Tiny home rules in Winston-Salem, NC — 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 a permanent foundation are treated as single-family dwellings in Winston-Salem and must meet the NC Residential Code plus zoning minimum lot and building standards. Tiny homes on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot be used as permanent residences in most residential districts.
Tiny homes under 400 sq ft on a permanent foundation fall under NC Residential Code Appendix AQ (adopted by NC), which sets reduced ceiling-height, egress, and loft-stair standards specifically for small dwellings. These must sit on a permitted foundation, connect to water and sewer (or approved septic), and meet zoning minimum dwelling-size rules - which in some Winston-Salem residential districts exceed 400 sq ft. Tiny homes on wheels (THOW) are classified as recreational vehicles under NC DMV rules; they cannot be used as permanent residences on private lots in standard residential districts. RV occupancy rules limit stays in RV parks. ADU regulations may allow a permanent-foundation tiny home as an accessory unit. All permanent tiny homes need a building permit and zoning verification.
Occupying a THOW as a permanent residence: zoning violation, abatement order. Unpermitted permanent tiny home: stop-work + double permit fees.
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See how Winston-Salem's tiny homes rules stack up against other locations.
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