Tiny Homes: Lincoln vs Rocklin
How do tiny homes rules compare between Lincoln, CA and Rocklin, CA?
Lincoln has fewer restrictions than Rocklin.
Lincoln, CA
Placer County
Permanent tiny homes in Lincoln are regulated as accessory dwelling units under Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 18.37 and California Government Code §65852.2, with state law preempting most local restrictions. Lincoln offers pre-approved 661 sq ft and 746 sq ft ADU plans.
View full Lincoln rules →Rocklin, CA
Placer County
Rocklin allows fixed-foundation tiny homes only as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) or Junior ADUs (JADUs) under Rocklin Municipal Code Chapter 17.67 and California Government Code 65852.2/65852.22. Detached ADUs are capped at 1,200 sq ft and 16 feet in height (18 feet within a half-mile of major transit), and JADUs are capped at 500 sq ft. Movable tiny homes on wheels are not addressed in Rocklin's published ADU standards and would generally be regulated as recreational vehicles under Title 10/17, which do not authorize permanent occupancy outside a permitted RV park.
View full Rocklin rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lincoln | Rocklin |
|---|---|---|
| Code chapter | LMC §18.37 | - |
| State law | Gov. Code §65852.2 | - |
| Pre-approved plan | 661 sq ft or 746 sq ft (AB 1332) | - |
| Max state-guaranteed size | 850-1,000 sq ft | - |
| Detached ADU max size | - | 1,200 sq ft |
| Detached ADU max height | - | 16 ft (18 ft near transit) |
| JADU max size | - | 500 sq ft, owner-occupancy required |
| Tiny home on wheels | - | Not permitted as permanent dwelling |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lincoln FAQ
Can I put a tiny house on wheels in my Lincoln backyard?
A tiny home on wheels is treated by the state as a recreational vehicle or manufactured home depending on certification. Under California law and Lincoln Municipal Code Title 18, RVs may not be used as permanent dwellings on a residential lot. A permanent foundation-built tiny home qualifies as an ADU under LMC Chapter 18.37 and is permitted ministerially.
How fast can I get my ADU approved in Lincoln?
If you use one of the city's pre-approved master plans (661 or 746 sq ft) per AB 1332 (Gov. Code §65852.27), Lincoln issues a decision within 30 days of a complete submission. Custom designs follow the 60-day state ministerial timeline under Gov. Code §65852.2.
Rocklin FAQ
Can I live in a tiny home on wheels in my Rocklin backyard?
No. Rocklin's ADU standards require a permanent foundation; RVs/park trailers are not authorized as permanent dwellings on residential lots.
What is the largest detached tiny-home ADU I can build?
1,200 sq ft and 16 feet tall (18 feet if within a half-mile of major transit per Gov. Code 65852.2).
Does Rocklin require owner occupancy?
Not for an ADU. A JADU does require the owner to live in either the primary home or the JADU per Gov. Code 65852.22.
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