Tiny Homes: Tulare vs Visalia
How do tiny homes rules compare between Tulare, CA and Visalia, CA?
Tulare and Visalia have similar restriction levels.
Tulare, CA
Tulare County
Tulare does not have a tiny-home-specific ordinance. Tiny homes on foundations are regulated under Appendix AQ of the 2022 California Residential Code (CRC), Title 24 Part 2.5 — which defines a tiny house as a dwelling 400 sq ft or less excluding lofts. Such a unit can be permitted only as an ADU under Gov. Code § 65852.2 (subject to local ministerial review) or as a primary dwelling meeting full CRC requirements. Movable/wheeled tiny homes (THOWs) are treated as recreational vehicles under Health & Safety Code § 18010 and may not be used as permanent dwellings outside a permitted RV park.
View full Tulare rules →Visalia, CA
Tulare County
California HCD guidance and Health and Safety Code 18007 classify many tiny homes on wheels as manufactured housing or ADUs, granting statewide siting protections.
View full Visalia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Tulare | Visalia |
|---|---|---|
| State standard | 2022 CRC Appendix AQ (Tiny Houses) | - |
| Max tiny-house size | 400 sq ft excluding lofts | - |
| Pathway in Tulare | Permit as ADU under Gov. Code § 65852.2 | - |
| Wheeled THOWs | RV under H&S Code § 18010 — not permanent dwelling in R-1 | - |
| Local ordinance | No Tulare-specific tiny-home rule | - |
| Statute | - | Health & Safety Code 18007 |
| ADU pathway | - | Gov Code 65852.2 |
| Standards | - | HUD or ANSI 119.5 |
| Regulator | - | HCD |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Tulare FAQ
Can I legally live in a tiny house in Tulare?
Yes, if it is built on a foundation, meets California Residential Code Appendix AQ, and is permitted — typically as an ADU under Gov. Code § 65852.2. A tiny house on wheels (THOW) cannot be a permanent dwelling in residential zones.
Does Tulare have a tiny-home ordinance?
No. Tulare relies on state law: California Residential Code Appendix AQ for tiny houses on foundations, and Gov. Code § 65852.2 for the ADU permitting pathway.
Can I park an RV in my driveway and live in it?
No. Under Cal. Health & Safety Code § 18010 and Tulare zoning, RVs (including tiny houses on wheels) may not be used as permanent dwellings outside a permitted RV park.
Visalia FAQ
Can I park a tiny home on wheels in my backyard full time?
Generally no, unless it qualifies as an ADU on a foundation or your city has a specific movable-tiny-house ordinance. RVs are limited to RV parks.
Are foundation-built tiny homes protected by ADU law?
Yes. A tiny home meeting ADU size and code requirements receives the full ministerial approval protections of Government Code 65852.2 statewide.
Compare other topics
See how Tulare and Visalia 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