Tiny Home Regulations in Rhode Island: The Complete Guide
With the rise of tiny home living, many residents of Rhode Island are left with questions regarding the laws & regulations of tiny homes. For example, How much do tiny homes cost? How are tiny homes classified in Rhode Island? Are tiny homes & park models are classified as the same?
Unfortunately Rhode Island’s building code still doesn’t have a definitive answer regarding the classification of tiny homes, or what the exact regulations & laws are for tiny homes. Luckily for all tiny home lovers in Rhode Island, we did the research for all the tiny home laws & regulations in each county of Rhode Island! We’ll be answering all your questions plus more to give you an in-depth & correct answer.
Are Tiny Homes Legal In Rhode Island?
Tiny homes are legal in Rhode Island, with a few exceptions due to the state’s building codes. Unlike most states in America Rhode Island has yet to adopt the Appendix Q from the 2018 International Residential Code, meaning that even though Rhode Island allows tiny homes there are more constraints & restrictions compared to states that have adopted the Appendix Q (IRC). According to Rhode Island’s Building Codes you’re allowed to have a tiny home as long as it’s an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) & this will require a building permit as well. However, this is only for tiny homes on a permanent foundation. You might have more luck & less stringent regulations if you own a tiny house on wheels (THOWs) such as a Park Model Home.
There is no definite answer regarding the sizing of tiny homes in Rhode Island. Usually tiny homes are 80 – 400 square feet in size. Currently most towns & counties have a minimum square footage requirement of 1,000 feet, which is much higher than the usual requirement in other states which would be around 80 to 200 square feet.
The exact code & regulations for tiny homes in Rhode Island will vary from each county or town/city. Some areas might be more lenient than others & some areas will have more restrictions. Keep reading below as we will go over the exact laws in each county.
Are Park Models the Same Thing As Tiny Homes?
In Rhode Island park models & tiny homes are usually classified as 2 different types of structures. Tiny homes follow the building & zoning laws which state that tiny homes are allowed only if they are accessory dwelling units (ADU), on the other hand Park models do not follow the same code & laws. Park models are classified as Recreational Vehicles (RVs) & follow the The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) standards. However, some towns or counties might classify tiny homes & park models as the same if the park model home is placed on a permanent foundation.
What Counties in Rhode Island Allow Tiny Homes?
All counties in Rhode Island allow tiny homes! Although, some may have different or more strict rules & regulations. Below is a list of all the counties & their regulations on tiny homes. Make sure to also double check with your city/towns zoning ordinance, as the laws & rules vary from each city/town.
Does Bristol County, RI Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, in Bristol County, RI tiny homes are legal. According to Rhode Island’s building code tiny homes are only allowed as accessory dwelling units (ADU).
The minimum & maximum size of your home will depend on the zoning laws in your area. In most areas of Rhode Island the minimum size for accessory dwelling units is 1,00 square feet, but this will vary in each town or city.Additionally, building permits are required in most areas along with passing inspections. For additional information contact your local zoning office.
Does Kent County, RI Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, tiny homes are allowed in Kent County, RI. Kent County adheres to the Rhode Island Building code which states tiny homes are allowed as long as they are accessory dwelling units (ADU).
Usually Rhode Island’s minimum size for a tiny home as an ADU is 1,000 square feet. However Kent County does not have a definitive answer regarding the minimum size, so it will vary in each town or city. Building permits will also most likely be required & the home will need to pass inspections as well. To find out more regarding tiny home laws in your area, contact your local zoning office.
Does Newport County, RI Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes they do. Newport County, RI allows tiny homes as long as it adheres to the Rhode Island Building Code. Tiny homes in Newport County are only allowed as accessory dwelling units.
There is no sure answer to the maximum & minimum requirements for sizing, but usually in Rhode Island accessory dwelling units have a minimum size of 1,000 square feet. Permits & inspections may also be required depending on the laws in your area. It’s advised to check with your local zoning board for more up to date information regarding specific laws & regulations.
Does Providence County, RI Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, Providence County, RI mandates the Rhode Island Building Code. As long as your tiny home adheres to the regulations it’s legal in Providence County. The Rhode Island Building Code states that to own a tiny home it must be an accessory dwelling unit.
The maximum & minimum sizing requirements are unknown. However, in Rhode Island the usual minimum size for a tiny home is 1,000 square feet which is far higher than compared to other states. Depending on the laws in your area you might have to get a building permit & pass the necessary inspections in order to own a tiny home. For more information or questions, contact your local zoning department as they can provide a more detailed description on permits, zoning & regulations.
Does Washington County, RI Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, you can have a tiny home in Washington County, RI if it complies with the Rhode Island Building Code. Tiny homes in Washington County are only allowed as accessory dwelling units.
In Rhode Island most accessory dwelling units have a minimum size requirement of 1,000 square feet, although there is no specific law that states maximum or minimum size so it will depend on the local zoning code in your area. Securing a permit may also be required along with passing required inspections. It’s best to check with your local zoning office for more information regarding tiny home laws & to make sure you’re following the codes & regulations in your area!
