Portland remains one of the most progressive U.S. cities for alternative housing. With updated zoning in 2025, tiny home builders in Portland and homeowners now have more clarity on what’s actually legal within city limits.Here’s what the city’s zoning code really allows—and how homeowners are quietly adding legal Tiny Homes on Wheels to their backyards.
All zoning and safety details in this article are sourced directly from the City of Portland’s official housing code (§33.260.205) and Portland.gov.
How Portland Became the First Major City to Legalize Tiny Homes on Wheels
Long before Oregon’s new rural THOW law (SB 1013), Portland had already created its own path for movable tiny homes inside city limits.
Through updates to the city’s Zoning Code §33.260.205, Portland allows one occupied Recreational Vehicle (RV) or Tiny Home on Wheels (THOW) on most residential lots that already have an existing home.
That policy—often misunderstood or lumped in with “temporary use” rules—is what makes Portland one of the few major U.S. cities where you can legally live in a movable tiny home full-time, as long as you follow placement, spacing, and utility requirements.
See the official city resource: Portland.gov — Occupied RVs and Tiny Houses on Wheels
Where You Can Legally Place a Tiny Home in Portland
Under Portland’s zoning framework, you can place a THOW or RV on:
- Residential lots with an existing house, attached house, or manufactured home (one per lot).
- Parking lots of religious institutions (up to four units).
- Not allowed: Vacant or undeveloped lots.
These homes must remain movable and on wheels—they’re not considered permanent structures under the residential building code.
The goal is to allow safe, long-term occupancy without forcing conversion to a fixed foundation ADU.
Portland Tiny Home Zoning Rules: Spacing, Density, and Use
The city’s spacing and use rules are clear and enforceable:
- The THOW must be at least 5 feet from the main dwelling.
- It cannot count toward residential density.
- Short-term rentals are not allowed under this program.
- Motorized RVs must park on a paved surface; non-motorized THOWs can be on compacted gravel or similar stable ground.
This balance allows backyard hosts to provide long-term rental options or family dwellings, while keeping neighborhoods orderly and compliant.
Utility Hookups: How to Make Your Tiny Home Legal in Portland
Connecting utilities is what differentiates a legal long-term setup from a parked vehicle:
- Electrical: Must connect via a dedicated 20-amp GFCI-protected circuit from the home or pedestal.
- Plumbing: If internal plumbing exists, it must connect to potable water and sanitary sewer. Flexible hoses are allowed, but anti-siphon hose bibbs are required.
- No internal plumbing? Occupants must have access to a bathroom and shower inside the main home.
Permits are required only if adding a new circuit or plumbing connection.
All requirements are detailed on Portland.gov.
Best Tiny Home Builders for Portland’s Zoning Standards
Not all tiny homes meet city specs. Builders who specialize in RV-certified or ANSI-compliant THOWs make the permitting process smoother.
Among the best-known builders serving Oregon are Clever Tiny Homes, Tiny Heirloom, Oregon Cottage Company, and Wolf Industries—featured in our Top Tiny Home Builders in Oregon.
Clever, for example, builds to full RVIA and ANSI standards, meaning its units can safely connect to city utilities and meet spacing and electrical rules under Portland’s code.
Why Portland’s Tiny Home Policy Is a Game-Changer for Homeowners
Portland’s “occupied RV” policy isn’t just for people seeking minimalist living—it’s become a housing flexibility tool for families and homeowners.
Adding a THOW can:
- Help aging parents live nearby.
- Provide affordable housing for young adults.
- Offer long-term rental income within city limits—without violating density caps.
It’s also a stepping stone for residents waiting for a future statewide movable housing framework, aligning with Oregon’s broader affordability goals.
The Bottom Line on Tiny Home Zoning in Portland
Portland’s zoning flexibility has quietly made it one of the most tiny-home-friendly cities in the country.
But legality depends on setup—not size. You’ll need the right lot, the right connections, and a builder who knows the city’s code.
If you’re thinking about placing a Tiny Home on Wheels in your backyard—or want one that can move between city and county-legal zones—it’s worth partnering with a builder like Clever Tiny Homes that understands Oregon’s full regulatory map.
FAQs About Tiny Homes in Portland
Are tiny homes legal in Portland?
Yes. Portland’s zoning code allows one occupied Tiny Home on Wheels (THOW) or RV on most residential lots with an existing home.
Can I rent out my tiny home in Portland?
Short-term rentals are not permitted under this policy, but long-term occupancy is allowed when spacing and hookup rules are followed.
Do I need a permit for my tiny home in Portland?
Only if you’re adding new electrical or plumbing connections. Placement itself follows zoning spacing rules.
Where can I find approved builders?
Builders like Clever Tiny Homes, Tiny Heirloom, and Oregon Cottage Company offer ANSI-certified and RVIA-approved units ready for city compliance.