Park model tiny homes in San Diego County, California

What San Diego County allows

For years, whether a tiny home on wheels could be a legal, permanent dwelling in unincorporated San Diego County depended on who you asked. A September 2025 Director's Determination ended that ambiguity: the County's Department of Planning and Development Services reviewed the existing Zoning Ordinance and determined that a properly certified tiny home on wheels can fit within current building standards, either as a standalone home on its own lot or as an accessory dwelling unit alongside an existing home. This is one of the most flexible pathways we have found anywhere in the country, genuinely allowing either use rather than restricting wheeled units to a single category.

• Must adhere to the property's allowable zoning density
• Must include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation, with only one kitchen
• Connected to electric, water and sewer utilities with required building permits
• Non-combustible exterior (stucco, masonry, cement fiber board, or metal), dual-glazed windows, Class A roof
• Residential fire sprinklers required when used as a standalone home; exempted when used as an ADU
• Cannot move under its own power; parked or installed on a paved pad with bumper guards, curbs or similar restraints
• No short-term rentals; must be used for stays of 30 days or longer
• Placement must stay within the private lot, not encroaching into county road right-of-way

How the process generally works

1. Confirm your parcel and useDecide whether you're pursuing a standalone primary home or an ADU alongside an existing residence, and confirm your parcel's zoning density and setback requirements with County Planning and Development Services.
2. Choose a certified modelEvery Snake River Tiny Homes model already carries NOAH+ certification, meeting the ANSI A119.5 standard the county requires before permit issuance.
3. Plan the pad and utilitiesPrepare a paved pad with bumper guards or curbs, and plan for permanent electric, water and sewer connections. If pursuing standalone use, budget for residential fire sprinklers.
4. Confirm current requirements with the countyThis determination is relatively new; confirm current permitting details, WUI requirements if applicable, and any updates directly with County Planning and Development Services before delivery.
5. Deliver and installOnce your parcel, pad and utility connections are confirmed, we handle delivery and coordinate final installation to meet county standards.

Source and verification

This page is based on the County of San Diego Planning and Development Services Director's Determination on Tiny Homes on Wheels, effective September 2025, and the county's official news release announcing the change.

Last verified by Snake River Tiny Homes: September 6, 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 San Diego County Planning and Development Services before purchase.