Tiny Home Regulations In DE: The Complete Guide

Tiny homes have become all the rage with the current housing market being so expensive. The benefits of being able to choose exactly where you live are unmatched by tiny living. Sadly, it is not as clear-cut as some people would make it out to be.

With trying to comb through all of the protocols, regulations and technical terms, who has the time?

Lucky for you, WE DO!

If you’re in Delaware, we have a lot of answers to the questions that you may be asking. So all you have to do is read this article and find your county. From there, it is as simple as getting the permitting required for your tiny home in Delaware, and we will be happy to deliver the park model tiny home directly to you.

*Disclaimer: For accurate information on laws for tiny houses in Delaware, please contact your local building department or municipal office. This article is intended for information purposes only and may not cover all of the specifics for your situation.

Are Park Models the Same Thing as Tiny Homes?

Yes, park model homes are commonly referred to as tiny homes. Park Models are generally larger and are a great option for seasonal or vacation living. This makes park models an appealing tiny home option. On the other hand, “true” tiny homes may be smaller than a park model and may be required to be built on-site.

Park Models are built to RV standards, while Tiny Homes may need to be constructed differently depending on how your local municipality requires tiny homes to be built. If you want to get into the nitty gritty of more information on the difference between Park Models and Tiny Homes, check out this blog. 

Is it Legal to Have a Tiny House in Delaware?

Yes, tiny homes are legal throughout the state. However, each county has different requirements. The most important requirement for tiny homes in Delaware is that if your Tiny House is on wheels, you will need to get a title for it within 30 days. Additionally, if your Tiny Park Model House is on the bigger side, 8 feet or more in width, it will be considered a mobile home by the Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles. 

Delaware, as a state, recognizes the 2015 International Residential Code (IRC), however, there is no mention of specific details about tiny homes like the 2018 IRC does. The specific guideline of the 2015 IRC states that minimum room sizes should have a floor area of no less than 70 square feet and should not be less than 7 feet in any horizontal direction. 

What Counties in Delaware allow Tiny Homes?

All three counties in Delaware allow Tiny Homes. However, each county has different specifications for what is or is not allowed. To get into more details, take a look at the regulations per each county 

Find Your Tiny Home Regulations in Delaware by County

Does Kent County, Delaware, Allow Tiny Homes?

Yes! Kent County allows Tiny Homes when they adhere to International Residential Code (IRC) guidelines. The guidelines include a living space of a minimum of 120 square feet with at least 70 feet for non-sleeping areas, a ceiling height of at least 6 feet 8 inches, and a window in at least one habitable room.

Does New Castle County, Delaware, Allow Tiny Homes?

Yes, in New Castle County, Tiny Homes are considered under accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as small single-family homes. There is a limit to only one ADU allowed per single-family lot, which can be constructed within or attached to the home and typically includes a bedroom and a separate kitchen. Like Kent County, New Castle County must also adhere to IRC guidelines.

Does Sussex County, Delaware, Allow Tiny Homes?

Yes, Sussex County does allow Park Model Tiny Homes! Yet there are specific requirements; it must be anchored to a permanent foundation, have insulation per the 2018 IECC prescriptive requirements, have minimum square footage not less than 70 sq. ft. of habitable space, and have a minimum ceiling height of 6’-8” in habitable spaces and hallways, 6’-4” in bathrooms, toilet rooms, and kitchens.

Lucky for you, all of our tiny home Park Models are larger than 70 square feet, with our smallest model being 204 square feet. With all of Delaware’s beautiful beaches in Sussex County, what could be better than having any Home minutes away from the beach?

Find Your Tiny Home Regulations in Delaware by City/Town

Which Delaware Cities Allow Tiny Homes?

Delaware City, Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Clayton, Milford, and Smyrna are some of the cities in Delaware that allow and give clear guidelines for Tiny Homes. Yet it is important to look at each one of these ordinances separately as they vary from city to city.

If you have specific questions about the acceptance of a Park Model home being used as a Tiny Home dwelling, we recommend that you call your local municipality for the specific regulations. 

Are all Tiny Homes Allowed In Delaware?

Most styles of tiny homes are allowed in DE. Such styles of tiny homes include Tiny Homes on Wheels (THOW), Tiny Homes on Foundation, and Park Model RVs. Our Tiny Home Park models are certified as RVs even though they look different from the typical RV system. We know that these are a lot of terms all at once.

To make things as clear as possible for you, take a look at our blog, where we talk about some of the differences between park models and tiny homes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Park Model Tiny Homes In Delaware

What are the rules for Tiny Homes in Delaware?

