Tiny Homes: Citrus Heights vs Vineyard
How do tiny homes rules compare between Citrus Heights, CA and Vineyard, CA?
Citrus Heights and Vineyard have similar restriction levels.
Citrus Heights, CA
Sacramento County
Tiny homes on permanent foundations may qualify as ADUs in Citrus Heights, while tiny homes on wheels are regulated as recreational vehicles and cannot be permanent residences.
View full Citrus Heights rules →Vineyard, CA
Sacramento County
Vineyard is an unincorporated CDP in Sacramento County, so tiny home rules are set by the Sacramento County Zoning Code (Title 5) and Building Code, not a city ordinance. Permanent-foundation tiny homes that meet the 2022 California Building Code may be permitted as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) under Sacramento County Zoning Code Section 5.4.5.F. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are treated as recreational vehicles and cannot be occupied as a permanent residence outside a licensed RV/mobile home park.
View full Vineyard rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Citrus Heights | Vineyard |
|---|---|---|
| On Foundation | Treated as ADU | - |
| On Wheels | Treated as RV | - |
| RV Residency | Not allowed | - |
| Standard | CRC for ADUs | - |
| Local Ordinance | No THOW specific rule | - |
| Governing Authority | - | Sacramento County (unincorporated) |
| ADU Standard | - | Zoning Code § 5.4.5.F |
| Max Detached ADU | - | 850–1,000 sq ft |
| Building Code | - | 2022 CRC, foundation required |
| THOWs as Residence | - | Not allowed outside parks |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Citrus Heights FAQ
Can I park a tiny home on wheels in my backyard and live in it?
No. Recreational vehicles cannot be used as permanent dwellings on residential lots in Citrus Heights.
Does a tiny home ADU still qualify for no impact fees?
Yes. If under 750 square feet and built on a permanent foundation it qualifies for state ADU fee exemptions.
Vineyard FAQ
Can I put a tiny home on my Vineyard property?
Yes, if it sits on a permanent foundation, meets the 2022 California Building Code, and complies with Sacramento County Zoning Code § 5.4.5.F as an ADU. Tiny homes on wheels cannot be used as a permanent residence on a residential lot in unincorporated Vineyard.
Do I need a permit for a tiny home ADU in Vineyard?
Yes. Sacramento County requires building, plumbing, electrical, and zoning approvals through the County Building Permits and Inspection Division. Submit plans showing foundation, setbacks (4 ft min rear/side), height (16 ft detached max), and ADU size limits under § 5.4.5.F.
Is there a minimum size for a tiny home in unincorporated Sacramento County?
Yes. Under the California Residential Code adopted by Sacramento County, a habitable room must be at least 120 sq ft (CRC R304) and an efficiency dwelling unit must be at least 220 sq ft. The county has no smaller tiny-house-specific minimum.
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