Clackamas, Deschutes, and Lane counties have officially opened the door for long-term Tiny Homes on Wheels. Here’s what the new rules mean—and how to qualify.
Oregon’s New State Law: SB 1013
In 2023, Oregon passed Senate Bill 1013, creating a clear legal path for counties to allow Tiny Homes on Wheels (THOWs) or RVs as long-term dwellings on rural residential properties.
The law lets each county “opt in” through local ordinance.
Under SB 1013:
- Only one RV or THOW is allowed per lot.
- The lot must include an owner-occupied primary home.
- The property must be in a rural residential zone (outside city limits or UGBs).
- The THOW must be tenant-owned and leased under a rental agreement.
- Short-term rentals are prohibited.
- The home must have a working toilet and sink, and the property owner must provide hookups for water, sewer, and power.
Counties That Have Adopted the Law
As of 2025, three Oregon counties have formally adopted SB 1013 through local ordinances: Clackamas, Deschutes, and Lane.
Each has slightly different zoning conditions and lot requirements.
Clackamas County
- Ordinance adopted: August 2024
- Effective date: September 3, 2024
- Applies to:
- Lots inside the Metro Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) in unincorporated areas.
- Rural lots outside UGBs and urban reserves.
- Requirements:
- 2-acre minimum lot size with an owner-occupied home.
- Paved or graveled pad.
- Full utility hookups.
- Permit required under Zoning Code Section 847.
- Short-term rentals prohibited.
Source: Clackamas County Government
Deschutes County
- Adopted: May 2025
- Applies to: Select rural zones including RR-10, MUA, and SR 2½.
- Requirements:
- 2 acres minimum, or 5 acres in groundwater-sensitive areas.
- Property must have an owner-occupied home.
- Only one THOW may be used as a long-term rental.
- Full hookups and sanitation required.
- Floodplain and wildfire restrictions apply.
Sources: deschutes.org | deschutescounty.gov
Lane County
- Adopted: January 2025
- Effective: February 27, 2025
- Applies to: Rural residential lots outside urban reserves and UGBs.
- Requirements:
- One THOW or RV only (tenant must own the unit).
- Must be licensed and road-ready.
- Full utility hookups required.
- Cannot be used for vacation or short-term rentals.
Source: lanecountyor.gov
Finding the Right Builder
Oregon’s changing laws have energized a growing community of high-quality, local THOW builders, many already designing homes that meet the new SB 1013 standards. From boutique studios to engineered modular specialists, Oregon’s builder scene is thriving.
If you’re exploring who’s leading the way, check out our feature on the Top Tiny Home Builders in Oregon — including companies like Clever Tiny Homes, Tiny Heirloom, Oregon Cottage Company, and more.
Clever Tiny Homes designs THOWs that meet the durability, safety, and efficiency standards required for county permitting. Each home is built to national RV/ANSI standards, ready for full hookups and year-round comfort, which is ideal for Oregon’s rural zones.
Why It Matters
SB 1013 is one of the most significant housing shifts Oregon has seen in years.
It gives homeowners a path to create legal, long-term small dwellings on rural lots—something that was nearly impossible before 2023.
For residents of Clackamas, Deschutes, and Lane counties, that means you can now add a THOW to your property (with hookups and a primary home in place) and rent it legally as long-term housing.
Key Takeaway
If you’re in one of Oregon’s newly approved counties, you can now legally live tiny. Check your parcel’s zoning, confirm the acreage minimum, and work with a builder who understands your county’s permitting process.