Making Your Tiny House Legal
In Colorado, tiny houses built on a foundation are more legal than tiny houses on wheels. But when it comes to building tiny houses on wheels (THOW), don’t loose hope. Some jurisdictions in Colorado consider THOWs as residents if certain conditions are met. Permanently affix your tiny house on wheels to the ground. Hook it up to utilities and built it to the necessary safety standards. Even if a THOW is legal where you live, you also need to confirm the THOW can be used as an additional dwelling unit. However, ADUs are not lawful in every zone.
If your local government does not allow THOWs for residential use you can change it. Start by asking about the process for amending the zoning code to make them legal. The journey to legality will be costly and time-consuming. However, enough political pressure on your local government will lead to change of the land use code to allow tiny houses. Know what building and safety standards will apply to the construction of your tiny house on wheels. You will have to self-certify that it will meet Recreational Vehicle Industry Association standards. These will need to meet the American National Safety Institute standard 119 or manufactured home building standards. You can also contact your local building department for the safety standards that apply to you.
Tiny houses pose unique challenges to local governments. It may be tempting to forgo the permitting process. A neighbor could file a complaint and your local government may force you to remove your THOW and pay a fine. If you are looking for a horse property in Colorado, contact one of our horse-person realtors at Colorado Horse Property.
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