Tiny Home Regulations in PA: The Complete Guide
Tiny living no longer seems to be a fad but a way of living for some. Yet the questions remain. What is a tiny house? What are the tiny house laws in Pennsylvania? Are Park Model Homes and Tiny Homes the same thing? In this blog, we will answer all of those questions
The state of Pennsylvania has adopted the 2018 International Building Code, which requires each dwelling unit to have a minimum of 120 square feet of floor area for one room and at least 70 square feet of additional living space. This makes the state of PA very friendly for those interested in living in a tiny home.
While legislation to create a uniform code for all tiny homes is proposed, tiny house laws in Pennsylvania will vary from place to place. In this blog, we’ll discuss specific counties, cities, and towns in PA and whether they allow tiny homes.
Are Park Models the Same Thing As Tiny Homes?
Yes. However, park models and tiny home zoning can be different in each area. For example, some counties would not allow a park model to be used as a tiny home as it is on wheels and would be classified as an RV. On the other hand, some counties view tiny homes and park model homes relatively the same so long as they are parked on a permanent foundation. For the best answers on this topic, keep reading.
What Counties in PA Allow Tiny Homes?
There are several counties in PA that allow tiny homes, and there is currently proposed legislation to create a uniform code for tiny homes across the entire state. For now, here are some counties that allow tiny homes. It’s important to check with your city or town’s zoning department, as regulations for tiny homes may vary from area to area within a county.
Does Alleghany County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, however, they require each dwelling unit to have at least 150 square feet of space for one occupant and an additional 100 square feet for any added occupants. Their definition of an acceptable dwelling unit is vague, so it’s best to check with your local building department to find out if your tiny home is acceptable.
Does Berks County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, Berks County adopted the 2018 International Building Code, where the minimum square footage for a home can be 120 sq. ft. It’s important to read their code in depth to ensure that your tiny home meets all their requirements.
Does Bradford County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, so long as the home has at least 150 square feet of floor space for one individual and at least 100 square feet per additional occupant. Outlined in their building code, they have very specific requirements for each area of the home. For example, a bedroom must be at least 70 square feet with an additional 50 square feet if it’s being shared by someone else. In addition, at least ½ of the floor space of every habitable room must have a ceiling height of at least 7 feet.
Be sure to read their code in further detail to ensure your tiny home meets all of Bedford County’s requirements.
Does Bucks County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
It’s unclear exactly what kind of tiny homes are allowed in Bucks County. However, recreational vehicles are prohibited from permanent use, so because our Park Model Homes are seen as RVs, it may be difficult to have them as a permanent living space. To find out what’s allowed, it’s best to contact your local building department.
Does Doylestown, PA, Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, An RV is permitted as an accessory dwelling unit for single-family residences only and can have a maximum of 2 occupants. It’s important to contact your local zoning department to determine their minimum floor area requirements and whether they allow RVs or mobile homes as permanent residences on their own.
Does Chester County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes. The Chester County government website provides resources for those looking to live in tiny homes. Specific requirements may vary from city to town within the county, but overall the county seems to provide lots of resources for those interested in living in a tiny home. Be sure to check your individual city or town’s building requirements.
Does Clarion County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, Clarion County permits the use of mobile homes for permanent residence and no reference is made to a required minimum habitable floor area. Additionally, regulations for RVs are not outlined. It seems that anything could be possible, so it’s best to check with the Clarion County Planning Department to find out if they allow your tiny home.
Does Clinton County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
It’s possible that they allow tiny homes as no clear guidelines are set around mobile homes, recreational vehicles, and the minimum square footage of these homes. Clinton County covers a large number of municipalities, so it’s best to check with your local building or planning department to find out if they allow tiny homes.
Does Lock Haven, PA, Allow Tiny Homes?
In some instances, yes, Lock Haven allows mobile home parks as long as they have a minimum length of 40’ , are placed on a 6-inch-thick poured concrete pad and anchored to it to prevent shifting and have a permanent frost-free foundation and protective skirt.
Does Columbia County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, recreational vehicles and manufactured homes can be a permanent residence so long as they are elevated on a permanent foundation, securely anchored to that foundation, and their bottom floor is 1 foot above base flood elevation. There are no specific guidelines outlining the type of foundation or minimum required floor area, so it’s best to check with you local building department to find out what they allow.
