Are you planning to build your own tiny home? Well, you are not the only one who wants to downsize. Many people in the U.S. prefer to reside in smaller spaces, and this craze has made the tiny house movement the talk of the town in 2023.
Although tiny homes are allowed in New Jersey, the regulations might vary from one jurisdiction to another. So, if you are dead serious to build your own tiny home in New Jersey, you should first perform extensive research, which will give you a thorough idea of the nitty-gritty of the legal system, thereby helping you decide where to set up one.
Today, we will be discussing the various rules and regulations governing New Jersey tiny houses. So, let’s start.
Are tiny homes considered legal in New Jersey?
Well, the simple answer to the question is a resounding YES. The state adheres to Appendix Q from the IRC, expanded as the International Residential Code as its minimal standard for tiny homes. The specifications for the different sections of a tiny house, like emergency exit, multiple rooms, loft area, stairways, ceiling height, and more, as well as the minimum square footage requirements, are specified in Appendix Q.
Which tiny home types are allowed in New Jersey?
A wide variety of tiny houses are allowed in New Jersey, specially manufactured or custom-tailored houses on a permanent foundation.
Are tiny homes on foundations allowed in New Jersey?
Yes, tiny houses set up on a foundation are allowed in New Jersey. Just like other U.S. states, New Jersey also complies with the Appendix Q of the International Residential Code 2018.
Appendix Q governs those tiny houses that are used as one-family houses. The code standards are a bit lax when it comes to structures that are less than 400 square feet in area.
Are tiny homes on wheels allowed in New Jersey?
Tiny houses on wheels are considered mobile houses or recreational vehicles in New Jersey. So, a tiny home on wheels must comply with New Jersey RV laws to be considered a legal structure.
Mobile houses are housing built on a permanent framework and can be used as a dwelling place when connected to utilities.
What are the prerequisites for a tiny home to comply with the building codes in New Jersey?
The building code requirements in this state might vary depending on the classification of your building and its primary purpose. That is why we have laid down the rules on the basis of permanent structures, temporary tiny structures, and transitional structures. Let’s take a look at them.
Rules governing permanent structures
Traditional houses in New Jersey are governed by the New Jersey Building Codes. The same codes can be accurately implemented for tiny houses on foundations meant to be used as permanent dwellings.
Some of the most prominent laws include:
- When you build your own tiny home, make sure the ceiling height in the hallways and living area is not less than 6’8”.
- The ceiling height in the loft can be less than 6’8”.
- There should be loft guards on the lofts’ open side.
- Loft guards should be at a minimum of half a clear height when measured from the floor or 36 inches tall. The lesser measurement will be taken into consideration.
- Speaking about kitchens, commode rooms, and bathrooms, the ceiling height should not be less than 6 feet 4 inches.
- A loft’s floor area should be a minimum of 35 square feet.
Rules governing temporary tiny structures
THOWs, or tiny homes on wheels, are also known as temporary housing or RVs. So, the rules governing RVs and THOWs in New Jersey are more or less the same.
If you have purchased a mobile house in this state, you must title it within 10 days to stave off penalties.
Titling a vehicle and a mobile house are more or less the same thing. The only difference is that no registration or inspection is involved in a mobile house.
Even in some cases, no sales tax is involved for pre-owned mobile houses. You can go to a motor vehicle agency, and they will help you obtain a title for your old or new mobile house. Make sure to carry the following documents:
- MCO, i.e., the Original Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin, correctly filled and signed.
- Valid documents of identification.
- If your house is financed, provide them the Entity Identification Number and the address of the lien holder. The original title will be given to the lien holder.
Rules governing transitional houses
The specifications concerning New Jersey transitional structures that are primarily used for construction may vary. You might have to obtain a building permit, adhere to the safety regulations, and have an appropriate end-of-use plan.
You should also abide by the zoning legislation and environmental standards. You can always get in touch with the local authorities, who will guide you through the specific guidelines and laws as per your intended use.
Which counties in New Jersey permit tiny houses?
The building codes and zoning laws vary from one city to another and from one town to another in New Jersey. So, we highly recommend connecting with the local planning and zoning commission before setting up a tiny house.
Tenafly, for instance, has laid down certain regulations for parking mobile houses. For anyone looking to park their recreational vehicle in any residential zone must ensure the following:
- The house should be parked inside a confined structure.
- The tiny house should not be more than 9.5’ in height and 31’ in length and must properly fit in the specified rear yard.
- The tiny house should not be visible from roadways and neighboring lots. It can be hidden by a hefty structure, which should not be more than 6’ in height and must be in compliance with Borough fence rules.
You can also set up a tiny home in:
- Woodbury
- Gloucester City
- Cape May
- Trenton
- Surf City
- Union City
- Plainfield
Final Take
So, you see, tiny abodes are 100% legal in New Jersey. If you want to set up your dream abode in this enchanting state, get in touch with trusted tiny house builders only via TinyHouseMe. Our listed builders would build your tiny house in accordance with Appendix Q of the 2018 International Residential Code, thereby ensuring that you do not run into any legal trouble. Connect via us and enjoy quick response and priority service from the builders like none other.
