Tiny home rules in Worcester, 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.
Worcester County MA tiny home regulation depends on construction type. Foundation-built tiny homes are regulated under 780 CMR (MA Building Code) with minimum habitable room sizes per 780 CMR 1208 (70 sq ft habitable room, at least one 120 sq ft room). Tiny homes on wheels (THOW) are classified as RVs under 540 CMR 2.00 and restricted to RV parks or short-duration occupancy. The 2025 Affordable Homes Act ADU by-right provisions provide a tiny home pathway up to 900 sq ft.
Massachusetts does not have a unified 'tiny home' statute. Regulation depends on structure classification. Foundation-built tiny homes are dwellings under 780 CMR (MA State Building Code, 10th Edition). Requirements: (1) minimum habitable room size 70 sq ft under 780 CMR 1208, with at least one room minimum 120 sq ft (as of 10th Ed, reduced from earlier standards); (2) minimum ceiling height 7 feet in habitable space, 6'8" in kitchens/bathrooms; (3) full code compliance including insulation (IECC), mechanical ventilation, smoke/CO per MGL c. 148, §26F, egress windows. 780 CMR Appendix AQ (Tiny Houses) has been referenced but not formally adopted in MA. Tiny homes on wheels (THOW) are classified as recreational vehicles under 540 CMR 2.00 (Registry of Motor Vehicles) and cannot legally serve as a primary dwelling in most zoning districts. RV parks regulated by 105 CMR 440 (Recreational Camps for Children and Mobile Home Parks) and local zoning. The Affordable Homes Act (Ch. 150 Acts of 2024, §8) effective February 2, 2025 allows ADUs up to 900 sq ft or 50% of principal dwelling GFA (whichever is less) by-right in single-family zones statewide — this provides a significant tiny home pathway in Worcester County. ADUs can be detached (cottage/tiny home style), converted garages, basement/attic conversions, or additions. Many Worcester County towns (Worcester, Shrewsbury, Westborough, Grafton) are updating zoning to comply with ADU law. Utility connections, septic (if rural) under 310 CMR 15.00 Title 5, and building code compliance required.
Unpermitted tiny house dwelling: zoning enforcement and occupancy prohibition. Illegal THOW as primary residence: zoning violation, removal required. Undersized habitable rooms: building permit denial or correction order. Title 5 septic non-compliance: DEP enforcement and repair order. Utility without permit: shutoff possible.
Worcester, MA
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Worcester, MA
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