Tiny Homes: Manchester vs Nashua
How do tiny homes rules compare between Manchester, NH and Nashua, NH?
Manchester and Nashua have similar restriction levels.
Manchester, NH
Hillsborough County
Manchester regulates tiny homes differently based on whether they are on a permanent foundation or on wheels. Zoning and minimum square footage requirements apply.
View full Manchester rules →Nashua, NH
Hillsborough County
NH RSA 674:74 defines tiny houses as small structures intended for year-round occupancy that meet the NH State Building Code and may be on a permanent foundation or chassis. Where Nashua permits detached ADUs under RSA 674:73 (it must, as of 7/1/2025), it must permit a single tiny house as a detached ADU — but a lot may have either an ADU or a tiny house, not both. Tiny houses must include facilities for sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation and meet all single-family building, fire, safety, and utility codes. Park-model RVs and tiny houses on wheels not meeting the State Building Code are not permitted as permanent dwellings.
View full Nashua rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Manchester | Nashua |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Treated as dwelling | - |
| On Wheels | RV classification typically | - |
| Min Size | 400 to 800 sq ft varies | - |
| ADU Path | May allow as secondary | - |
| State Statute | - | NH RSA 674:74 |
| Building Code | - | NH State Building Code + IRC Appendix Q |
| Tiny House as Detached ADU | - | Required where detached ADUs allowed (RSA 674:73) |
| ADU + Tiny House on Same Lot | - | Prohibited — one or the other |
| Required Facilities | - | Sleeping, eating, cooking, sanitation |
| Min Habitable Ceiling | - | 6 ft 8 in (IRC Appendix Q) |
| Min Bath/Kitchen Ceiling | - | 6 ft 4 in |
| Park-Model RVs / THOWs | - | Not permanent residences (not code-compliant) |
| Local Zoning Path | - | Detached ADU under RSA 674:71-:73 / Sec. 190-32 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Manchester FAQ
Can I put a tiny home in my backyard?
Possibly under Manchester ADU rules if on a permanent foundation. Tiny homes on wheels face stricter zoning limitations.
What is the minimum house size?
Manchester typically requires 400 to 800+ square feet for a primary dwelling. ADU rules may allow smaller secondary units.
Nashua FAQ
Can I live in a tiny home in Nashua?
Yes, if it is a site-built or factory-built tiny home on a permanent foundation that meets the NH State Building Code and IRC Appendix Q. NH RSA 674:74 defines a tiny house as a structure built to the NH State Building Code, with facilities for sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. Because Nashua must permit detached ADUs by-right under RSA 674:73 (effective July 1, 2025), it must also permit a single tiny house as a detached ADU. You can have either an ADU OR a tiny house on the lot — not both. The unit must meet zoning setbacks (typically 4 ft side/rear under Sec. 190-32 / 190-31), connect to water/sewer/electric, and have approved emergency vehicle access.
Can I park a tiny home on wheels (THOW) in my Nashua yard and live in it?
Generally no. Tiny houses on wheels and park-model RVs that are certified to RVIA or ANSI A119.5 standards — not the NH State Building Code — do not qualify as 'tiny houses' under RSA 674:74 and may not be used as permanent residences. Nashua treats them as recreational vehicles or trailers. To qualify as a Nashua-compliant tiny home, the structure must be built to the NH State Building Code (IRC Appendix Q) and placed on a permanent foundation. A code-compliant tiny home on a foundation is the only path to legal year-round living.
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