Tiny home rules in Tomball, TX — 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.
Tomball does not specifically permit tiny homes on wheels as permanent residences. Homes must meet minimum dwelling size requirements under the city's zoning ordinance and building codes. Tiny homes on permanent foundations may qualify as accessory dwelling units if they meet all applicable building standards. Mobile tiny homes are classified as recreational vehicles and cannot be used as permanent housing.
Tomball's zoning ordinance and building codes do not include a specific category for tiny homes. All residential dwellings must comply with minimum building standards under the International Residential Code as adopted by the city. Tiny homes on permanent foundations must meet the same structural, electrical, plumbing, and fire safety requirements as conventional homes. Minimum dwelling unit sizes vary by zoning district but typically require at least 1,000 to 1,200 square feet in single-family residential zones. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles under Texas law and may not be used as permanent residences on residential lots in Tomball. RVs may be stored on residential property subject to the city's parking and screening requirements but cannot be occupied as a dwelling. Manufactured homes meeting HUD code standards may be permitted in designated areas. Contact the Building Department at (281) 290-1012 for specific minimum size requirements by zoning district. Variances for reduced dwelling size would require Zoning Board of Adjustment approval.
Occupying an RV or tiny home on wheels as a permanent residence is a zoning violation. Building a dwelling below minimum size requirements without variance approval may result in stop-work orders and fines up to $2,000 per day. Unpermitted structures may be ordered removed.
Tomball, TX
Tomball regulates construction activity through its nuisance ordinance. Construction in residential areas is generally permitted Monday through Saturday duri...
Tomball, TX
Tomball regulates noise under Chapter 18, Article IV of its Code of Ordinances. In 2024, the city adopted Ordinance 2024-17 which deleted Section 18-192 (Max...
Tomball, TX
Tomball restricts the parking of large commercial vehicles in residential neighborhoods. Vehicles exceeding certain size and weight thresholds, including sem...
Tomball, TX
Tomball restricts parking and storage of recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers in residential areas. RVs and boats must be stored behind the front build...
Tomball, TX
Tomball requires vehicles to be parked on improved surfaces such as concrete or asphalt driveways. Parking on grass, dirt, or unimproved surfaces in front ya...
Tomball, TX
Tomball regulates on-street parking throughout the city. Vehicles may not be parked on public streets for more than 72 consecutive hours. Parking is prohibit...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
See how other cities in Harris County handle tiny homes.
See how Tomball's tiny homes rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.