17.42.175 Tiny Homes & Model Park RVs
Applicability. Where allowed by Article 2 (Zoning Districts and Allowable Land Uses), Tiny Homes and Park Model RVs shall obtain an administrative Coastal Development Permit and comply with the standards of this section and Definitions.
A Tiny Home. A Tiny Home is a small towable residential unit (on wheels) that is not on a permanent foundation, and that meets the design and construction criteria listed in C below. Tiny homes shall meet either the provisions of ANSI 119.5 or NFPA 1192. It shall be the burden of the applicant to show compliance with these standards. Tiny homes shall be licensed and registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles and may only be transported upon the public highway with permit issued pursuant to Vehicle Code Section 35780.
Park Model RV. As defined in Health and Safety Code Section 18009.3, a Park Model RV is a trailer designed for human habitation that meets the following requirements:
It contains 400 square feet or less of gross floor area, excluding loft area space if that loft area space meets the requirements of subdivision (b) and Section 18033; and It may not exceed 14 feet in width at the maximum horizontal projection; and It is built upon a single chassis; and
It may only be transported upon public highways with a permit issued pursuant to Section 35780 of the Vehicle Code. Park Model RVs shall be licensed and registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
A Park Model RV is not a self-propelled recreational vehicle.
Tiny Home and Park Model RV Standards. Tiny Homes and Park Model RVs shall be subject to all of the following additional criteria:
Limitations on Location & Timing & Permit Requirements
Accessory to a Primary Residence. A Tiny home or Park Model RV is allowed as an accessory residential use to a Primary Residential Unit and may be constructed/installed before, during or after the Primary Residential Unit.
If installed prior to the primary residential unit, the Tiny Home or PMRV must be installed in the back half of the parcel.
If installed concurrently or after the primary residential unit, the Tiny Home or PMRV must be installed behind or to the side of the primary residential unit.
As an ADU Equivalent in Multifamily. One tiny homes or one Park Model RV is permitted in Multifamily Residential Zoning Districts as a type of detached ADU under Section 17.42.170 or as part of a Tiny Home Community under Section 17.42.110.
Permit Requirements. A Tiny Home shall be subject to a Coastal Development Permit if it is located on a permanent foundation or if site improvements are required to establish it.
Development Standards. Tiny Homes and Park Model RVs (Unit) shall conform with the following requirements:
Height. The unit shall have a maximum height of 13’ 6” to comply with Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) towing requirements.
Setbacks. A unit shall comply with front and street side setbacks but may have a 4+ foot setback from the inside or rear parcel lines. The unit must be located a minimum distance of 10 feet from all other structures.
Size.Size. Units shall be at least 150 square feet in compliance with the California Health & Safety Code, but no more than 400 square feet.
Number of Units Allowed. Units are allowed on a parcel in the following configurations:
On a parcel with an existing primary unit, a maximum of one Tiny home or Park Model RV unit is permitted. One tiny home or Park Model RV is permitted in addition to one detached ADU on the property. Neither is permitted if there are four or more residential units on a low density residentially zoned parcel.
Tiny homes and Park Model RVs are permitted in Tiny Home Communities, and the maximum allowed is determined by Section 17.42.110.
Foundation. Tiny Homes shall not be placed on a temporary or permanent foundation unless the Tiny Home has been constructed in compliance with the Appendix Q Tiny Houses of the UBC. Park Model RVs may be placed on a permanent foundation.
Fire Inspection. Prior to occupancy, each Tiny home and Park Model RV shall be inspected by the Fire Marshal to ensure adequacy of the smoke alarm and fire extinguisher.
Design Standards. A Tiny Home and Park Model RV shall maintain a residential appearance through the following design standards.
Skirting. The undercarriage (wheels, axles, tongue and hitch) shall be hidden from view with a solid wood, metal or concrete apron when parked.
Paved Pad.
A paved parking pad shall be required, unless that Tiny Home or Park Model RV are placed on a permanent foundation (per C2e above), and include bumper guards, curbs, or other installations adequate to prevent movement of the unit. Alternative paving methods may be permitted at the discretion of the Community Development Director.
Mechanical Equipment. Mechanical equipment shall be incorporated into the structure and not be located on the roof (except for solar panels).
Materials. Materials for the exterior wall covering shall include wood, hardipanel or equivalent material as determined by the Community Development Director.
Windows. Windows shall be double pane glass or better, labeled for building use, and be trimmed out.
Utility Connections. The unit shall be connected to City water and sewer utilities through dedicated pipes. The unit shall be connected to electrical power in compliance with the Building Code.
Ownership. Ownership of the Tiny Home or Park Model RV is not required.
Short Term Rentals. Tiny Homes and Park Model RV shall not be used as short-term rentals of less than 30 days.
Tiny homes shall meet either the provisions of ANSI 119.5 or NFPA 1192. It shall be the burden of the applicant to show compliance with these standards.
Parking Requirements.
Parking Exemptions & Requirements: No parking is required unless the Tiny Home is located in a neighborhood which provides public parking and public access to the coast. In Fort Bragg this includes all residential parcels that directly abut Glass Beach Drive. All other parcels are not required to provide parking.
Replacement Parking Exemption. No replacement parking space(s) are required for the primary unit, when a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished in conjunction with the construction of a Tiny Home.
E. Tiny Homes and Park Model RV’s Proposed for Sensitive Habitats, Scenic Areas, and areas subject to Sea Level Rise.
Visual Resources. Tiny Homes and Park Model RVs shall be reviewed for impacts to visually resources in visually sensitive areas as designated in Map CD-1 of the Coastal General Plan.
Sensitive Habitat. Tiny Homes and Park Model RVs shall be reviewed for impacts to sensitive habitats in areas as designated in Map OS-1 of the Coastal General Plan.
Areas Sensitive to Sea Level Rise. Tiny Homes and Park Model RVs that are proposed for areas that are vulnerable to sea level rise and other coastal hazards shall meet all LCP requirements for new development to be safe from such hazards, but that also addresses the need for future sea level rise adaptations including future removal and risk disclosure.