What Zoning Ordinances Apply to Tiny Houses?

At the January 9, 2020, Newtown Area Joint Zoning Council (JZC Definition) meeting, the topic of tiny houses was discussed after a Newtown resident requested any existing zoning information related to tiny houses.

Further Information

Evan J. Stone, PLA, Executive Director, Bucks County Planning Commission, provided the following information:

“Dear team, this is indeed a potentially complex and multi-faceted topic/issue.

“Yes, a tiny home, is a single family home just as a mobile home is a single family home however there can be distinctions depending on whether it’s on wheels and treated as a “recreational vehicle” versus one on a foundation (see first link below)

“This subject is a kin to “granny pods” and the issues of principal use, accessory use, number of principal uses on a lot etc.

“Pennsylvania is one of the friendlier tiny house states to date. A community in Elizabethtown also claims to be the largest tiny house community in the United States - an impressive title to say the least! Rural areas of Pennsylvania will likely be the easiest when it comes to finding a place to park your tiny. Be sure to check with the local municipalities for specifics.”

Here are some links to explore on the subject:

• Tiny Houses - Understanding and Overcoming Zoning Obstacles
• Tiny House Laws in the United States
• Tiny house zoning regulations: What you need to know
• How to Live in a Tiny House Without Breaking the Law
• Zoning tiny houses just became a little easier with help of new planning tool