If you want to know how to legally build a tiny house, start by checking your local zoning regulations. Permission to put a tiny house on your property usually depends on the region, the type of house, and how the tiny home will be secured.

The tiny house movement has officially become mainstream. The hit Netflix show Tiny House Nation is a great example of the careful planning required to build a safe and legal tiny house. Now, take a break from researching multifunctional furniture and figure out where to park your new home when the build is complete.

Thousands of Americans are asking themselves, can I put a tiny house on my property? The answer? Maybe. Here to help you navigate this process is

Jerry

, a

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for saving you time and money on

home insurance

. From regulations and permits to tiny house set-up costs and insurance, here’s what you need to know so you don’t break the law.

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Start by checking your state and city regulations for ADUs

Many municipalities don’t have any regulations specific to tiny houses. However, most have guidelines for ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units), and here’s where things get tricky.

The legality of placing a tiny house on your property usually depends on whether it is a mobile (temporary) or anchored (permanent) structure. A THOW (Tiny House on Wheels), such as a home built on a trailer, is technically an RV—and many cities are more flexible about mobile structures.

Start by determining which category your intended structure will fall into, according to your area’s regulations. The

Tiny Home Industry Association (THIA)

has helpful resources, including a

map

with state-by-state tiny house regulations. Membership with the THIA is just $25 per year.

If you’re open to parking your tiny house anywhere,

, and

are some of the friendliest states to tiny house builders.

Zoning regulations vs. building codes

Whereas zoning regulations control which types of buildings can be placed in certain areas, you also need to consider building codes.

In many areas, all tiny homes must be built to the

International Residential Code

for plumbing, ceiling height, stairs, and windows. Make sure you review these requirements carefully to ensure that your tiny house will be in compliance.

Pro Tip Hiring a contractor who is familiar with tiny house regulations in your area is the best way to guarantee that your tiny house is legal.

Acceptable hook-ups for parking a THOW on your property

Tiny house dwellers need to think about three types of hook-ups: water, waste, and electrical.

Your city and county may have very specific regulations for septic and electrical plug-ins. If you are planning to put a tiny house on your property—or on a friend’s land—then you should contact the local planning department to start a conversation.

Some tiny house owners have gotten creative to avoid these restrictions. For instance, why not install a composting toilet and greywater system?

If you encounter resistance, try looking at RV parks, tiny house communities, campgrounds, and rural areas which are more accustomed to dealing with mobile homes.

MORE:

RV parks in Florida

What plans do you need to submit to get a tiny house permit?

To get a tiny house permit, your plans should emphasize two key elements: the foundation and service hookups. It’s a good idea to work with a contractor to create formal plans that are up to code. This will expedite the permitting process significantly.

Can I build a tiny house in my backyard? In most areas, you will need to get a permit to construct a livable space, even if it’s in your own backyard.

Inspectors may come to assess your structure and ensure it adheres to your plan as well as local guidelines. If you don’t submit to the proper permitting process, you may be fined for non-compliance at best. At worst, you will be forced to dismantle or relocate your tiny house.

Set-up costs of a tiny house

You can expect to spend at least $10,000 on set-up costs for a tiny house. Larger structures and prefabricated houses may cost upwards of $100,000. It all depends on your needs, your skills, and your budget.

Here’s what your money will need to cover:

Permitting

Construction materials

Labor costs

Concrete pad or foundation (if necessary)

Insulation

Connecting to power lines

Skirting

If you want to save money, do the work yourself and use reclaimed materials. If you’re not handy, you may want to buy a prefab tiny house and make monthly mortgage payments.

MORE: How to find car trailers for sale or rent near you

Do tiny house builders need to be RV certified?

While it’s not a requirement, RV certification can make it easier to sell and insure your tiny home. If your tiny house qualifies as an RV, this could affect zoning and where you’re allowed to park. Think carefully about your future plans!

If you’re choosing a company to build your tiny home, know that many tiny house builders earn the RV certification to help customers finance the purchase of a tiny house.

Is NOAH an acceptable certifying body? Yes, both

NOAH

and

RVIA

offer RV certification. Third-party companies conduct inspections to ensure compliance.

Are there requirements to be tied down?

It depends on your area and what type of tiny house you have. But if you are parked in an area that is prone to earthquakes, tornadoes, or wind storms, it’s a very good idea to

anchor

your tiny home.

Home insurance for tiny houses

It is critical to insure your tiny house, especially if it is your primary dwelling. You’re just as vulnerable—or perhaps more!—to weather and theft as any other homeowner.

But finding home insurance for tiny houses can be complicated. Most insurance companies will not offer a standard homeowners policy to a tiny house owner.

Instead, you’ll have to get a specific policy written for your situation from a specialty insurer. A great option is to get RV or mobile home coverage from a mainstream insurance company.

Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. To make the insurance shopping process easy, use the

Jerry

app to compare rates. Jerry’s friendly agents can help you make a plan to protect your tiny house by taking out a policy with a company that actually understands tiny houses.

“I have a really bad record, so all of my previous insurance quotes were pretty high. I started using
Jerry
and the fantastic app saved me $130 a month on my insurance.” —Jett A.

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Which states are the friendliest to tiny houses?

California, Oregon, Georgia, Kansas, and Florida are some of the friendliest states for tiny house owners. But regulations are changing every year! If you want to change things in your area, join your local tiny house association to advocate for friendlier policies.

Can I finance or get a loan for a tiny house?

Yes! It may be easier to get a loan on a property that is RV certified. Some tiny house builders offer financing in-house. As a last resort, you could take out a personal loan.

What are the best ways to secure my tiny house against theft?

Hitch locks and wheel locks are a great place to start. Security cameras, alarms, and motion-activated lights can help deter thieves, too.

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