Tiny homes in San Diego, California — zoning rules, THOW parking, builder costs, and what you need to know before buying.
Last researched June 2026
San Diego's mild marine climate — 60s and 70s most of the year, cool nights, almost no freeze risk — makes it one of the easiest places in the country to live small, since heating and cooling loads are minimal and a patio is usable every month. Canyon-adjacent neighborhoods like North Park, South Park, and Clairemont carry a long granny-flat tradition, and backyard ADUs are now a fixture of the resale market. The trade-off is cost: land near the coast is among California's priciest, which is exactly why the ADU and THOW route is the realistic entry point. Surf mornings at Tourmaline and after-work hikes up Cowles Mountain explain why people here accept 400 square feet.
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. Under AB 1033, adopted by the city in its June 2025 reform package effective August 22, 2025, ADUs — including certified THOWs — can now be sold as separate condominiums. The city's ADU and JADU standards are codified at San Diego Municipal Code Section 141.0302, most recently amended August 2025.
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 adopted its AB 1033 separate-sale amendment on March 4, 2026, effective April 4, 2026.
Verify current requirements with your local planning department before purchasing land or beginning construction.
Verify current requirements with your local planning department.
San Diego's ADU and JADU standards are codified at Municipal Code Section 141.0302, substantially amended effective August 22, 2025. As of those amendments, a single-family lot may add one Junior ADU of up to 500 square feet, one converted ADU, and one detached ADU; detached ADUs in single-family zones are limited to two stories, and units in High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones require four-foot side and rear setbacks. The June 2025 reform package also adopted AB 1033's separate-sale option, letting eligible ADUs be sold as condominiums after condominium mapping and lienholder consent, and substantially revised the city's ADU Bonus Program. Per SB 1211 (effective January 2025), uncovered parking removed to build an ADU no longer has to be replaced.
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.
tiny-home-village
9849 Sunrise Hwy, Mount Laguna, CA 91948 (~50 mi E of San Diego)
California's first legal tiny home village at 6,000 ft on Mount Laguna with 10+ themed tiny homes; offers month-to-month long-term sites for THOW owners with septic, water, trash, and 30A power (~$750-$800/mo).
rv-park
7930 North Ave, Lemon Grove, CA 91945
Gated 44-lot manufactured-home community in the San Diego metro accepting long-term residents; spaces available for manufactured or tiny homes.
rv-park
13468 Highway 8 Business, Lakeside, CA 92040 (~20 mi NE of downtown San Diego)
Long-term RV park with monthly stays ($850-$1,325) and month-to-month leases after a 5-month probationary period; RV-only (THOWs not accepted).
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
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
Battle Ground, washington
Battle Ground factory builder producing modular tiny homes, ADUs, and single-family homes. Over 500 homes placed in five years. New 21,000 sq ft factory doubles production capacity to two homes per week.
Service areas: washington, oregon, california, montana, idaho
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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