Plymouth County, MA Accessory Structures: Tiny Homes (2026)
Tiny home rules in Plymouth County, MA, 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.
Key Facts
- On Foundation
- Dwelling under 780 CMR
- ADU Path
- By-right at 900 sq ft
- On Wheels
- Titled as an RV
- Governing Law
- MGL c.40A §3
Summary
A tiny home's rules in Plymouth County turn on its foundation. Built on a permanent foundation at 900 square feet or less, it now qualifies as a by-right accessory dwelling unit; on wheels, it is an RV that zoning does not treat as a permanent home.
No zoning ordinance or by-law shall prohibit, unreasonably restrict or require a special permit or other discretionary zoning approval for the use of land or structures for a single accessory dwelling unit, or the rental thereof, in a single-family residential zoning district
Full Breakdown
A tiny house on a permanent foundation is a dwelling under 780 CMR and must meet the state building code for egress, ceiling height, and alarms. When it is 900 square feet or smaller on a single-family lot, MGL c.40A §3 makes it an accessory dwelling unit allowed by right, so no Plymouth County town can require a special permit for it. A tiny house on wheels is registered and titled as a recreational vehicle or trailer; it is not a permanent dwelling, and town zoning bylaws restrict living in one full-time. Either way the town, not the county, permits and inspects.
Violations & Fines
Placing a foundation tiny home without a building permit is illegal construction under 780 CMR. Living full-time in a titled RV parked on a lot conflicts with town zoning and draws enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a tiny home in my backyard?
Can I live in a tiny home on wheels?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Plymouth County
Compare Plymouth County to another location·View the Massachusetts accessory structures overview
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