Park model tiny homes in Placer County, California

What Placer County allows

Placer County treats a qualifying moveable tiny house as its own regulated housing type rather than simply as an ordinary RV. The County's current guidance identifies three pathways: use as the primary dwelling in specified zones, use as an accessory dwelling unit in a wider set of zones, or placement within an approved moveable tiny house community.

• No larger than 400 square feet and no more than one story
• Licensed and registered with the California DMV or California Department of Housing and Community Development, as applicable
• Zoning clearance required to demonstrate compliance with the standards that apply to the project
• Undercarriage, wheels, axles, tongue and hitch concealed from view when sited, with the unit stabilized on an approved surface
• At least 4 feet from an adjacent lot line and at least 10 feet from other structures under the current County tiny-home guidance
• Site-specific wind, snow, fire and structural requirements must be confirmed for the property
• Water, sewer or septic, electrical and addressing requirements must be satisfied
• Residential-style appearance is required so the unit reads as a conventional dwelling rather than an RV or camper

How the process generally works

1. Confirm jurisdiction and zoneFirst confirm that the property is in unincorporated Placer County rather than an incorporated city, then check the parcel's zoning district and any Tahoe Basin or other overlay requirements.
2. Choose the intended useDetermine whether the moveable tiny house will be the primary dwelling, an accessory dwelling unit, or part of an approved moveable tiny house community. Different zone lists and standards apply.
3. Confirm model documentationBefore purchase, confirm that the exact Snake River Tiny Homes model, registration and certification documentation satisfy Placer County's current moveable-tiny-house requirements and any site-specific wind, snow and fire standards.
4. Apply for zoning clearance and permitsPlacer County requires zoning clearance for a moveable tiny house and may require additional permits or approvals for utilities, septic or sewer, electrical work, addressing, access and other site improvements.
5. Finalize siting and installationComplete the required pad or paving, utility connections, fire separation, undercarriage screening and other property-specific work before final placement and sign-off.

Source and verification

Verified September 12, 2026 against Placer County's official 'Tiny Homes in Placer County' page, the County's current ADU FAQ, and Placer County Code Section 17.56.400. The County states that moveable tiny houses are allowed as ADUs, as primary units in certain zones, and in approved moveable tiny house communities.

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

This page is provided for general information and is not legal advice. Zoning rules change and individual parcels vary. Buyers should confirm current requirements directly with Placer County Community Development before purchase.