Park model tiny homes: ADU Path

Park model tiny homes in Fresno, California

Fresno was the first city in the country to write tiny-home-on-wheels rules directly into its development code. Here is what its Backyard Cottage ordinance actually requires.

Last verified: September 12, 2026

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Jurisdiction
City of Fresno, California (unincorporated Fresno County has different, more restrictive rules)
THOW acceptance status
Allowed as a "Backyard Cottage" accessory dwelling unit on a lot with an existing single-family home
Governing ordinance
Fresno Municipal Code Section 15-2754 (Backyard Cottage standards) and Section 15-6802 (Tiny House definition)
Certification documentation
City guidance requires California DMV registration and documentation from NOAH or a similar qualified entity verifying that the applicable ANSI standards have been met. Buyers should confirm the documentation for the specific model with the City before purchase.
Size and lot requirements
Maximum 440 square feet; minimum lot size 6,000 square feet (interior lot) or 5,000 square feet (corner lot); one Backyard Cottage per lot
Ownership requirement
The primary residence and the Backyard Cottage must be owned by the same party, with a restrictive covenant requiring owner occupancy of one of the two units

What Fresno allows

Fresno's ordinance created one of the earliest explicit tiny-home-on-wheels pathways in a municipal development code. A qualifying Tiny House can be added behind an existing single-family home as a "Backyard Cottage," a specific type of accessory dwelling unit, with a Zone Clearance review rather than relying on a blanket assumption that every RV or park model is permitted.

  • Sited behind the primary dwelling, unless attached and integral to it
  • Maximum 440 square feet of total floor area
  • Minimum lot size of 6,000 square feet (interior lot) or 5,000 square feet (corner lot)
  • Wheels, tires and undercarriage must be concealed with skirting once parked
  • Shares utility connections and address with the primary residence; separate meters are not permitted
  • Unit entrance must not be visible from the street, with an exception for corner lots facing the opposite street
  • Only one Backyard Cottage permitted per lot, and not permitted as the primary dwelling unit
  • Property owner must reside in one of the two units, under a recorded restrictive covenant

How the process generally works

  1. Confirm your lot qualifiesConfirm your property is within Fresno city limits, is in a qualifying residential district and meets the applicable lot standards. Do not assume the City of Fresno rules apply to unincorporated Fresno County.
  2. Confirm the model documentationBefore purchase, provide the City with the exact model information and confirm what documentation it will accept to verify the applicable ANSI standard, along with California DMV registration requirements. Snake River Tiny Homes models carry NOAH+ certification, but local acceptance of documentation should still be verified for the specific unit.
  3. Apply for Zone ClearanceWork with the City of Fresno Planning and Development Department for the required Zone Clearance review and any related application materials, including the owner-occupancy covenant.
  4. Prepare the sitePrepare the required site improvements, including the concrete pad and utility connections, and confirm setbacks, access and skirting requirements before delivery.
  5. Deliver and installOnce the required approvals are in place and the site is ready, delivery and installation can be coordinated for the approved property.

Explore Snake River models for Fresno

The Trailblazer, Outpost and Scout all remain under Fresno's published 440 square foot maximum, but size alone does not establish approval. Confirm the exact model documentation and property requirements with the City before purchase.

The Trailblazer The Trailblazer The Outpost The Outpost The Scout The Scout

City of Fresno Planning and Development Department

The City is the authoritative source for current requirements, fees, application procedures and acceptable documentation. Confirm details before purchase.

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Source and verification

This page is based on Fresno Municipal Code Section 15-2754, the City's Tiny Homes Submittal Requirements, and current City of Fresno Planning and Development application guidance reviewed September 12, 2026.

Last verified by Snake River Tiny Homes: September 12, 2026

This page is provided for general information and is not legal advice. Zoning rules, application procedures and documentation requirements can change. Buyers should confirm current requirements directly with the City of Fresno before purchase.

Frequently asked questions

Can I live full time in a park model tiny home in Fresno?
The City of Fresno has a documented pathway for a qualifying tiny house on wheels to be used as a Backyard Cottage accessory dwelling unit behind an existing single-family home, subject to the City's requirements and approvals.
Is this the same in Fresno County as in the City of Fresno?
No. This page covers the City of Fresno specifically. Unincorporated Fresno County follows different rules, so confirm the controlling jurisdiction before relying on the City's Backyard Cottage standards.
Do I need to keep the wheels on my park model in Fresno?
Fresno's published tiny-home guidance treats the qualifying unit as a movable tiny house and requires the wheels and undercarriage to be concealed with skirting when sited. Confirm current installation details with the City before delivery.
Does NOAH+ certification automatically prove a Snake River model meets Fresno's requirements?
No. Fresno requires documentation showing that the applicable ANSI standards have been met, along with California DMV registration and other site requirements. Snake River Tiny Homes models carry NOAH+ certification, but buyers should confirm with the City that the documentation for the specific model satisfies the current submittal requirements.

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