Tiny Homes: Petaluma vs Rohnert Park
How do tiny homes rules compare between Petaluma, CA and Rohnert Park, CA?
Petaluma and Rohnert Park have similar restriction levels.
Petaluma, CA
Sonoma County
Sonoma County recognizes four tiny-house pathways: site-built, manufactured, and factory-built tiny homes on permanent foundations are permitted like any dwelling, while tiny homes on wheels (transportable housing units) are allowed only temporarily with a Temporary Occupancy (TEM) permit under Permit Sonoma Policy 8-1-1.
View full Petaluma rules →Rohnert Park, CA
Sonoma County
Sonoma County recognizes four tiny-house pathways: site-built, manufactured, and factory-built tiny homes on permanent foundations are permitted like any dwelling, while tiny homes on wheels (transportable housing units) are allowed only temporarily with a Temporary Occupancy (TEM) permit under Permit Sonoma Policy 8-1-1.
View full Rohnert Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Petaluma | Rohnert Park |
|---|---|---|
| Tiny House Definition | 400 sq ft or less excluding lofts (2018 IRC) | 400 sq ft or less excluding lofts (2018 IRC) |
| Permanent Pathways | Site-built, manufactured, or factory-built on foundation | Site-built, manufactured, or factory-built on foundation |
| Wheels Pathway | Temporary Occupancy (TEM) permit only | Temporary Occupancy (TEM) permit only |
| TEM Duration | 1 year or until building permit expires | 1 year or until building permit expires |
| Code Reference | Policy 8-1-1; Sec. 26-88-010(P) | Policy 8-1-1; Sec. 26-88-010(P) |
| Utilities | Septic/sewer hookup or licensed pump-and-haul contract | Septic/sewer hookup or licensed pump-and-haul contract |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Petaluma FAQ
Can I live in a tiny house on wheels full-time in unincorporated Sonoma County?
Not permanently. Transportable housing units (tiny homes on wheels) are allowed only on a temporary basis with a Temporary Occupancy (TEM) permit -- for example during home construction, before building an ADU, for medical caregiving, for wildfire victims, or as short-term farmworker housing. Permanent tiny-home living requires a site-built, manufactured, or factory-built home on an approved foundation.
How long does a TEM permit last?
A TEM permit is valid for one year or until the expiration of the associated building permit, whichever is sooner. A unit placed during home construction must be removed within 60 days of final approval and occupancy of the new dwelling.
What standards must a tiny home on wheels meet?
Units must meet California Building Code and/or ANSI 119.5 and NFPA 1192 standards, have no more than 400 square feet of interior living space excluding lofts, and either connect to the parcel's septic or sewer system or have a hold/pump-and-haul contract with a California-licensed provider.
Rohnert Park FAQ
Can I live in a tiny house on wheels full-time in unincorporated Sonoma County?
Not permanently. Transportable housing units (tiny homes on wheels) are allowed only on a temporary basis with a Temporary Occupancy (TEM) permit -- for example during home construction, before building an ADU, for medical caregiving, for wildfire victims, or as short-term farmworker housing. Permanent tiny-home living requires a site-built, manufactured, or factory-built home on an approved foundation.
How long does a TEM permit last?
A TEM permit is valid for one year or until the expiration of the associated building permit, whichever is sooner. A unit placed during home construction must be removed within 60 days of final approval and occupancy of the new dwelling.
What standards must a tiny home on wheels meet?
Units must meet California Building Code and/or ANSI 119.5 and NFPA 1192 standards, have no more than 400 square feet of interior living space excluding lofts, and either connect to the parcel's septic or sewer system or have a hold/pump-and-haul contract with a California-licensed provider.
Compare other topics
See how Petaluma and Rohnert Park compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool