Tiny houses are mostly legal in many parts of Georgia. However, the rules and regulations for these houses vary from one state to another. You must navigate through the fast-changing ordinances and differing local laws, which have become like uncharted waters, not knowing when the next rock formation might appear on the horizon. It is advisable to keep yourself updated with the housing laws and rules in your particular city and state. This is why it is advisable to purchase ADUs, tiny cabins for sale, houses on wheels and foundations, and structures of a similar kind from a trusted builder who can help you navigate the rules and regulations of tiny homes.
Here, we will discuss the various nitty-gritty surrounding tiny home rules and regulations in Georgia, which will help you decide whether procuring a tiny house in Georgia is desirable. So, let’s start.
There are no state-wide tiny house laws in the Peach state
Georgia has yet to implement state-wide laws for tiny houses. If the tiny houses aren’t explicitly barred and adhere to all the local codes, they are considered legal all over the state.
Tiny house regulations differ greatly among cities, and the local governments are at the helm in determining them. For instance, specific zones of Atlanta do have stringent rules applying to tiny homes, whereas there are many tiny house communities in Georgia.
Which cities in Georgia welcome tiny houses?
As aforementioned, there are no state-wide laws that govern Georgia tiny houses. So, they are permitted all over the state.
Some of the major states in Georgia that permit tiny houses include:
- Columbus
- Macon
- Atlanta
- Albany
- Savannah
Tiny houses were banned in Calhoun, Georgia. However, they were sued in the year 2021 for prohibiting tiny houses.
What are the different types of tiny homes that are allowed in Georgia?
Georgia Department of Community Affairs states that tiny houses are typically single-family houses that are smaller than 400 square feet. But lofts are excluded.
The Department has chalked out four different types of tiny houses:
- Recreational Vehicles or RVs
- Site-built homes and dwellings
- Mobile homes
- Modular (Residential) Industrialized Buildings
The regulations governing these four types of tiny homes might differ, however, the building codes of the state apply only to modular and site-built dwellings. In comparison, DMV and HUD standards control RVs and manufactured homes.
What are the prerequisites for a tiny home to cater to Georgia’s building code?
Homeowners must cater to certain tiny home regulations to comply with Georgia’s building codes. As per the data, these are some of the prerequisites that are paramount for a tiny home to meet the standards:
- The minimum size of the house should be 120 square feet.
- The ceilings should be a minimum of 6’8” tall.
- There should be minimum one habitable space having a closet and an open-able window.
- The land should cover an area of minimum 320 square feet.
You must also cater to some basic requirements like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, lighting, ventilation, plumbing, and emergency exits.
You can also set up the (EDU) or Efficiency Dwelling Unit to help you downsize better. These extremely tiny homes need a living space of a minimum of 220 sq. ft. area. Any new resident beyond 2 should have an extra 100 sq. ft. of space.
The houses must also contain:
- A separate closet
- Refrigeration appliances
- A kitchen sink
- Cooking appliances
The kitchen appliances should have a well-defined working space that is at least 30 inches or more.
Tiny Houses on Wheels and laws surrounding it
The houses on wheels are allowed in most parts of Georgia. However, the rules that govern THOWs are not the same as the rules that apply to other types of tiny homes:
- Interior space: Your interior floor area should be 400 sq. ft. or less.
- Living functions: Tiny Homes on wheels or THOWs should have enough space and basic amenities for cooking, sleeping, and ensuring personal hygiene.
- Skirting: It is advisable to skirt the bottom of your THOW, including the wheels.
- Design: If you have decided on a THOW, it should look like a conventional living space.
- Licensing: Your local county vehicle licensing agency and Georgia Department of Transportation provides license and regulates RVs and other related houses on wheels.
- Towing: A THOW is actually not movable. So, you will require a bumper hitch, a fifth-wheel connection, or a frame-towing hitch to tow your house.
- Size: THOWs need to adhere to the codes specified by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association and Georgia Department of Transportation.
How to set up a tiny home in Georgia?
Now that you have decided to get your own tiny house in this Peach State, here is a checklist especially curated for you:
- Choose the kind of tiny home you would desire: Are you wanting to enjoy the living in a mobile THOW or want a full cottage core?
- Go through the local laws, building codes and regulations: Make the most of the information you can get at the local library to gain an insight into the particular legal necessities for a tiny house.
- Get in touch with a builder: You can now find many tiny home builders all across the US and Canada at TinyHouseMe. Now you can connect with only trusted tiny home builders via TinyHouseMe. The builders are a good source for understanding the legalities you must adhere to.
- Select a Location: One can set up a tiny home in a large backyard. Even one can also shift somewhere where the zoning codes are lax and easier to comply with. Selecting a location is crucial.
- Homeowners Insurance: If you have set up your tiny home, you will need a homeowner’s insurance policy. Although it’s not mandatory under the law, a policy can act as a safety net, safeguarding you from unforeseen threats.
Final Take:
So, this was all about tiny home rules and regulations in Georgia. If trekking in the Caucasian mountains or hiking to the Gergeti Trinity Church fascinates you the most, Georgia is the place for you.
You can easily find tiny cabins for sale at TinyHouseMe by connecting with multiple tiny home builders under one platform. Not just that, the builders listed here would also adhere to the rules and regulations governing Georgian tiny houses during construction, thereby ensuring that you don’t have to land into any legal complications. Reach out to the builders via TinyHouseMe for quick response and priority service.
