Tiny Homes: Carmichael vs Sacramento

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.

Can I live in a tiny house on wheels in the City of Sacramento?

Not on a private residential lot. The City of Sacramento has not adopted a tiny-house-on-wheels ordinance, so movable tiny houses remain classified as recreational vehicles under California Health and Safety Code 18010 and Title 25 CCR and may only be occupied in a licensed RV park or mobilehome park.

Is a tiny home legal as an ADU in Sacramento?

Yes, when built on a permanent foundation and permitted as an Accessory Dwelling Unit under SCC Chapter 17.228, Article XIV. The structure must meet the 2022 California Building Code as adopted in SCC Title 15 and the accessory-structure setbacks in SCC 17.624.050.

Does Sacramento allow tiny homes like West Sacramento does?

No. West Sacramento's Ordinance 24-9 (adopted 2025) legalized tiny homes on wheels as dwellings up to 399 sq ft in most residential zones. The City of Sacramento has not enacted a parallel ordinance, so THOWs are still treated as RVs there.

What happens if I park a tiny house on wheels and live in it on my Sacramento property?

Code Enforcement can cite the property under SCC Chapter 8.04 for unlawful occupancy and zoning violations under Title 17, with administrative fines and an order to remove or vacate the unit.