinance accordingly.
Tempe's ADU ordinance allows one attached and one detached ADU on lots where single-family use is permitted. Foundation-based tiny homes may qualify as detached ADUs. ADU height is regulated by the underlying zoning district standards. A building permit and compliance with the International Residential Code are required. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as RVs under Arizona law and Tempe's zoning code and cannot be used as permanent residences on residential lots. They may be stored subject to RV parking regulations. Tempe's ADU provisions were updated to comply with Arizona HB 2720. The city has worked to streamline ADU permitting through its Community Development department. Tempe's proximity to ASU makes ADUs particularly popular for student housing and multigenerational living.
Using a tiny home on wheels as a permanent residence violates zoning code. Building an ADU without permits results in code enforcement action.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle tiny homes.
See how Tempe's tiny homes rules stack up against other locations.
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