Tiny Homes: Green Valley vs Sahuarita
How do tiny homes rules compare between Green Valley, AZ and Sahuarita, AZ?
Green Valley and Sahuarita have similar restriction levels.
Green Valley, AZ
Pima County
Pima County permits tiny homes as accessory dwelling units under the 2024 Zoning Code update for unincorporated areas. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and cannot serve as permanent dwellings. Site-built or modular tiny homes on foundations must meet IRC building standards and obtain standard building permits through Pima County Development Services.
View full Green Valley rules →Sahuarita, AZ
Pima County
Sahuarita allows site-built tiny homes as ADUs (200 sq ft min) on permanent foundations. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as RVs. HB 2674 supports ADU-friendly zoning.
View full Sahuarita rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Green Valley | Sahuarita |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Required | Yes for permanent dwelling | - |
| THOWs | Classified as RVs, not dwellings | - |
| Building Code | 2018 IRC adopted | - |
| Permits | 520-724-9000 Dev Services | - |
| Septic/Well | ADEQ approval needed | - |
| Min Size (ADU) | - | ~200 sq ft |
| THOW Status | - | RV classification, not permanent |
| State Law | - | HB 2674 (2022) ADU provisions |
| Foundation | - | Required for permanent tiny home |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Green Valley FAQ
Can I live in a tiny home on wheels in Pima County?
No. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles under Arizona law and cannot be used as permanent residences in residential zones. You must place a tiny home on a permanent foundation and obtain building permits to use it as a dwelling.
Do I need a permit for a tiny home in Pima County?
Yes. Any structure intended for habitation requires a building permit from Pima County Development Services. The home must meet IRC building standards, connect to approved utilities, and comply with zoning setback and lot coverage requirements.
What is the minimum size for a tiny home in unincorporated Pima County?
The county follows IRC standards which require at least one habitable room of 120 sq ft minimum. The home must also meet ceiling height, egress, and ventilation requirements under the adopted building code.
Sahuarita FAQ
Can I put a tiny home on wheels in my Sahuarita backyard?
A tiny home on wheels is classified as an RV in Arizona. It can be parked temporarily (up to 30 days typically) but cannot serve as a permanent dwelling without violating zoning code.
What is the minimum size for a tiny home ADU?
Arizona building code requires approximately 200 square feet minimum for habitable dwellings, with 6 foot 8 inch ceiling height and proper egress, plumbing, and electrical.
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