Tiny Homes: Fremont vs San Leandro
How do tiny homes rules compare between Fremont, CA and San Leandro, CA?
Fremont and San Leandro have similar restriction levels.
Fremont, CA
Alameda County
Fremont allows tiny homes as ADUs if built to California Residential Code on a foundation. Tiny homes on wheels are regulated as RVs and generally cannot be primary dwellings.
View full Fremont rules →San Leandro, CA
Alameda County
San Leandro has no separate tiny-home ordinance; site-built tiny houses are permitted only as ADUs under Zoning Code Sec. 2.04.388, and tiny houses on wheels (THOWs) are only allowed when they qualify as movable ADUs meeting California HCD registration and ANSI A119.5/NFPA 1192 standards.
View full San Leandro rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fremont | San Leandro |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed Tiny Home | ADU if CRC-compliant | - |
| Minimum Size | 150 sq ft | - |
| Foundation | Required for ADU | - |
| THOW (RV) | Cannot be primary dwelling | - |
| Manufactured Home | Allowed with HUD certification | - |
| Stand-alone tiny-home ordinance | - | None — defer to ADU code |
| Local ADU code | - | Zoning Code §2.04.388 |
| State authority | - | Cal. Gov. Code §§66310-66342, §65852.22 (JADU) |
| THOW standard | - | ANSI A119.5 or NFPA 1192; CA DMV registration |
| Mobilehome park authority | - | Cal. Health & Safety Code Div. 13, Pt. 2.1 (HCD) |
| Detached ADU max | - | 1,200 sf |
| JADU max | - | 500 sf within existing single-family footprint |
| Owner-occupancy | - | Required for JADU (Gov. Code §65852.22) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fremont FAQ
Can I live in a tiny home on wheels in my Fremont driveway?
No. Long-term habitation of RVs and trailers on residential property is prohibited. Short stays by guests (under 7 days) may be allowed. Contact Fremont Code Enforcement for specific rules during family emergencies.
What is the smallest ADU Fremont will permit?
The California Residential Code requires a minimum 150 square feet for a studio dwelling with efficiency kitchen and full bath. Some jurisdictions allow smaller MTH, but Fremont requires CRC compliance which enforces the 150 sq ft floor.
San Leandro FAQ
Can I park a tiny house on wheels in my San Leandro backyard and live in it?
Generally no, unless it qualifies and is permitted as a movable ADU. The city's Zoning Code does not recognize a recreational vehicle or park trailer as a permanent dwelling outside the ADU framework or a licensed mobilehome/RV park. Long-term habitation in an RV on private property is a Code Enforcement violation.
Is there a minimum size for a site-built tiny home in San Leandro?
Yes, indirectly. As an ADU, the unit must meet California Residential Code R304 (minimum 70 sf habitable room) and R305 (7-ft minimum ceiling). California Gov. Code Sec. 66314 also requires the city to allow ADUs as small as 150 sf (efficiency unit).
What state law governs tiny homes in California?
There is no single California 'tiny-home statute.' Site-built tiny ADUs are governed by Gov. Code Sec. 65852.22 (JADU) and Sec. 66310-66342 (ADU). Tiny houses on wheels fall under HCD's Mobilehome Parks Act framework (Health & Safety Code Div. 13, Pt. 2.1) and DMV registration as park trailers or RVs.
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