So you’ve fallen in love with the idea of living small — fewer things, more freedom, and a home that’s truly yours. But there’s one big question standing in the way:
Where can you legally park and live in your tiny house?
Whether you’re considering a tiny house on wheels (THOW) or a modular home, navigating land use and zoning laws is often one of the most confusing parts of going tiny. In this guide, we’ll explore the real challenges — and the creative solutions — when it comes to finding land for a tiny home in British Columbia (BC) and Washington State (WA).
The biggest challenge isn’t building the home. It’s where to put it. Tiny homes, especially THOWs, fall into a bit of a legal gray area in many places.
Zoning and Classification Challenges
In most regions, a tiny house on wheels is classified as a Recreational Vehicle (RV) — not a permanent dwelling. This can limit how long you’re allowed to stay in one place. Many municipalities don’t permit RVs to be used as a full-time residence on private land unless they’re in a designated RV park or a community zoned specifically for that purpose.
Utilities and Infrastructure
Buying raw land can seem like a cost-effective solution, but undeveloped lots usually require significant investment to bring in electricity, water, sewer or septic, and internet. Even leased land may need permitting and approvals before you can move in.
Every Municipality Is Different
Zoning varies widely from one town to the next. Some allow tiny homes as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), while others limit full-time living in THOWs entirely. It’s essential to research based on where you want to live — or use a tool like Mint’s Home Zone Researcher to help narrow your search.
Because zoning and utility access can be difficult to navigate on your own, many people are choosing to live in tiny home communities. These are often like RV parks but created specifically for long-term tiny home living. They typically offer:
These communities can be a great option if you’re looking for a place to park and live legally — without having to fight zoning battles on your own.
In BC, most THOWs are classified as RVs, which means permanent living is typically not allowed unless you’re in a designated RV park or approved community. However, there are still some viable options.
Tiny Home Communities and RV Parks (Temporary or Seasonal)
Several locations across BC offer THOW-friendly sites with utility hookups and some level of permitted occupancy:
Note: Most of these communities follow RV regulations, meaning they may allow extended stays but often not permanent, year-round living.
Modular Homes and Permanent Placement
If you’re looking for more long-term stability, a modular home built to CSA A277 code may be a better fit. Modular homes can often be placed on zoned land in compliance with local building codes.
One popular location for modular homes is Sunshine Valley, BC, where zoning permits permanent residences on freehold plots — no RV restrictions.
Washington has taken more concrete steps toward integrating tiny homes into its housing framework, with state-level support for tiny house communities and ADUs.
Established Tiny Home Communities
In Washington, several communities have been purpose-built or adapted for full-time tiny home living:
Zoning rules still vary by locality, but in many cases, these communities offer a straightforward path to legal, long-term living in a THOW.
Counties That Allow Tiny Homes on Private Land
In some counties, tiny homes are allowed as primary dwellings or ADUs, especially if they are built on foundations in accordance with Appendix Q of the building code.
Supportive counties include:
However, it’s important to note that King County — which includes Seattle — still limits RV and THOW use to 60 days per year on private land.
If you’re feeling hesitant about taking the leap, stories like Rick Byard’s can help you picture what’s possible.
Rick bought a Mint Tiny House as his first home — without ever visiting the factory. Instead, the Mint team provided a virtual tour and shared updates every step of the way. When it came time for delivery, the driver helped Rick set up and level the home.
“We’ve moved our home countless times across the country,” Rick said. “And it’s still holding strong. From the customer service to the craftsmanship, I was truly impressed… We would buy from Mint again if given the chance.”
Years later, when a plumbing issue arose, Mint stepped in to help troubleshoot and resolve the issue — showing that their customer care doesn’t end at delivery.
Rick’s story speaks to exactly what many first-time buyers are looking for: support, quality, and peace of mind.
Finding the right place to live in your tiny home takes more than a good floor plan — it takes research, clarity on local regulations, and sometimes a bit of creative thinking. Whether you’re planning to travel, stay seasonal, or find a long-term place to settle down, there’s a path forward.
At Mint Tiny House Company, we’ve helped hundreds of people just like you find their way to a simpler, freer lifestyle. And we’re here to help you figure out not just what kind of tiny home to build, but where to put it.
Ready to explore your options?
Your tiny home journey starts with the right foundation — and that includes where you choose to park it.
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