Tiny Homes: Petaluma vs Santa Rosa
How do tiny homes rules compare between Petaluma, CA and Santa Rosa, CA?
Petaluma and Santa Rosa 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 →Santa Rosa, 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 Santa Rosa rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Petaluma | Santa Rosa |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Santa Rosa 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.
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