Does Bloomsburg, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, Bloomsburg, PA, allows tiny homes as long as they have a skirt around the bottom and meet an apartment’s minimum floor area requirements. This means they can be no less than 400 square feet, or 300 square feet if only occupied by one person.
Does Cumberland County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
At this time, it is unclear whether tiny homes are allowed in Cumberland County. According to the document linked in the table above, Cumberland County is revising a document that could outline specific tiny home regulations. Until this is complete, it is best to check with your city or town to determine their tiny home requirements.
Does Carlisle, PA, Allow Tiny Homes?
No. According to the borough of Carlisle’s Zoning Code, an apartment’s minimum habitable floor area is 600 feet, larger than most tiny homes. In addition, they have strict policies against using RVs as permanent accessory dwelling units (ADUs). A recreational vehicle can only be used as an ADU to a single-family attached dwelling for one week out of the year.
Does Delaware County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, they permit mobile and manufactured homes to be utilized as permanent residences so long as they are a minimum of 320 square feet. However, there is no reference made to recreational vehicles or trailers, so it’s best to check with your local building, zoning, or planning department to find out if they allow your tiny home.
Does Derry Township, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
Tiny homes are allowed in Derry County as long as they are located in designated mobile homes or RV parks and meet the minimum room sizes of single-family dwellings. In fact, Hershey Camping Resort recently began offering tiny homes.
Does Erie County, PA, Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, RVs and mobile homes are permitted as permanent residences if they are in a properly zoned RV or mobile home park. However, they are not permitted as permanent residences as ADUs.
Does Erie, PA, Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, Erie follows the same regulations outlined by Erie County. In fact, in April 2023, Community Shelter Services unveiled its first tiny home to help combat homelessness.
Does Fayette County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, they have adopted the PA state Uniform Construction Code, so each dwelling unit must have one room that’s at least 120 square feet and any additional room must be 70 square feet. However, it’s unclear if recreational vehicles are permitted as permanent residences, so it’s best to check with your local building or planning department to find out if your tiny home is allowed.
Does Forest County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes! In fact, they even include specific language regarding tiny home requirements. Tiny homes are permitted to be their typical sizes, 400 square feet or less. In addition, as long as the structure has no wheels or can’t be moved, it can be utilized as a permanent tiny home. To make our tiny home eligible for this location, you may need to make some modifications to meet their criteria.
Does Indiana County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, they have adopted the Uniform Construction Codes set forth by the state of PA.
Does Lancaster County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, in fact, there is even a tiny home community known as Tiny Estates in Elizabethtown, PA. While specific requirements may vary from city to town, Lancaster County generally allows homes to be below the 70-square-foot minimum requirement.
Does Lebanon County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, with specific guidelines in mind. The minimum size of dwellings in Lebanon County, PA, is 500 square feet. However, that can be reduced to 400 square feet if one person is at least 55 years old and no one under the age of 18 lives there. Since typical tiny homes are 400 square feet or less, living in a tiny home in Lebanon is difficult but not impossible.
Does Montgomery County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, Montgomery County adopted the 2018 International Building Code, which requires a minimum square footage of 120 sq. ft. It’s important to read the code in depth to ensure that your tiny home meets all its requirements, and contact your local building department to guarantee that your home complies.
Does Montour County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes. From what we can see, Montour County may be the friendliest, tinu home area in PA. Park model homes, RVs, and travel trailers are classified as mobile homes and acceptable for permanent occupancy if being used for more than 180 days, but there is no minimum square footage outlined. It’s still best to check with Montour County’s Planning Commission to determine if your tiny home is allowed.
Does Philadelphia County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, Philadelphia has adopted the 2018 International Building Code that the state of PA has adopted, meaning that at least one room must have a floor area of at least 120 square feet. Any additional rooms must be at least 70 square feet or more. Philadelphia County actually merged all its offices with the city of Philadelphia government, so they are now one and the same.
Does The City Of Philadelphia, PA, Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, Philadelphia follows the 2018 International Building Code, which requires all dwelling units to have at least one room with a minimum floor area of 120 square feet. Any additional rooms must be at least 70 square feet or more.
Does Wayne County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, they’ve adopted the PA Uniform Construction Code, so they follow the 2018 International Building Code, which requires one habitable room to be a minimum of 120 square feet and each additional room to be at least 70 square feet.
