Tiny Homes: Mountain View vs Sunnyvale
How do tiny homes rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
Mountain View and Sunnyvale have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Tiny homes on foundations are regulated as ADUs in Mountain View. Movable tiny houses on wheels may be allowed as ADUs if they meet state movable tiny house standards.
View full Mountain View rules →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
Tiny homes on foundations qualify as ADUs in Sunnyvale under state law. Tiny homes on wheels are regulated as RVs and cannot be used as permanent dwellings outside of RV parks or approved JADU setups.
View full Sunnyvale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation tiny | ADU-regulated | - |
| Movable tiny | May qualify as ADU | - |
| Min size | 150 sq ft efficiency | - |
| RV as home | Not allowed | - |
| Utilities | Permanent connections | - |
| Foundation tiny home | - | Treated as ADU |
| Minimum size | - | 150 square feet |
| Tiny home on wheels | - | Regulated as RV |
| RV as dwelling | - | Prohibited on residential lots |
| State law | - | HSC 18009.3 and ADU statute |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Can I live in an RV on my property?
No. Mountain View does not permit occupancy of recreational vehicles as dwellings on residential lots.
How is a tiny home on wheels different from an RV?
A Movable Tiny House meets HCD and ANSI standards and anchors to utilities; an RV is built for travel and is not a dwelling.
Sunnyvale FAQ
Can I park my tiny house on wheels in my driveway and live in it?
No, Sunnyvale prohibits using RVs or trailers as permanent dwellings on residential lots.
How small can my ADU tiny home be?
Sunnyvale follows the state efficiency unit standard of 150 square feet minimum for an ADU.
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