Chapter 17.102

The provisions of this chapter are intended to set standards for the development of tiny home units to increase the supply of smaller and affordable housing while ensuring such housing remains compatible with the existing neighborhood. [Source: NEW, Town staff Draft Ordinance]

The provisions of this chapter are intended to implement the provisions of the General Plan Housing Element which encourage the development of housing types for all economic segments of the community and to minimize government constraints on residential development. [Source: NEW, Town staff Draft Ordinance]

Modifications to the Site Layout and Development Standards may be approved by the Review Authority through the Site Plan and Design Review process when the Review Authority finds that any of the following apply:

• A. The site is constrained due to unusual shape, topography, or easements;

A tiny home shall conform to the objective requirements of this chapter and is considered an accessory use. [Source: NEW, Town staff Draft Ordinance]

• A. Location. A tiny home shall be permitted where allowed in Article 2 (Zones, Allow-

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able Uses, and Development Standards), when in compliance with the requirements of this section.

• B. Density. A tiny home is exempt from the density requirements of the General Plan but shall otherwise be consistent with the General Plan.

• C. Type. A tiny home shall be considered as a detached ADU and follow all requirements and standards as specified for detached ADUs.

• D. Rental Term. A tiny home shall not be rented for a term of less than thirty (30) consecutive days.

• E. Owner Occupancy. The property owner shall occupy the tiny home, or the primary dwelling located on the parcel.

• F. Permit Required. A Building Permit is required prior to placing a tiny home on a parcel. The Building Permit application shall demonstrate compliance with the requirements of this chapter.

A tiny home shall comply with all the following development standards: [Source: NEW, Town staff Draft Ordinance]

• A. Number Allowed. One (1) tiny home is allowed on a parcel with an existing singleunit dwelling.

• B. Height. A tiny home shall be limited to a maximum height of thirteen (13) feet six (6) inches to comply with Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) towing requirements.

• C. Setbacks. A tiny home shall comply with the following setbacks:

  1. Front: A tiny home shall not be located within the required front set-

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back or between the front of the existing single-unit dwelling and the public right-of-way.

2. Interior Side: A minimum interior side setback of five (5) feet shall be provided.

3. Street Side: A minimum streetside setback of ten (10) feet shall be provided.

4. Rear: A minimum setback of five (5) feet shall be provided.

• D. Distance Between Structures. A minimum distance of six (6) feet shall be provided between a tiny home and any other structures on the parcel, including the primary residence and any accessory structures.

• E. Size. The minimum size shall be that required by the California Health and Safety Code, as may be amended. The maximum size is limited to four hundred (400) square feet, which is inclusive of any loft spaces.

• F. Parcel Coverage. A tiny home shall comply with the parcel coverage requirements of the underlying zoning district.

• G. Parking. One (1) onsite parking space shall be provided for a tiny home. The required parking space may be covered or uncovered and may be provided as a tandem parking space. For the purpose of this chapter, "tandem parking" means two (2) or more automobiles are parked on a driveway or in any other location on a parcel, lined up one (1) behind another.

• H. Utility Connections. A tiny home shall be connected to Town water and sewer. A tiny home may use on- or off-grid electricity. All tiny homes shall have a GFI shutdown breaker.

ZONING CODE

17.102.060

A tiny home is subject to the following Design Standards and shall provide a residential appearance and relationship to the primary residence through the following requirements:

• A. Foundation. Placement of a tiny home on a permanent foundation is encouraged. When a tiny home is not located on a permanent foundation, it shall comply with the following requirements:

  1. A paved parking pad shall be provided and shall include bumper guards, curbs, or other installations adequate to prevent movement of the unit. Alternative paving methods may be permitted at the discretion of the Director.

  2. The undercarriage (e.g., wheels, axels, tongue, and hitch) shall be screened with solid wood, metal, or concrete when parked.

• B. Exterior Materials. Materials for exterior walls are limited to wood, cementitious siding, or equivalent as determined by the Director. Single piece composite laminate and interlocked metal sheathing are prohibited.

• C. Roof Pitch. Roofs shall have a minimum pitch of 3:12 for a minimum of fifty (50) percent of the roof area.

• D. Roof Design. Roofs shall be gable, shed, or hip design.

• E. Privacy. When a tiny home is located outside of the required setbacks for the primary dwelling and faces an adjoining property, one (1) or more of the following measures shall be used to provide privacy:

  1. Windows located outside of the required setback of the primary dwelling and facing an adjoining property

shall be clerestory (e.g., minimum of five (5) feet, six (6) inches above the finished floor); or

2. Permanently obscured glazing; or

3. Two (2) feet of lattice that is fifty (50) percent open shall be added to the top of a solid six-foot fence located on the shared property line, subject to the consent of the owner of the adjoining parcel.

• F. Windows. Windows shall be double pane glass or better, labeled for building use, and include exterior trim.

• G. Mechanical Equipment. Mechanical equipment shall be incorporated into the structure and not be located on the roof, except that solar panels may be located on the roof.

• H. Fire Inspection. An annual fire inspection and compliance with Sonoma County Fire District requirements are required.

• I. Generators. The use of generators is prohibited, except during emergencies and Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events. When in use, generators shall comply with the requirements of Subsection 17.32.070.I (Exempt Activities).

• A. Tiny homes shall meet the requirements of ANSI 119.5 or NFPA 1192. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to demonstrate compliance with these standards.

• B. Tiny homes shall be licensed and registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

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