Find Your Tiny Home Regulations in RI by City
Click On One Of The Cities Below To Learn More About Their Laws & Regulations.
Does Providence, RI Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, tiny homes are allowed in Providence, RI as long as it adheres to the Rhode Island Building Code. The regulations state that tiny homes are only allowed as accessory dwelling units.
There is no clear answering regarding the minimum and maximum sizing requirements, however, in Rhode Island the minimum size is usually 1,000 square feet. Depending on the area, building permits may be required along with passing necessary inspections. It’s advised to check with your local zoning & building department for more information regarding tiny homes in your area.
Does East Providence, RI Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, in East Providence, RI tiny homes are legal. East Providence follows the rules established by the Rhode Island Building Code. This means your tiny home is only allowed as an accessory dwelling unit.
The code is not clear on the maximum size & minimum sizing laws, but usually 1,000 square feet is the minimum size requirement in Rhode Island, depending on the area. Building permits may also be required in some towns & passing inspections is necessary too. For more accurate information it’s best to reach out to your local zoning department
Does Central Falls, RI Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, Central Falls, RI mandates the Rhode Island Building Code. As long as your tiny home adheres to the regulations it’s legal in Central Falls.. The Rhode Island Building Code states that to own a tiny home it must be an accessory dwelling unit.
The maximum & minimum sizing requirements are unknown. However, in Rhode Island the usual minimum size for a tiny home is 1,000 square feet which is far higher than compared to other states. Depending on the laws in your area you might have to get a building permit & pass the necessary inspections in order to own a tiny home. For more information or questions, contact your local zoning department as they can provide a more detailed description on permits, zoning & regulations.
Does Cranston, RI Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes. Cranston, RI permits living in a tiny home as long as your home adheres to the Rhode Island Building Code. For your home to be classified as a tiny home there are a few rules to keep in mind.
Your tiny home is only allowed as an accessory dwelling unit & the sizing requirements will vary depending on the area. Building permits & passing inspections will most likely be required as well. To get more detailed information it’s best to reach out to your local zoning department as they have more details regarding sizing, zoning & permits.
Does Newport, RI Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, Newport, RI allows tiny homes as accessory dwelling units. Newport abides by the Rhode Island Building Code.
The minimum & maximum sizing of your tiny home will vary depending on the area, with the usual minimum size being 1,000 square feet in Rhode island. Some areas may also require building permits & to pass inspections. In order to find more accurate information, reach out to your local zoning department.
Does Pawtucket, RI Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes. In Pawtucket, RI tiny homes are legal to own as accessory dwelling units (ADU) as the city follows the Rhode Island Building Code.
According to the code some places may require your tiny home be at least 1,000 square feet in size but this will vary depending on the area. Building permits along with passing all inspections will likely be necessary as well. To get more up-date information regarding tiny home regulations, it’s advised to reach out to your local zoning office.
Does Warwick, RI Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, in Warwick, RI tiny homes are legal to own as accessory dwelling units (ADU). Warwick, RI adheres to the Rhode Island Building Code.
The sizing requirements are not clearly stated in the code, however, the minimum size in Rhode Island is usually 1,000 square feet. The city may also require you to obtain a building permit & to pass all inspections. These rules will vary depending on the area you choose to have your tiny home. Keep in mind that if you want to find out more about tiny homes & the specific requirements you may reach out to your local zoning department.
Does Woonsocket, RI Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes Woonsocket, RI does allow all tiny homes. However, the tiny home is only allowed as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) as that’s the rules set in place by the Rhode Island Building Code.
Minimum & maximum sizing requirements are still unclear as it depends on the location of your tiny home but, in Rhode Island the minimum size for a tiny home is usually 1,000 square feet. The city of Woonsocket might also require you to secure a building permit for your tiny home & to pass all inspections. For more detailed information it’s best to reach out to your local zoning office.
Rhode Island Tiny Home Laws
Can I live In a Park Model Home In Rhode Island?
Yes! In Rhode Island you are allowed to live in a Park Model Home. Park model homes are classified as recreational vehicles (RV’s), you may reside in it as long as you have found an area where it’s legal to set up a park model home. Park model homes will also have to be titles & registered before you are allowed to move or reside in it.
- Zoning and Regulations: Make sure to check your local zoning ordinances & regulations, as some cities/counties have different rules for living in a Park Model Homes. Since Park Model Homes are considered as RVs, the rules & laws will be different compared to traditional homes.
- Permits: Since the Park Model Home is classified as an RV, you will need to register it & title it before being able to live in it or transport it. Also some counties or cities may require a building permit for the Park Model Home
- Inspection Requirements: Your Park Model Home may need to undergo inspections to be ready for occupancy. An inspector might check that the park Model Home meets all safety & building standards, including things such as: Electrical, plumbing, foundation and structural inspections.
