Tiny houses are valuable and unique for numerous reasons, like customization, mobility, flexibility in usage, and much more. Tiny homes fulfill myriad uses and come in various sizes and shapes. You can get tiny homes ranging from 60 sq ft to 400 sq ft. At TinyHouseMe, you will find tiny homes built on a foundation and those on wheels that make transportation easier. Tiny homes on wheels are backed with RVIA certification, and the structures adhere to the Federal Highway Administration’s prevailing road requirements. However, tiny homes on wheels do not need to follow commercial vehicle federal laws. Since the size requirements vary from state to state, building a tiny home that adheres to safety standards is important. Many factors come in the way when you decide the size of the tiny home you will need. The basic dimensions for minimalistic living depend on the number of people living in the tiny home, and once the size exceeds certain specifications, you might need to have a permit for the tiny home.
The relevant building codes of a tiny home
Like conventional homes, tiny houses are subjected to building codes that vary from state to state. You need to know a few general things about building codes for tiny houses.
As per Tiny House Inside, the building codes of the tiny home should have:
One bathroom with a ceiling height of 6 feet and 4 inches
The ceiling height of other rooms in the house should be 6 feet and 8 inches
The tiny home with a loft needs to have stairs or a ladder
The house should have one window that will double as an emergency exit
The tiny home should comply with IRC (International Residential Code) requirements
However, there are location-specific tiny home requirements that you need to check out before approaching builders like BOSS Tiny House, American Tiny House, and the like. In addition, exploring and gaining knowledge about tiny home building codes is necessary to avoid ending up on the wrong side of the law.
Zoning regulations
Zoning laws are put in place to checkmate land usage across the USA. This means you must review the zoning laws and regulations before you park or build a tiny home on your land. Moreover, you must ensure that the structure complies with the zoning ordinances, and connecting with a local builder like BOSS Tiny House can help. You can establish the connection via TinyHouseMe for faster response and priority service. The zoning regulations are determined at the federal level and are difficult to change.
The variations that you need to know
There are two types of tiny homes, one is on wheels, and the other is on a foundation. The rules and regulations of both types of tiny homes vary and are different from one another. The tiny home on wheels is movable and registered as an RV; however, many states in the USA do not permit these structures on their property. Full-time residencies are allowed in an RV in some states only if the structure is placed in an RV park and is designed for permanent residency.
However, the tiny home on the foundation is referred to as ADUs, granny cottages, or granny flats. The laws guiding the usage of the ADUs state that these structures can be built on land that have an existing home.
Tiny home laws in the US
The building codes and zoning laws differ vastly from one state to another, which is why you need to review the relevant laws before building a tiny home. Exploring the laws and codes of different starts are important, while at the same time, you should keep in mind the regulations tailored at county levels. For more detailed information, contacting local builders via TinyHouseMe can help.
Height of the tiny home
The height of the tiny home is governed by height limitations laid down by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Most tiny homes are 13.5 feet tall, just below the standard size. This important measurement makes the tiny home moveable under highway bridges and other overheads. However, if the height goes beyond that, there may be damage to the rooftop, which should be avoided by following the safety standards.
Width of the tiny home
The width is also dictated by DOT, especially if you own a tiny home on wheels. The trailer should be at most 8.5 feet wide (as per The Tiny Life); otherwise, you will need a special width load permit. This measurement is taken from the two widest points, which are the wheel wells. You must build the tiny home on wheels to ensure enough insulation and maximize internal dimensions. Tiny homes on wheels that are 10 feet wide are much heavier, making traveling difficult.
Length and square feet of the tiny house
The length of the tiny home (as per The Tiny Life) can be 53 feet, excluding the length of the truck. The trucks used for towing the large tiny homes are 20 to 23 feet long, which means that the tiny house will come up to 30 feet long. However, it should be noted that the DOT uses the weight to determine the upper limits of the tiny home, and if the gross vehicle weight is over 26,000 lbs., then the tiny home will require a CDL driver and special permits. Also, the higher the square feet of the house, the larger the tow vehicle should be for the home on wheels.
Purchasing a blueprint
If you don’t want to trouble yourself with all the nitty-gritty details of a tiny home, consider purchasing a blueprint. TinyHouseMe can help you connect with builders offering blueprints and building plans for your tiny home. Getting a blueprint will help you to consult a structural engineer to ensure the structure meets the safety standards. Moreover, you can save money and opt for this DIY project that adheres to the law. For help in financing and planning the tiny house, connect with TinyHouseMe today!