Find Your Tiny Home Regulations in PA by City/Town
What Counties in PA Do Not Allow Tiny Homes?
Counties in PA That Don’t Allow Tiny Homes
Does Armstrong County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
No, Armstrong County requires a minimum habitable floor area of 700 square feet which is larger than most tiny homes. In addition, it prohibits recreational vehicles from being utilized as a permanent residence. Yet, if you love the idea of living smaller, check out our Musketeer, Frontier, Settler, or Pioneer models as they have configurations closest to this size mark.
Does Beaver County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
No. All permanent homes in Beaver County, PA, must have a floor area of 840 square feet or larger, bigger than the typical tiny home floor space. In addition, mobile homes aren’t permitted to be used as permanent residences, even if placed on a permanent foundation. Therefore, tiny homes aren’t typically permitted in Beaver County, depending on the district.
Does Butler County, PA, Allow Tiny Homes?
No. The minimum habitable floor area in Butler ranges from 800 square feet for a conversion apartment to 300 square feet for group care facilities, personal care homes, transitional dwellings, and homeless shelters. It seems that the minimum required floor area for a traditional residence is larger than most tiny homes.
Does Butler, PA, Allow Tiny Homes?
No. The minimum habitable floor area in Butler ranges from 800 square feet for a conversion apartment to 300 square feet for group care facilities, personal care homes, transitional dwellings, and homeless shelters. It seems that the minimum required floor area for a traditional residence is larger than most tiny homes.
Does Cambria County, PA, Allow Tiny Homes?
No, they require a minimum of 800 square feet for any dwelling unit making them very unfriendly for those wishing to live in a typical-sized tiny home.
Does Clearfield County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
No, they have very strict regulations against the use of RVs, motor homes, travel trailers, etc. being used for a permanent place of residence. While the minimum required floor area for an RV is 350 square feet, that doesn’t help those interested in utilizing it as a tiny home.
Does Franklin County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
No, they require a minimum of 600 square feet of habitable floor area for any dwelling unit, which is larger than most tiny homes.
Does Huntingdon County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
No, the minimum floor area required for homes is 600 square feet, larger than most tiny homes. In addition, RVS, manufactured, and mobile homes aren’t permitted for dwellings unless they meet all the necessary requirements, including the minimum floor area.
Does Lehigh County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
No they do not allow tiny homes as permanent dwellings in Lehigh County. Lehigh County considers mobile homes to be single-family dwellings and all single-family homes must have a minimum floor area of 1,000 square feet to be considered a permanent residence. However, it’s important to check with your city/town to find out the regulations in your area.
Does Lycoming County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
No. The minimum habitable space required of a single-family dwelling in Lycoming County is 600 square feet, larger than the typical tiny home.
Does Mercer County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
No, while mobile homes and prefab buildings are including in their definition of dwelling unit, all dwelling units in Mercer County must be a minimum of 750 square feet, larger the most tiny homes.
Does Mifflin County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
No, while no minimum square footage has been offered for homes, they don’t permit travel trailers to be used for living purposes for more than 100 days out of the year. If you’re interested if another style of tiny home is permitted, it’s best to check with your local building or planning department.
Does Potter County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
No, Potter County does not allow traditional tiny living to be a permanent residence. However, Potter County, PA, allows mobile homes to be used as permanent residences on individual lots so long as they are placed on a permanent foundation and have either a wall or skirting around them. The home must also have a minimum of 720 square feet of living area.
Does Schuylkill County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
No, unfortunately they require a minimum square footage of 500 square feet for any newly constructed dwelling. A home can only be 400 square feet if it’s a preexisting one in the TC or C-1 districts. Additionally, RVs are not permitted for permanent use unless it gets approved within a campground with a suitable central water and sewage service.
Does Union County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
No, they do not permit RVs for permanent use. No minimum square footage is outlined, so it’s difficult to know if another tiny home structure would be permitted.
Does Warren County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
No, park model homes are not permitted for permanent use. Additionally, all dwellings must be a minimum of 500 square feet, which is larger than most tiny homes.
Does Wyoming County, PA Allow Tiny Homes?
No, they do not permit RVs for permanent use. However, no minimum square footage is outlined in their zoning ordinance.
Does York County, PA, Allow Tiny Homes?