- Utility Connections: Ensure that your Park Model Home can be properly connected to utilities such as water, electricity, and sewage. Some RV parks provide these connections, but if you’re placing your home on private land, you’ll need to make sure these services are available.
What Counties in Rhode Island Do Not Allow Tiny Homes?
Tiny homes are allowed in all counties of Rhode Island, as there is no clear law in any counties that prohibit the use of tiny homes. However, in some counties & cities zoning codes will be more stringent than others which might make it more difficult to build a tiny home. It’s best to check with your local planning and zoning offices for the most accurate and detailed regulations in your area of interest.
General Notes to keep in mind
Building Codes: All tiny homes must be constructed to comply with Rhode Island Building Code standards. This includes requirements for ceiling height, sizing requirments, and proper insulation.
Zoning: Varies greatly. Most cities allow them as ADUs, some may restrict them to areas such as RV parks.
Permits and Inspections: Inspection & permits are required for legal habitation
Are There Tiny Home Communities in RI?
Unfortunately, as of 2024 Rhode Island does not have any notable tiny home communities. However, if you have a tiny home on wheels, or a park model home there are many unique RV parks in Rhode Island in which you can reside!
Tiny Home FAQs
How Much Does it Cost to Build a Tiny House in RI?
The price of your tiny home will vary depending on the size, area & land fees. Usually the price range for a regular tiny home would be around $30,000 to $60,000. For more luxury & high-end homes the price increases to around $80,000 to $120,000. If you’d like a precise breakdown of the pricing, you can take a look at this article which offers a cost breakdown for one of our park models, or request a free quote on your tiny home!
Can A Park Model Tiny Homes Have Multiple Bedrooms and Bathrooms?
Yes they can! Park Model Homes can have multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. There are, however, some restrictions on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms because of space. After all, this home is usually about 400 square feet. Creative design solutions are needed to make them fit into that kind of square footage. At Zook Cabins we do offer multiple park model home styles with 2 bedrooms! For example take a look at the “Nook Family Park Model Home” or “The Cascade Park Model Home” both with 2 bedrooms & plenty of living space!
What Features Are Included In A Park Model Home From Zook Cabins?
Well, where do we even begin? Our park model homes are one of a kind, whether you’re looking for cozy & quaint rustic cabins, or more modern & luxurious cabins, we have you covered. We offer customization for each Park Model Home, so you can design it in a way that suits your needs & requirements! Our park model homes usually are between 395 and 400 sq. ft, and each home comes fully equipped with essential furnishings! Including light fixtures, hardware, faucets, mirrors, shelving, and more. Take a look inside our park model homes to see more!
How Small Does a House Have to be to be Considered a Tiny Home?
The answer varies greatly depending on the area. Rhode Island adheres to the Rhode Island Building Code, which does not state any clear answer regarding the minimum sizing requirements. However, generally in Rhode Island tiny homes are to be at least 1,000 square feet, but as mentioned above this will vary depending on area.
What Is The Cheapest Place To Put A Tiny Home In Rhode Island?
That’s a bit of a hard question to answer, but that’s what we’re here for! Finding the cheapest place to put a tiny home in Rhode Island includes looking at land costs, availability of utilities, zoning regulations, and community amenities. When searching for the cheapest spot to put a tiny home in Rhode Island, one must consider land costs and the long-term costs of utilities, transportation, and services. Cheapest options are often found in rural areas and certain communities catering to tiny homes.
Is There A Minimum Size My Tiny Home Must Be In Rhode Island?
Rhode Island does adhere to the Rhode Island Building Code which does not clearly state any minimum sizing requirements. Although, in Rhode Island usually tiny homes are at least 1,000 square feet but this will vary greatly depending on the area you live in. To get more accurate information
Are Park Model Tiny Homes A Good Investment?
Indeed they are! Many of our clients have rented their property. Currently the short-term rental market is going up & up, without a sign of stopping. There has never been a better time to invest in real estate. Many of our clients who we built homes for have been successful in renting their cabins on Airbnb and various other hosting sites! If you’re interested in the real estate market, take a look at how Bobby Lee and Andrew, they converted 11 Park Model houses into their perfect RV camp.
What are utility bills like in a tiny house?
Compared to traditional homes or apartments, utility bills in a tiny home are generally much lower. Tiny homes are smaller & have a more efficient use of resources, with the average utility bill being no more than 50$ a month since tiny homes are built to be energy efficient. Tiny homes utility bills are a fraction of the regular price compared to traditional homes, which makes it a fantastic option for anyone looking to reduce their expenses & to live a more sustainable life.
Is living in a tiny house comfortable and practical?
Indeed! Nevertheless, it depends upon what you prefer as an individual and the life that you live. If designed efficiently, a small house can be made comfortable and convenient for you. So long as one makes sure there is intelligent storage prioritization and picks out furniture which boosts usefulness; then any tiny living area can become snugly arranged where everything has its place
