Tiny Homes: Palo Alto vs Sunnyvale
How do tiny homes rules compare between Palo Alto, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
Palo Alto and Sunnyvale have similar restriction levels.
Palo Alto, CA
Santa Clara County
Tiny homes on foundations are permitted in Palo Alto as ADUs when they meet the CA Residential Code. Movable tiny homes on wheels are generally not allowed as full-time dwellings.
View full Palo Alto 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 | Palo Alto | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation tiny home | Allowed as ADU | Treated as ADU |
| Minimum dwelling size | 150 sq ft | - |
| Ceiling height | 7 feet typical | - |
| THOW | Restricted, check with Planning | - |
| RV as dwelling | Prohibited | Prohibited on residential lots |
| Minimum size | - | 150 square feet |
| Tiny home on wheels | - | Regulated as RV |
| State law | - | HSC 18009.3 and ADU statute |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Palo Alto FAQ
Can I live in a tiny home on wheels in my backyard?
Not on a long-term basis. Temporary guest use of an RV may be allowed briefly, but full-time occupancy is not permitted.
Can I build a 200 sq ft tiny ADU?
Yes, so long as it meets the Residential Code minimums for egress, ceiling height, and utilities. It qualifies as a small ADU.
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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See how Palo Alto and Sunnyvale compare on other ordinance categories.
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