Tiny Houses

If your Tiny House is on wheels, it must be properly registered as a recreational vehicle with the Department of Motor Vehicles. These mobile houses are like camper trailers, travel trailers or motor homes and are most suitable for emergency or recreational housing.

A Tiny House placed on a permanent foundation can be site-built or constructed at a manufacturing plant and is classified as a Single Family Detached (SFD) Dwelling. There are two principal regulatory processes for building a Tiny House. Before purchasing an existing Tiny House or building your own Tiny House, take the time to thoroughly research and understand all applicable Zoning Ordinance and the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

The Zoning Ordinance defines how a property can be used. The Zoning Ordinance does not specify a minimum size for a SFD Dwelling; however, there are limitations on occupancy of a dwelling by square foot. For example, a dwelling with a total finished area up to 1,000 square feet, allows no more than three adult occupants. More information on this can be found in Sec. 32-300.13. - Limitation on occupancy of a dwelling unit. It is also important to note, the standards of the Virginia Department of Health for private septic systems relative to occupancy load, supersede the dwelling unit occupancy standards.

Today, the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC) includes the International Residential Code (IRC). The IRC provides all the minimum safety requirements for a SFD Dwelling, which includes Tiny Houses. Additionally, Tiny Houses are referenced in Appendix Q of the IRC, which specifies the required minimum square footage and ceiling heights.

Tiny House Manufacturers fall under Virginia’s Industrialized Building Code. The Tiny House design, construction, and inspection in the factory will result in the issuance of a Virginia Label/Certification. The Virginia Label/Certification will indicate that the Tiny House complies with the IRC. The Virginia Label/Certification protects customers as consumers and helps facilitate the local Building Official accepting/approving the Tiny Houses.