Navigating the Challenges of Parking Tiny Houses or RVs: A Guide for Owners

Whether you're a tiny house owner or an RV enthusiast, finding a suitable place to park your mobile home can be a daunting task. This guide explores the complexities of parking these types of dwellings, from the challenges posed by local regulations to the variety of zoning issues and deed restrictions you might encounter.

Understanding Tiny Houses and RVs

The term 'tiny house' is often loosely used without a clear, legal definition. This ambiguity has led to a gap in regulations, making it difficult to address the needs of tiny house and RV owners. Regulations typically lag behind the rapid growth of these alternative living solutions, leading to a situation where many owners find themselves in a grey area when it comes to parking and site selection.

The Roadblocks in Finding a Suitable Spot

Finding a place to park your tiny house or RV is not as straightforward as it seems, especially when you face various legal and practical challenges:

Unclear Regulations

Local zoning and building codes often fail to address tiny houses and RVs adequately. As a result, many property owners and would-be tiny house residents find themselves in a quandary when trying to find a legal place to park their dwellings. Often, these structures are exempt from certain taxes due to their size, making it difficult for local authorities to define and regulate them.

Zoning Issues

One of the most common challenges is zoning—many local municipalities have specific requirements for the first home on a piece of property. For instance, if you own 14.5 acres but can't place a tiny house because of zoning regulations, you're not alone. Zoning rules often mandate that a primary residence must be built before secondary dwellings can be added, creating procedural hurdles.

Deed Restrictions

Property deed restrictions are another obstacle to securing a place to park your tiny house or RV. Similar to the zoning situation, these restrictions might require the main house to be constructed before any secondary dwellings can be built on the property. This can be particularly challenging if you're purchasing an existing property where the primary home is already established.

Location and Site Stipulations

Even if you overcome the previous hurdles, finding a suitable site that meets all the necessary conditions can be tricky. Regulations might specify where secondary dwellings or tiny homes can be located within the property, further complicating the process.

Trailer Restrictions

If you have a tiny house on wheels, you may encounter additional barriers. Some cities and homeowners' association (HOAs) have strict rules about where and how you can park trailers or RVs, even going so far as to prohibit hooking up to water and sewer services in some cases.

Ensuring Compliancy with Building Codes and Regulations

To ensure that you can legally park and use your tiny house or RV, you must align it with various building codes and regulations. These requirements often include:

Construction Quality Guidelines

Local authorities typically require that structures meet certain construction quality standards. This may include a permanent foundation, adequate ingress and egress (front and back doors), and windows in every bedroom. A front and rear window is usually necessary to meet safety and livability requirements.

Adequate Utility Connections

Municipal authorities may mandate certain utility connections for water, health department wells, sewage, and electricity. Solar panels might also be accepted as a valid source of electricity, although it's important to check with local regulations.

Compliance with Health Department Standards

Health department regulations may require specific utilities and sanitation systems, such as a State-approved septic system or a sanitary sewer service, to ensure the livability and safety of the structure.

A Quick Look at Potential Future Changes

While finding a legal place to park your tiny house or RV is challenging now, it's important to keep apprised of future changes. Local authorities are aware of the growing demand for alternative living solutions and are actively considering how to regulate and accommodate this trend. In many cases, the goal is to either prohibit tiny houses or make them subject to the same taxes and regulations as traditional homes.

This means that as a tiny house or RV owner, you should be proactive and seek out opportunities to advocate for your rights and needs. Building a relationship with your local building commissioner and staying informed about future changes can go a long way in ensuring you have a viable place to park your mobile home.