Bolthole Index county-legal census · checked 2026-10-10
12 of California's 58 counties — 21% — allow tiny homes as a dwelling. That is the 7th-largest count of any state. The strongest of them on the Bolthole Index is Mendocino County (56/100). Every entry below cites the county’s own official source.
Rules change, and cities inside these counties set their own — treat this as a verified starting point, not legal advice. All 547 counties nationwide → California: owner-builder → California: rv living → California: no minimum home size → Full California profile →
From the California guide
California RVs are not intended as permanent dwellings; unless a local ordinance allows otherwise, RV occupancy generally belongs in mobilehome or special occupancy parks.6 County-specific RV answers exist for 47 counties: 2 classified as allowed, 17 temporary-only, 23 limited and 5 prohibited; 11 remain unanswered.11 The allowed entries need care: San Luis Obispo County concerns principal residence on a mobilehome space, while Riverside County describes personal RV parking rather than residential occupancy.11 Ask the county planning office about residential occupancy of the proposed parcel before relying on the California RV guide.6
Tiny-home answers exist for 29 counties: 12 allow qualifying homes and 17 impose limitations; another 29 remain unanswered.12 Mendocino County, Nevada County and Trinity County have allowances for movable tiny homes subject to local conditions.12 California requires an approved housing classification and an approved location for tiny-home occupancy; use the California tiny-home guide to narrow the search.7
From the California guide, written from the cited official sources and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: confirm with the office before you buy or build.
12 of 58 California counties · sorted by Index score
Moveable tiny homes used as a single-family dwelling, accessory dwelling unit, or second residential unit in inland unincorporated Mendocino County. The zoning district must all…
Planning Commission Resolution PC_2024-___ — Inland Zoning Code Update ↗Tiny Homes on Wheels used as permanent housing in unincorporated Nevada County. Allowed as single-family dwellings, second dwelling units consistent with allowed density, dwelli…
Ordinance Allowing Tiny Homes on Wheels as Permanent Housing ↗Movable tiny homes used as dwellings in Trinity County. A zoning clearance is required and applicable fees and charges apply unless exempted by county code. The home must be loc…
Ordinance No. 1375 — Movable Tiny Homes ↗Tiny homes under 400 square feet built on permanent foundations for long-term housing in unincorporated El Dorado County. The County guide describes tiny homes as small stationa…
Alternative Structures: A Guide to Various Uses ↗A state-defined park trailer meeting the county's Tiny Home definition and used as an accessory dwelling unit outside a County- and State-approved Mobile Home or Special Occupan…
Ordinance No. 819: Tiny Homes ↗Tiny homes of 400 square feet or less used as primary dwelling units or added as accessory dwelling units in R-1 districts. Tiny homes are subject to the Tuolumne County ordinan…
Public Draft Prohousing Application ↗Tiny homes, including tiny homes on wheels, used as emergency housing during Marin County's declared shelter crisis. The Shelter Crisis Declaration applies only in unincorporate…
Emergency temporary housing under Marin's Shelter Crisis ↗Tiny homes on wheels on properties outside Hollister city limits in unincorporated San Benito County, when used as a primary residential dwelling unit or accessory dwelling unit…
Tiny Home on Wheels Permit Checklist ↗Tiny homes on wheels used for permanent residence in unincorporated Santa Cruz County. A County permit is required and must be renewed every five years. The THOW must be registe…
Tiny Homes ↗A movable tiny home used as an accessory dwelling unit on a legal lot in unincorporated Santa Clara County. One movable tiny home per lot is allowed in lieu of one standard ADU.…
Santa Clara County Zoning Ordinance ↗Tiny-home occupancy and development under Inyo County land-use rules in unincorporated Inyo County. The County source states that tiny homes are allowed by right. Tiny homes are…
Planning Commission Packet 02.26.25 ↗Tiny homes used as residential structures in unincorporated San Bernardino County residential development governed by §84.21.030. A tiny home may be permitted only if it complie…
San Bernardino County Development Code ↗Every county here has a full profile — water, land prices, hazard safety, seclusion, and the rest of its building rules. See the California state page for all 58 counties ranked, or go back to the national list.
Off-grid gear
Building on land in one of these California counties? The kit we'd start with:
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General guidance, not legal advice. Off-grid, building, and land-use rules are often set at the county level and change often. Verify with your county and state before acting. Data reviewed 2026-06-26.
