Tiny homes can be used as permanent residences in North Carolina when the home and property meet the applicable building-code, zoning, foundation, utility, permitting, and inspection requirements.
The most important thing to understand is that approval is based on the actual home, property, intended use, and local jurisdiction.
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North Carolina currently uses the 2018 North Carolina Residential Code.
Its tiny-house provisions apply to qualifying dwellings that are 400 square feet or less, excluding lofts.
A home larger than 400 square feet is not automatically prohibited. It simply follows the residential-code requirements that apply to its size and design.
Review the current North Carolina building codes and Appendix Q for tiny houses for additional information.
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A permanent tiny home, modular home, manufactured home, shipping-container home, park model, RV, and tiny home on wheels may be treated differently.
The home’s classification can affect:
Never assume that approval for one type of small home means every type will be allowed on the property.
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My Tiny House Guys focuses on permanent homes designed for approved foundations.
North Carolina’s tiny-home guidance states that a permanent tiny home must be permitted by the local building official, meet applicable zoning and setback requirements, and comply with the residential code and foundation requirements.
The North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal’s tiny-home guidance provides additional information.
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Our aluminum modular homes include 20-foot and 40-foot designs with several available layouts.
When substantial construction is completed away from the final property, North Carolina’s modular-building requirements may apply.
The manufacturer, plans, inspections, certification, transportation, foundation, and on-site work must follow the requirements that apply to the project.
North Carolina maintains a formal Modular Construction Program for qualifying off-site construction.
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Shipping containers can be converted into permanent homes, but an unfinished container is not an approved residence.
The completed home may require architectural plans, engineering, building permits, foundation approval, inspections, utility connections, and local zoning approval.
Openings for doors and windows, structural connections, insulation, plumbing, electrical systems, and other modifications must be addressed as part of the approved design.
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A tiny home may be allowed as an accessory dwelling unit, commonly called an ADU, when the local zoning rules permit it.
The property may need an existing primary residence, and local requirements can control:
A home is not automatically an ADU simply because it is small or placed behind another home.
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Properties throughout Cabarrus, Catawba, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, and Union counties may follow different zoning and development requirements.
Properties inside Charlotte, Concord, Cornelius, Davidson, Gastonia, Huntersville, Kannapolis, Matthews, Mint Hill, Mooresville, Pineville, Salisbury, Statesville, or another municipality may be governed by city or town regulations rather than general county zoning.
Two nearby properties can have different requirements, so the exact parcel must be reviewed.
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A small home still needs approved water, wastewater, electrical, and other required utility connections.
If public sewer is unavailable, the property may need an approved septic system. The number of bedrooms can affect the septic-system design.
If public water is unavailable, a private well may require permitting, construction by a qualified contractor, testing, and inspection.
North Carolina provides homeowner information through its On-Site Wastewater and Private Wells Program.
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Confirm the following before purchasing land for your home:
When you complete the Tiny Home Order Form, provide as much property information as possible.
Helpful information may include:
We use the available information to help identify which home designs and next steps may be appropriate for your property.
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Tell us about your home, property, and the features that matter most to you.
My Tiny House Guys
Charlotte, North Carolina, United States