Tiny homes in San Diego, California — zoning rules, THOW parking, builder costs, and what you need to know before buying.
Last researched April 2026
San Diego, California offers unique opportunities for tiny home living. With a population of 1,386,932, the city provides a mix of urban convenience and community charm for those looking to downsize. Explore zoning rules, find local builders, and discover parking options below.
Tiny home regulations in the San Diego region differ significantly between the City of San Diego and unincorporated San Diego County. Within the City of San Diego, THOWs are primarily treated as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) under the city's ADU ordinance. The city reformed its ADU program with amendments effective August 22, 2025: single-family lots may host one Junior ADU (JADU, up to 500 sq ft), one converted ADU, and one detached ADU; multifamily properties may have up to eight detached ADUs. THOWs placed as ADUs must meet California Building Code standards, observe minimum 4-foot rear and side setbacks, and are subject to additional fire safety setbacks in High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. AB 1033 (enacted 2025) now allows ADUs — including certified THOWs — to be sold as separate condominiums.
In unincorporated San Diego County, a Director's Determination issued in September 2025 officially recognized that THOWs can qualify as legal dwellings under the County Zoning Ordinance, either as standalone primary homes or as ADUs alongside existing residences. To qualify, THOWs must meet ANSI A119.5 park model standards, include provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation (one kitchen only), connect to water, electric, and sewer utilities, feature non-combustible exteriors, dual-glazed windows, and Class A roofs, and include residential fire sprinkler systems. The county has announced plans to codify THOW recognition into formal zoning law, as of October 2025.
Verify current requirements with your local planning department before purchasing land or beginning construction.
Verify current requirements with your local planning department.
Communities, RV parks, and parking options in and near San Diego.
In the City of San Diego, THOWs meeting ADU standards may be sited on residential lots with an existing primary dwelling, subject to the city's standard ADU setback and safety requirements. Permits are processed through the City's Development Services Department (sandiego.gov/development-services). In unincorporated county areas, THOWs meeting ANSI A119.5 standards and fire safety requirements may now be placed on residential parcels under the September 2025 Director's Determination. Tiny House Block is a legal full-time tiny home community located in Mount Laguna (a small mountain community in the Cleveland National Forest, approximately 45 miles east of downtown San Diego), established after a former RV park was converted under grandfathered-use provisions. Sundance Trailer Park in Lemon Grove offers affordable extended-stay and long-term RV and park model spaces in the greater San Diego area. A long-term RV park near Ramona (approximately 12 miles from the San Diego Safari Park) also offers extended-stay options. Residence RV Park is a gated Southern California community offering furnished tiny homes and RV campsites with full hookups. Confirm full-time THOW residency policies directly with park management before committing.
Fresno, California
Fresno-based family-owned builder with over a decade of experience and 100+ tiny homes built. Offers custom THOWs, shells, and a DIY Beta Program. Active in California tiny home legislation and partners with high school CTE programs through their Tiny_edu nonprofit. THIA member.
Service areas: California
Bend, Oregon
Bend-based builder specializing in permitted foundation tiny homes engineered for high-altitude and mountain climate conditions. IBC compliant builds with full permit packages.
Service areas: Oregon, Washington, California
Cottonwood, California
RVIA and PWA certified builder operating from a 24,000 sq ft facility in Cottonwood. Minority woman-owned, state-licensed RV manufacturer with NHTSA compliance and VIN stamping. Offers in-stock models and custom builds with nationwide shipping. THIA commercial member.
Service areas: California, Nationwide
Buckley, Washington
Buckley-based builder and one of Washington's first to embrace L&I factory inspection. Builds ANSI 119.5 certified THOWs, park models, and modular tiny homes. CEO Todd McKellips also serves as executive director of the Washington Tiny House Association.
Service areas: Washington, Oregon, California
Portland, Oregon
Portland-based luxury tiny home builder featured on national television. Family-owned company offering fully custom THOWs, park models, ADUs, and commercial builds. Signature Series starts at $129,900. Builds designed for Oregon's climate with moisture resistance and thermal insulation.
Service areas: Oregon, Washington, California
Eugene, Oregon
Eugene-based luxury tiny home builder with over 300 handcrafted homes delivered. Family-owned company with PHIUS and LEED backgrounds emphasizing sustainable building practices. Offers both signature models and fully custom builds with financing starting at $697/month.
Service areas: Oregon, Washington, California
A comparison between tiny-home living and conventional homeownership in San Diego.
Builder cost range
Average tiny home builder costs in the San Diego area. Actual prices vary by size, materials, and customization.
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