Tiny Homes: Elk Grove vs McClellan Park
How do tiny homes rules compare between Elk Grove, CA and McClellan Park, CA?
Elk Grove and McClellan Park have similar restriction levels.
Elk Grove, CA
Sacramento County
Tiny homes on a permanent foundation can qualify as ADUs in Elk Grove under Gov Code §65852.2 and EGMC Ch. 23.70. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are generally treated as RVs and cannot be used as full-time dwellings on residential lots.
View full Elk Grove rules →McClellan Park, CA
Sacramento County
McClellan Park is an unincorporated CDP in Sacramento County built around the former McClellan Air Force Base. Tiny home rules follow the Sacramento County Zoning Code (Title 5) and the 2022 California Building Code, not a separate city ordinance. Permanent-foundation tiny homes can qualify as ADUs under Zoning Code § 5.4.5.F. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and may not be occupied as permanent residences outside a licensed RV or mobile home park.
View full McClellan Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Elk Grove | McClellan Park |
|---|---|---|
| On foundation | Qualifies as ADU | - |
| THOW | Treated as RV | - |
| RV dwelling | Not allowed long-term | - |
| Min size | 70 sq ft habitable room | - |
| State law | Gov Code §65852.2 | - |
| Governing Authority | - | Sacramento County (unincorporated) |
| Predominant Zoning | - | McClellan Park Specific Plan |
| ADU Standard | - | Zoning Code § 5.4.5.F |
| Max Detached ADU | - | 850–1,000 sq ft |
| THOWs as Residence | - | Not allowed outside parks |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Elk Grove FAQ
Can I live in a tiny house on wheels in my Elk Grove backyard?
Not as a permanent residence. THOWs are RVs under state law and cannot be used as dwellings outside licensed parks.
Is there a minimum size for a tiny ADU?
Functionally yes: the unit must meet the California Residential Code including a habitable room of at least 70 sq ft and full kitchen/bath.
McClellan Park FAQ
Can I live in a tiny home at McClellan Park?
Only on a parcel that allows residential use under the Sacramento County Zoning Code and the McClellan Park Specific Plan. Much of McClellan Park is business-park, industrial, or airport-zoned. Where residential ADUs are allowed, Zoning Code § 5.4.5.F controls — foundation required, 850–1,000 sq ft max, 4-ft side/rear setbacks.
Are tiny homes on wheels allowed in McClellan Park?
No, not as permanent dwellings. Sacramento County treats THOWs as recreational vehicles and prohibits permanent RV occupancy on residential lots outside a licensed RV or mobile home park. There is no county-adopted THOW ordinance.
Who do I contact about tiny home permits in McClellan Park?
Sacramento County Planning and Environmental Review (planning.saccounty.gov) handles zoning verification, and the Building Permits and Inspection Division issues construction permits under the 2022 California Building Code.
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