San Diego’s tiny home movement is driven by something simple: people want to stay rooted here.
Costs are high, land is limited, and traditional housing doesn’t fit everyone’s life stage. Tiny homes—especially THOWs and small ADUs—have become one of the few flexible ways to live near family, add a rental, or create independent space without leaving the region.
But placement rules in San Diego can feel confusing.
Unincorporated San Diego County now allows Tiny Homes on Wheels as legal full-time dwellings on lots with an existing primary home. Inside city limits, regulations are different and still tied to accessory dwelling unit (ADU) pathways. So choosing a builder isn’t only about design, it's about making sure your home aligns with local use rules from the start.
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This guide focuses on builders who actively serve San Diego, along with what matters in our specific climate and permitting environment.
Why Tiny Homes Make Sense Here
The motivations we hear repeatedly from San Diego buyers:
- Keeping aging parents or adult children close while maintaining privacy
- Turning underused backyard space into long-term rental income
- Owning a personal home without relocating to a lower-cost region
- Choosing flexible housing that can adapt when life changes
The conversation here isn’t about “downsizing.” It’s about staying connected and making housing work.
What Matters When Choosing a Builder in San Diego
- Ventilation + Indoor Air: Coastal moisture and micro-climates mean you want an ERV/HRV system, not just a fan.
- Thermal Envelope: Summer heat inland + coastal humidity = real performance differences between builders.
- Certification Path: ANSI 119.5 (THOW) vs. California Building Code (ADU). Getting this wrong = placement problems later.
- Delivery + Site Prep: Tight driveways, hillside lots, and pad requirements matter more than most buyers realize.
If a builder can’t explain where their home is legal and why, that’s the first red flag.
Builders Serving San Diego
Clever Tiny Homes
Engineering-forward builds designed for full-time livability. Offers model lines with thoughtful layouts, robust insulation, and residential-grade systems, premium features come standard. Active in California with a dedicated San Diego page for coordination and delivery.
Website: clevertinyhomes.com
American Built Tiny Homes
Custom builds with a local footprint. Focus on one-off layouts and hand-on coordination, ideal if you want something unique while staying anchored to San Diego logistics.
Website: americanbuilttinyhomes.com
Decathlon Tiny Homes
Catalog models with clear options and a straightforward ordering process. Markets delivery to San Diego and makes it easy to compare plans, finishes, and timelines side by side.
Website: decathlontinyhomes.com
Tiny Mountain Houses
A long-running lineup from the Pacific Northwest that serves California buyers. Offers recognizable model series and the ability to configure finishes to your taste.
Website: tinymountainhouses.com
Utopian Villas
Premium custom tiny dwellings with a luxury finish profile. Ideal if you’re aiming for a high-end cabin feel and want materials and detailing to match.
Website: utopian-villas.com
Practical FAQs for San Diego Buyers
Can you live full-time in a THOW in San Diego?
Yes, in unincorporated San Diego County, you now can. The County Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance allowing tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) as legal housing units on residential properties. These homes must meet safety and habitability standards and be placed on lots with an existing primary dwelling, similar to an ADU setup.
Inside the City of San Diego, however, regulations differ. While the County ordinance applies to unincorporated areas, city zoning and permitting rules still govern THOW placement within city limits. Always confirm which jurisdiction your property falls under and check the specific requirements before purchasing or building.
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What’s a realistic budget range?
It varies by envelope, windows, HVAC/ERV, and electrical spec—not just square footage. Ask builders for spec sheets, not just floor plans.
How long will it take?
There are two timelines: the production queue and the transport schedule. Request both, plus what could extend either.
Who handles delivery?
Some builders arrange transport end-to-end; others coordinate with third parties. Confirm scope, costs, and site readiness steps.
San Diego has real options, but the right choice depends on your property, your utilities, and how you plan to use the home day to day. Once you know where the home will go and how it will be connected, the builder choice becomes much simpler.