In Delaware, each county and town has slightly different rules regarding what is or is not allowed when it comes to Tiny Homes. It is possible to have a park model as a Tiny Home in nearly any area of Delaware.

However, it is important to note zoning regulations and ordinances, are determined by the municipal government. For a more exact answer on what your local government allows, make sure to reach out directly to their office.

Do you need a permit for a Tiny Home in Delaware?

Tiny Homes built on foundations may need a permit and must comply with the area’s zoning laws. They may also need to pass inspection to ensure they meet local building codes. If they’re on wheels, inspection and registration from the DMV in Delaware, as well as permits for parking and utility hookups, will be needed. Additionally, if your tiny home is on wheels, there may be additional permitting fees associated with creating the proper foundational structures. 

Are There Any Tiny Home Communities in Delaware?

At this time there does not seem to be any largely known full-time tiny living communities, in Delaware. However, many campgrounds in Delaware allow you to permanently park an RV. This means that you can use your park model home at a campground year-round and enjoy tiny living whenever you like.

What Campgrounds Allow Tiny Homes in Delaware?

When we use the term Tiny Home in this sense we are referring to a Park Model home like ours that meets the specifications of an RV. That being said, the following campgrounds allow you to park your RV long-term. 

How Much Does it Cost to Build a Tiny House in DE?

It typically costs of a very basictiny home is between $30,000 to $60,000, not including land or other fees. For more high-end Park Models, the cost is typically $90,000 to $100,000. For an exact breakdown of pricing, you can check out this article that offers a cost breakdown of one of our Park Models.

Can Park Model Tiny Homes Have Multiple Bedrooms and Bathrooms?

At Zook Cabins, we have multiple Park Model Tiny Homes that have the option for multiple rooms. To save on space, each Park Model has one bathroom, however, it is entirely private with a standard-sized toilet, shower, and vanity. We also ensure that every bathroom area comes with a standard-sized door for optimal privacy. 

What Features Are Included In A Park Model Home From Zook Cabins?

Park models from Zook Cabins offer complete customization options, allowing you to tailor everything from the kitchen and bathroom to the bedroom, ensuring your ideal living space. You can choose from a variety of customizable features, including flooring, cabinets, countertops, faucets, shingles, and doors.

To see the specifics of what would be in your park model tiny home, check out the models that we have to offer. Additionally, outdoor amenities such as furniture and fire pits are also available to enhance your living experience. 

How Small Does a House Have to Be to Be Considered a Tiny Home In Delaware?

In Delaware, there is no standardized minimum size requirement for a house to be classified as a Tiny Home. Generally, a Tiny Home is considered to be a dwelling that is significantly smaller than traditional homes, typically ranging from 100 to 400 square feet in size.

However, local zoning ordinances and building codes may vary by jurisdiction, so it’s important to check with the specific county or municipality where you plan to place your Tiny Home for their definitions and regulations regarding size and construction requirements.

Where Is The Cheapest Place To Put a Tiny Home In Delaware?

Counties such as Sussex and Kent counties might have more affordable land compared to more urbanized areas like New Castle County. However, finding the cheapest place to put a Tiny Home in Delaware depends on several factors, including land availability, zoning regulations, and proximity to amenities.

Generally, rural areas or counties with more relaxed zoning laws may offer more affordable options for placing a Tiny Home. However, it’s crucial to research local regulations and consider factors like access to utilities and community services when choosing a location for a Tiny Home in Delaware.

Is There A Minimum Size My Tiny Home Must Be In Delaware? 

Your Tiny Home may be no smaller than 70 square feet per the ICC regulations. 

Yet, in Delaware, the minimum size requirement for a Tiny Home can vary depending on local zoning regulations and building codes enforced by different counties. To ensure compliance with local regulations and to understand any specific size requirements for your Tiny Home in Delaware, it’s advisable to contact the local building department in the county where you plan to place your Tiny Home.

Are Park Model Tiny Homes A Good Investment?

Park Model Tiny Homes can be a smart investment choice, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional housing. Their versatile placement options create opportunities for rental income, whether as vacation rentals or long-term accommodations.

It’s essential to factor in ongoing expenses like maintenance and potential land lease fees, alongside considering market fluctuations that may impact resale value based on demand and location.

We have seen in some studies that the average payoff of a park model home is somewhere between 4-5 years when used as a rental with 65% occupancy. Discover more about our affordable Park Model options or request a quote today.