Tulsa, OK Accessory Structures: Tiny Homes (2026)

Tulsa addresses tiny homes through the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) framework rather than a stand-alone tiny-home ordinance. Title 42 (Zoning Code), Chapter 45 (Accessory Uses and Structures) defines ADUs as a smaller secondary dwelling on a lot occupied by a detached house. By special exception in RE and RS districts, and by right within the Neighborhood Infill Overlay (effective December 2021) for properties zoned RS-3, RS-4, RS-5, RD, RT, RM-0, RM-1, RM-2 and RM-3 within the overlay boundary, an ADU may be built as a backyard cottage, garage apartment, basement apartment, or attic apartment. Detached ADUs are limited to 750 square feet or 40% of the principal home's floor area, whichever is smaller, and to 12 feet in height in some district contexts (verify with the Tulsa Planning Office). The owner must occupy either the primary residence or the ADU, and the ADU's exterior is expected to match the principal home's character. Construction is governed by Title 51 (Building Code), which adopts the International Residential Code through the State of Oklahoma's adoption of ICC codes by the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission. The 2018/2021 IRC includes Appendix Q (Tiny Houses), which Tulsa's adopted IRC follows for dwellings 400 square feet or less, allowing reduced ceiling heights, ladder access to lofts, and emergency egress through lofts. A tiny home built on a permanent foundation is treated as a single-family dwelling or ADU; a tiny home on wheels (THOW) is regulated as a recreational vehicle/manufactured home and is not allowed as a primary residence in standard residential districts. Confirm overlay boundaries, district-specific size, height, and parking requirements with the Tulsa Planning Office at (918) 584-7526.