So, you’re wondering where to put your tiny home? Whether you’ve already fallen in love with tiny home living or want to learn more about the lifestyle, one of the biggest steps is deciding where to park your tiny home. With a tiny home built on wheels, the possibilities are endless. Whether you want to park it on your own piece of land or pack up your belongings and take your home across the country, you have the freedom to do so.
However, there are rules and regulations you should be aware of when it comes to picking a spot for your tiny home. Below we cover everything you need to know about parking your tiny home for stress-free living.
Can I Park My Tiny Home on My Property?
Oftentimes, you should be able to park your tiny home on your own property. But it’s important to check the laws and regulations in your local jurisdiction to make sure you don’t have any issues. Before you park your tiny home, consider these factors.
Zoning Laws
Different counties and cities have their own enforcement of zoning laws. Some areas may require a minimum dwelling size, while others might have restrictions on tiny homes. Check with your local zoning office to ensure that parking a tiny home on your property is permitted.
There are typically differences in laws related to permanent and mobile tiny homes. Generally, tiny homes on wheels provide much more flexibility and mobility, as certain municipalities, like large cities, are more strict on whether you can live full time in a home on wheels. Here is a guide on how to check zoning laws in your area.
Building Codes
If your tiny home is on a foundation, you’ll likely need to comply with local building codes. A tiny home on wheels may be classified as an RV, which might have different rules. When you order a tiny home from an accredited tiny home builder, they can help you understand building codes and ensure your home fully complies.
Utility Connections
If you plan to keep your tiny home on your property for an extended period, you’ll want to consider utility hookups. You might need to install water, sewage, and electrical connections on your property, which may require permits.
If your land already has utilities, you should be able to connect to them. If you’re looking to buy land for your tiny home, it’s generally less expensive to buy land that already has utilities installed.
Can I Put My Tiny Home in My Backyard?
If you don’t have a lot of land but want to put your tiny home in your backyard, there are additional considerations to understand.
- HOA Regulations: If you’re in a neighborhood with a Homeowners Association (HOA), there could be rules about having a tiny home in your backyard. Check with the HOA to avoid any issues.
- Setback Requirements: Some local ordinances require structures to be a certain distance from property lines, roads, or other buildings. Ensure your tiny home meets these requirements.
- Use Restrictions: Understand the zoning classification of your area. In some cases, you might be allowed to park your tiny home as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), while in others, it might not be permitted at all.
Where Else Can I Park My Tiny Home?
If parking on your own property or in your backyard isn’t an option, or you want to travel, there are other places you can safely and comfortably park your tiny home.
RV Parks and Campgrounds are a great option for temporarily parking your tiny home on wheels. Many RV parks and campgrounds allow tiny homes on wheels. Check with the park’s management about any rules or limitations specific to tiny homes.
Tiny Home Communities are flourishing and vibrant places to park your tiny home and live freely. These are dedicated areas for tiny homes, often with shared amenities and a supportive community. This can be an excellent option if you want to be around like-minded individuals. Use this helpful tool to locate tiny home villages close to you.
If you know someone with private land, they might allow you to park your tiny home there. Ensure you have written agreements and clarify any legal requirements. It’s very important you have the right protections in place if you go with this option!
Additional Considerations for Parking Your Tiny Home
Some additional considerations you want to be aware of for your tiny home include insurance, transportation, and environmental impact.
Depending on where you park your tiny home, insurance requirements might vary. Tiny houses may qualify for RV insurance, mobile/manufactured home insurance or be added onto an existing homeowners insurance policy. Insurance carriers have their own requirements to qualify, such as meeting building and zoning codes to qualify for a policy.
If you plan to move your tiny home frequently, think about transportation logistics. A tiny home on wheels will require towing, and you’ll need to comply with road regulations. You’ll want to make sure you have a vehicle or access to one with the capacity to pull your tiny home.
Also consider the environmental impact of parking your tiny home in different locations. Ensure you’re complying with local environmental regulations, such as waste disposal and land use.
Build Your Dream Home With TI LT Tiny Homes
If you’re ready to jump into the tiny home lifestyle, contact the experts at TI LT Tiny Homes. With our beautiful designs and quality craftsmanship, we are building the future of the Tiny Home Revolution. Contact us today to learn more about our tiny homes on wheels and how we’ll build your dream home!