Movable tiny house ADUs in Los Angeles, California

What the City pathway allows

Los Angeles includes Movable Tiny Houses within its ADU framework. A qualifying unit can be considered for use as an ADU on a lot with an existing or proposed single-family or multifamily dwelling when the model, documentation, siting, utilities, design and permit application satisfy current City requirements.

• The unit must be licensed and registered with the California DMV
• The unit cannot move under its own power
• The unit must stay within California highway-size limits
• The unit must be between 150 and 430 square feet under the City's MTH definition
• ANSI A119.5 or NFPA 1192 compliance must be certified through an approved third-party inspection process
• The lot must include an existing or proposed single-family or multifamily dwelling
• Current LADBS correction-sheet guidance states only one Movable Tiny House is allowed on a lot under this pathway
• The unit must connect to required water, sewer and electrical utilities
• The undercarriage must be screened from view and the wheels or support jacks must sit on an approved paved surface
• City siting, parking, design and other objective standards still apply

How the process generally works

1. Confirm City jurisdictionVerify that the property is inside the City of Los Angeles. Other cities in Los Angeles County and unincorporated County areas can have different rules.
2. Confirm the lot and intended ADU useThe City's Movable Tiny House pathway is part of the ADU framework and requires an existing or proposed primary dwelling on the lot.
3. Confirm the exact model and certification documentationBefore ordering, confirm that the exact unit meets the City's current MTH definition and that the ANSI A119.5 or NFPA 1192 certification documentation will be accepted by LADBS. NOAH+ certification alone should not be treated as automatic City approval.
4. Prepare the site and utility planIdentify the proposed location, required setbacks and parking conditions, paved support area, undercarriage screening, utility connections and any hillside, wildfire, flood or other overlays affecting the property.
5. Submit for City review before deliveryUse current LADBS application, plan-check and inspection procedures and resolve any corrections before scheduling delivery and installation.

Source and verification

This page is based on current Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety ADU guidance, the LADBS Movable Tiny House correction sheet and City of Los Angeles ADU regulations under Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 12.22 A.33.

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

This page is provided for general information and is not legal advice. Rules change and individual properties vary. Buyers should confirm current requirements directly with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety before purchase or delivery.