Tiny home rules in San Diego County, CA — 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 in unincorporated San Diego County are regulated differently based on type. Tiny homes on foundations are treated as ADUs (up to 1,200 sq ft detached). Tiny homes on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot serve as permanent dwellings. Building permits required for foundation-based tiny homes.
Foundation-based tiny homes are regulated as ADUs under California Government Code §65852.2 and the County ADU ordinance. They must meet all building code requirements including minimum ceiling heights, egress, plumbing, electrical, and energy efficiency. Maximum size for detached ADUs is 1,200 sq ft. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are classified as recreational vehicles under California law and cannot be used as permanent dwellings. RVs may be parked on residential property subject to zoning requirements but cannot be occupied as a primary residence. Manufactured homes and mobile homes on permanent foundations may be allowed in certain zones. The County does not have a specific tiny house code separate from ADU regulations.
Using an RV or THOW as permanent housing violates zoning regulations. Unpermitted foundation-based tiny homes face standard building code enforcement.
San Diego County, CA
San Diego County Code Chapter 6 (Animal Control) and the noise ordinance address barking dogs. Persistently barking dogs that disturb neighbors violate Secti...
San Diego County, CA
San Diego County Code of Regulatory Ordinances Section 36.404 sets noise limits by property zone and time of day. Residential zones: 50 dBA daytime (7 AM–10 ...
San Diego County, CA
Vehicles on public streets in unincorporated San Diego County cannot be parked for more than 72 consecutive hours. A vehicle must be moved at least 0.5 miles...
San Diego County, CA
Unincorporated San Diego County does not have a blanket overnight parking ban. The 72-hour parking rule applies. Some specific communities or HOAs may impose...
San Diego County, CA
Unincorporated San Diego County enforces the 2022 California Residential Code Section R314 (adopted under County Code Title 9, Division 1) for smoke alarms. ...
San Diego County, CA
Tree trimming in unincorporated San Diego County is required for defensible space maintenance (branches pruned to 6 feet above ground), utility clearance, an...
See how San Diego County's tiny homes rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.