Moveable Tiny Homes as Primary Residence or ADU

CHAPTER 20.170 Moveable Tiny Homes
In recent years, the use of “Tiny Homes” has been an alternative to creating affordable housing in
California, with many jurisdictions now utilizing this as one of the tools for affordable housing in
their communities. Conventional construction tiny homes are already permissible within Mendocino
County and the County adopted Appendix AQ to the 2022 California Building Code to provide for
relaxed standards for tiny homes under 400 square feet in size. The proposed adoption of
regulations for moveable tiny homes will further affordable housing within the County, consistent
with goals in the County’s Housing Element regarding diversity in housing options for varying
income levels. This Chapter is proposed to be added based upon Board of Supervisors direction
and includes standards for Moveable Tiny Homes. Moveable Tiny Homes are structures that are
regulated by the California Department of Motor Vehicles that have an appearance of a stick-built
residential structure. A Moveable Tiny Home does not include recreational vehicles or travel trailers.
The Board of Supervisors directed to allow Moveable Tiny Homes as either the primary residence
on a property or as an Accessory Dwelling Unit subject to the standards recommended in proposed
Chapter 20.170. This is not a new use type as a Moveable Tiny Home would be classified as either
Family-Residential: Single-family or as an Accessory Dwelling Unit and be subject to the zoning
district standards for the district it is located within.