Tiny Homes: Folsom vs Vineyard
How do tiny homes rules compare between Folsom, CA and Vineyard, CA?
Folsom and Vineyard have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Folsom | Vineyard |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| 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.
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.
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.
Compare other topics
See how Folsom and Vineyard compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool