Do you aspire for a more sustainable and simpler lifestyle right in the heart of the Midwest? Well, Missouri might just be the place for you to set up your dream tiny home.
However, before you jump into the pool to make this tiny house project a reality, you should make yourself aware of the rules and regulations that apply to Missouri tiny houses, thereby ensuring that your house is 100% compliant.
No matter whether you are driven by the tiny house movement, are a prospective tiny homeowner, or just want to rent one for an enchanting getaway, getting an idea of the legal landscape of this place will help you draw up the right way to your downsizing adventure.
Here, we will look at the various nitty-gritty of tiny house laws in Missouri, including the tiny house types allowed, how the laws differ across counties and cities, and the specific requirements for both tiny houses on wheels and tiny houses on foundations. So, let’s begin before you start purchasing tiny home kits for sale.
Are tiny homes considered legal in Missouri?
Well, various facets come up when it comes to the legality of Missouri tiny homes. These facets mainly depend on the specific location where you intend to set up your tiny house in Missouri.
Most of the U.S. states have centralized regulations. However, that’s not the case for Missouri. Rather, the individual counties, towns, and cities determine the tiny house laws in Missouri.
It is due to this decentralized approach that the rules and regulations can vary significantly from area to area.
For instance, it is relatively easy to reside in tiny houses in rural Missouri, with minimal or almost no building codes and zoning laws. Thus, these areas offer more freedom and flexibility when it comes to constructing and residing in tiny abodes.
However, the regulations are much stronger when you come closer to densely populated areas or nearby cities.
There are individual sets of laws for each county in Missouri. Moreover, there might be additional regulations in the individual towns and cities within the county.
Some might find tiny houses living in Missouri quite daunting owing to this patchwork of rules. However, with proper knowledge, finding the right place for your dream tiny house would be a breeze.
Which tiny home types are allowed in Missouri?
Again, the types of tiny homes allowed in Missouri would vary depending on the area where you are and the local regulations of that place.
Generally speaking, both tiny houses on wheels and tiny houses on foundations are allowed in different parts of Missouri. However, you should take note of the restrictions and laws that keep changing as you move from rural areas to more urban areas.
Are tiny houses on foundations allowed in Missouri?
The building laws in Missouri are fairly lax and vary from one state to another. So, you should check with the particular county or city in Missouri about the type and size of residence allowed in the area where you aspire to dwell. The local representatives will guide you through the precise requirements and regulations you must cater to before delving into the building process.
Are tiny houses on wheels allowed in Missouri?
THOWs are classified as “travel trailers’ in Missouri. We would like to clearly state here tiny houses on wheels are not permitted in most cities and, thus, cannot be set up inside the city boundaries. However, you can set them up outside the city boundaries and in rural areas, where the regulations are quite lax.
What are the necessary conditions for a tiny home to be up to the building codes in Missouri?
Before you start constructing a tiny home in Missouri, you should gain an insight into the regulations and building codes that apply to the different types of tiny houses.
The requirements will vary depending on whether you want to build a temporary, permanent, or transitional living space.
Rules applying to temporary tiny homes
The requirements for temporary tiny homes that are primarily used for recreational purposes or camping are quite lax.
It has also been witnessed in several cases that a special highway permit is not mandatory if a tiny house on wheels caters to specific criteria.
If you want to use a tiny house on wheels as a full-time residential space, you must keep the following things in mind:
- You cannot park your tiny house on wheels in a public place or on a street.
- Parking is not allowed in certain counties and cities.
- Tiny houses on wheels are not allowed within city borders.
Rules applying to permanent structures
Tiny houses used as permanent residences must adhere to the zoning regulations and local building codes of the area where they are located.
Here are some of the primary considerations to be taken into account:
- Wastewater removal: All permanent tiny homes must abide by the state-wide laws concerning wastewater disposal. This means installing a septic tank or connecting to the local sewage system.
- Well drilling: Well drilling on your property is the second big thing you should take into consideration while building a permanent structure. You must obtain a permit and employ a certified well driller who abides by the state regulations.
- Floodplain permits: Obtaining a permit is mandatory to set up your tiny house on a floodplain in Missouri.
Rules applying to transitional structures
If you are looking for mobility and flexibility, transitional structures, like a temporary housing solution or structures in tiny house communities, can fit the role like none other.
A transitional structure must adhere to the safety standards concerning mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems.
Depending on the intended use of the transitional house and the specific location, a transitional structure must adhere to the regulations and guidelines as decided by the local authorities.
Final Take
If you, too, want to embrace the minimalist lifestyle in this beautiful state of Missouri, TinyHouseMe is the place to be. We have an online directory where you will find a complete list of multiple established tiny house builders offering tiny home kits for sale and structures of similar kinds throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Reach out to the builders via us, and we will place you in front of the line for the builders. Ask for a quote now.
