Tiny Homes: Carmichael vs Folsom
How do tiny homes rules compare between Carmichael, CA and Folsom, CA?
Carmichael and Folsom have similar restriction levels.
Carmichael, CA
Sacramento County
Carmichael is an unincorporated CDP in Sacramento County, so tiny home regulation comes from the Sacramento County Zoning Code (Title 5) and the 2022 California Building Code, not a city ordinance. A permanent-foundation tiny home that meets the California Residential Code can qualify as an Accessory Dwelling Unit under Sacramento County Zoning Code Section 5.4.5.F. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are recreational vehicles and cannot be occupied as a permanent residence on a residential lot.
View full Carmichael rules →Folsom, CA
Sacramento County
Tiny homes on foundations in Folsom are regulated as ADUs or primary dwellings under state ADU law. Tiny Homes On Wheels (THOWs) are generally classified as recreational vehicles and cannot be used as permanent dwellings in residential zones. Movable Tiny Houses meeting ANSI 119.5 may qualify as ADUs under AB 68 amendments.
View full Folsom rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carmichael | Folsom |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Authority | Sacramento County (unincorporated) | - |
| Typical Zoning | RD-5 / RD-7 residential | - |
| ADU Standard | Zoning Code § 5.4.5.F | - |
| Max Detached ADU | 850–1,000 sq ft | - |
| Min Habitable Room | 120 sq ft (CRC R304) | - |
| Foundation Built | - | Permit as ADU |
| THOW | - | RV — not permanent |
| ANSI A119.5 | - | May qualify if sited |
| RV Occupancy | - | 30-day max residential |
| State Law | - | H&S §18010 + Gov §65852.2 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carmichael FAQ
Can I put a tiny home in my Carmichael backyard?
Yes, if it sits on a permanent foundation, meets the 2022 California Residential Code, and complies with Sacramento County Zoning Code § 5.4.5.F as an ADU — up to 850 sq ft (one bedroom) or 1,000 sq ft (two-plus bedrooms), 4-ft minimum rear/side setbacks, 16-ft detached height limit.
Can I live in a tiny home on wheels in Carmichael?
Not as a permanent residence on a residential lot. Sacramento County classifies THOWs as recreational vehicles and Title 22 prohibits permanent RV occupancy in residential zones. Permanent residence is only allowed in a licensed RV or mobile home park.
Where do I apply for a tiny home / ADU permit in Carmichael?
Apply through Sacramento County Building Permits and Inspection Division and Planning and Environmental Review at planning.saccounty.gov. Plans must show foundation, setbacks, height, and ADU size compliance under § 5.4.5.F plus CRC habitability standards.
Folsom FAQ
Can I live in a tiny house on wheels in my Folsom backyard?
Not as a permanent residence. THOWs are classified as RVs and can only be occupied up to 30 days per year on a residential lot. For permanent occupancy, build a foundation-based ADU instead.
What's the smallest ADU I can build in Folsom?
There's no strict minimum size in state law, but it must meet habitability code — at minimum a habitable space with bathroom, kitchenette, egress, and utilities. Most permit-approved tiny ADUs are 150-400 sq ft.
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