1st San Jose's Tiny Home ADU!
Did You Know This About San Jose? Tiny Homes Can Be ADUs!
Did you know that San Jose has been leading the way for tiny home living since 2020? As one of the most tiny home-friendly cities in California, San Jose allows tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) to be used as backyard ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units)—a game-changer for affordable housing!
Even better? Forever Tiny Homes is the first tiny home manufacturer to be officially approved as an ADU in San Jose! That means our models meet city requirements, making it easier than ever for homeowners to add a move-in-ready, high-quality tiny home to their property.
Tiny Homes on Wheels (THOWs) as ADUs in San Jose
San Jose was one of the first major cities in California to create a special ordinance allowing moveable tiny homes to be used as permanent backyard dwellings. Here’s what that means for homeowners:
✅ THOWs are considered ADUs, meaning they can be legally used as a second home on a property.
✅ Must meet ANSI 119.5 or NFPA 1192 standards for safety and durability.
✅ Must be licensed and registered with the California DMV.
✅ Can only be placed on a lot with an existing primary residence.
✅ Wheels must remain attached, but they must be visually concealed from public view.
✅ No additional parking is required for a THOW.
Unlike traditional ADUs, THOWs do not need to be placed on a foundation or permanent platform—they remain on their wheels but must be parked on a properly paved or approved pad that prevents movement.
San Jose’s ADU Regulations – What You Need to Know
Beyond tiny homes, San Jose has been one of the most ADU-friendly cities in California, allowing homeowners to add secondary living spaces with minimal restrictions. Here are the key guidelines:
Click here for San Jose’s Tiny Home on Wheels Permit Checklist.
🏡 Detached ADUs: Allowed up to 1,200 square feet
🏡 Attached ADUs: Allowed up to 1,000 square feet (or 50% of the primary home's square footage)
🏡 Junior ADUs (JADUs): Up to 500 square feet, typically converted from a garage or existing space
🏡 No Minimum Lot Size Required – Any residential lot can qualify
🏡 Owner-Occupancy Requirement (Returning in 2025) – Until 2025, homeowners are not required to live on the property. After that, an owner-occupancy rule may be reinstated.
🏡 Setbacks: Only 4 feet required from property lines for detached ADUs
🏡 Parking Requirements: Waived if the ADU is within half a mile of public transit
With these relaxed rules, San Jose makes it easier than ever to add extra housing space, whether for family, rental income, or personal use.
Why Choose a Forever Tiny Home for Your San Jose ADU?
✅ First Approved Tiny Home Manufacturer for ADUs in San Jose
✅ Move-in Ready, High-Quality Homes
✅ Customizable Options to Fit Your Style & Needs
✅ Sustainable & Energy-Efficient Design
✅ Faster & More Affordable than Traditional Construction
Want a Tiny Home ADU in San Jose? We’ve Got You Covered!
If you're looking for an affordable, high-quality ADU in San Jose, Forever Tiny Homes is your best choice! As the first manufacturer approved for ADUs in the city, we simplify the process to get your tiny home legally placed and ready to live in.
📍 Visit our facility in Cottonwood, CA to tour our available models or reach out to learn more about placing a Forever Tiny Home on your property!
📞 Call us today to get started! (530)-356-5191