Tiny House Dreams in the Grand Canyon State: Navigating Arizona's Building Codes and Regulations
Are you considering the tiny house lifestyle in Arizona? Here's a comprehensive guide to understanding the building codes and requirements you need to know.
Zoning Laws: Understanding Your Legal Landscape
Local Regulations: Tiny homes are indeed legal in Arizona, but they are subject to zoning regulations. Depending on your location, you can build your tiny permanent house in multifamily house zones, detached single-family areas, or areas designated for accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
Tiny House Size Requirements
Size: When it comes to the size of your tiny home in Arizona, the regulations vary depending on whether it's on a foundation or built on wheels. Tiny homes on foundations must have a floor area of at least 200 square feet, ensuring comfortable living spaces. If you opt for a tiny house on wheels, it should be larger than 160 square feet to comply with state requirements.
Essential Room Regulations
Room Requirements: In Arizona, tiny homes must have at least one room designated as a bedroom. Additionally, loft spaces are considered, and if your tiny house includes a loft, it must meet specific criteria. The loft's floor area should be a minimum of 35 square feet, with dimensions of at least 5 feet horizontally. The loft should also have a ceiling height of at least 3 feet to ensure usability.
Bathroom and Kitchen Must-Haves
Bathroom Regulations: While specific bathroom regulations for tiny homes in Arizona are not explicitly mentioned, it's crucial to ensure compliance with plumbing ventilation regulations to meet sanitation standards.
Kitchen Regulations: Similarly, specific kitchen regulations for tiny homes in Arizona are not detailed in the sources. However, zonal regulations typically allow tiny homeowners to have shared areas such as a shared kitchen, providing flexibility in design.
Living Room Regulations
Living Room: Specific regulations regarding living rooms in tiny homes in Arizona are not explicitly mentioned in the sources. This aspect typically offers flexibility in design and layout.
Loft Considerations
Loft Dimensions: Lofts within tiny homes in Arizona must adhere to certain size criteria. To meet compliance, the loft must have a floor area of at least 35 square feet, with horizontal dimensions of at least 5 feet. There are no specific requirements for loft ceiling height, but we recommend a minimum of 3 feet for comfort and usability.
Foundation vs. Wheels
Foundation or Wheels: In Arizona, you have the choice to build your tiny home on a regular foundation or on wheels. Onsite foundations may include options such as solid slabs, concrete, wood, trailers, or skids. Mobile tiny homes are not classified as permanent structures in Arizona, allowing for greater mobility and versatility.
Plumbing and Electricity
Plumbing and Electrical Requirements: Tiny homes in Arizona must meet plumbing ventilation regulations to ensure proper sanitation. Additionally, they must have a minimum of 60 Amperes electrical circuit panels. The specific power load will determine the minimum requirement of electrical circuits for your tiny home.
Please note that Arizona's zoning restrictions and building codes can vary between counties, cities, and towns. To ensure compliance with the most accurate and current regulations, it's highly recommended to check with local authorities in your specific location.