No. The minimum habitable space requirement in York County is 700 square feet, much larger than a tiny home’s typical size. In addition, York County currently does not allow tiny homes to be placed in backyards as accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
Find Your Tiny Home Regulations in PA by City/Town
Does Pittsburgh, PA, Allow Tiny Homes?
Not at this time but it is in the works. According to the article attached to the chart above, Pittsburgh is working on legislation for tiny homes, but the process has been delayed. It’s best to check with your local zoning or building department to determine if your tiny home is allowed.
Counties With Unclear Park Model Tiny Homes Regulations in PA
Some counties do not explicitly state the regulations or define key tiny home terms, so it is unclear whether or not they permit park model tiny homes. Before building your tiny home, it’s best to contact your local government to find out whether they allow it. Outlined below are counties that don’t have their tiny home regulations clearly defined on their government website so you can get in contact with the right person.
Tiny Homes That Are Allowed In PA
The A-Frame
The A-Frame Studio
The Alpine
The Aspen
The Cascade
The Luna
The Nook Family
The Nook Studio
The Pinecrest
The Pocono
Park Model Regulations in PA
Can I live In a Park Model Home In PA?
Depending on what part of Pennsylvania you live in you can live in a mobile home or RV full-time as long as it is parked on a permanent foundation. According to the PA General Assembly, our park model homes would be classified as Recreational Vehicles (RVs). Generally speaking, they are not considered a permanent living space. However, there is a lot to learn about park models, at this time it is up to the townships and local government to give a solidified answer.
What are the rules for tiny homes in PA?
There are currently no specific Pennsylvania tiny house laws; however, changes are being proposed to include legislation for tiny homes as permanent residences. For now, it’s best to check with your local zoning or building department to determine if they allow tiny homes. Generally, the state of PA is pretty friendly to tiny homeowners, allowing minimum square footage for a one-room home to be 120 square feet with an additional 70 square feet per room.
Do you need a permit for a tiny home in PA?
Yes, you’ll likely need a permit to construct or place a tiny home in PA. However, the specific type and requirements of the permit may vary from place to place in the state of PA. It’s important to check with your local zoning or building department to determine if you need a permit, how much it will cost, and where to get it.
Are There Tiny Home Communities in PA?
Yes, there are tiny home communities in PA. There is Tiny Estates in Elizabethtown, PA where you can either reside in your tiny home permanently or book a temporary stay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Tiny House Laws:
How Much Does it Cost to Build a Tiny House in PA?
It typically costs $30,000 to $60,000 to construct and own a tiny home, not including land or other fees. For more high-end park models, the cost is typically $90,000 to $100,000. Request a quote for your tiny home for an exact breakdown of it’s cost.
What size must a house Be to qualify as a tiny home?
Tiny homes are typically no larger than 500 square feet, but they typically range between 120 square feet to 400 square feet. The state of PA has adopted the International Building Code of 2018, meaning no single-room tiny home can be less than 120 square feet.
How Long and Wide Can A Tiny House Be in PA?
According to the PA Construction code, a tiny home must have a floor area of at least 120 square feet, which is a 12×10-foot space. Of course, it can be longer and wider than that, so long as it meets your community’s building regulations. However, most RVs
Where is the Cheapest Place to Put a Tiny House in PA?
The cheapest place to put a tiny home in PA depends on the area’s requirements, the building cost, and any land costs or additional fees. Typically, places that allow you to purchase a lot and place your tiny home there are more affordable than paying land leasing fees.
Can A Park Model Tiny Homes Have Multiple Bedrooms and Bathrooms?
Yes, the state of PA permits one room to be a minimum of 120 square feet and any additional room to have another 70 square feet, making it possible to have multiple rooms under 400 square feet. Additionally, our Cascade, Pinecrest, Aspen, and Nook Family Park Models all feature 2 or more bedrooms.
What Features Are Included In A Park Model Home From Zook Cabins?
There are countless features included with our park model homes! Not only do we offer a range of cabin styles, from a more modern look to a classic log cabin style, but we also have different square footage and number of rooms available. In addition, all our park model tiny homes come equipped with essential furnishings such as lighting, several appliances, shelving, and more!
Are Park Model Tiny Homes A Good Investment?
Absolutely! It’s a low-cost investment with a high return on investment, and who wouldn’t want that? Many of our clients have utilized their park model as a short term rental property and seen success. Check out our pro forma or see how 11 park models were converted into a successful RV park.