Los Angeles is quietly redefining what “home” means. With sky-high property prices and a persistent housing shortage, the city has turned to Movable Tiny Homes (MTHs)—a certified form of Tiny Homes on Wheels (THOWs)—as a practical way to expand livable space.
Since 2020, the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) began permitting movable tiny homes as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). These certified homes can now legally sit in residential backyards, provided they meet ANSI, NFPA, or RVIA standards. For homeowners, that means flexibility: a guest house, a rental, or a secondary dwelling—all at a fraction of the cost of traditional construction.
The best builders here aren’t just downsizing—they’re rethinking comfort, mobility, and longevity for California’s unique climate and codes.
Top Builders Serving Los Angeles
1. Clever Tiny Homes
Clever builds engineering-driven homes that start as THOWs and can be converted into permanent ADUs if the owner chooses to anchor them later. This dual certification path is ideal for Los Angeles residents who want flexibility without the bureaucracy of starting over. Clever’s focus on enclosed plumbing, high insulation, and robust systems also addresses LA’s biggest challenges—utility setup, energy efficiency, and long-term comfort.
Website: clevertinyhomes.com
2. Tiny Topanga
Based in LA County, Tiny Topanga crafts certified movable tiny homes that meet local ADU placement requirements. Their compact builds reflect Southern California design priorities—bright interiors, natural finishes, and outdoor connectivity—making them well-suited for hillside or canyon properties.
Website: tinytopanga.com
3. California Backyard Homes
Focused on the permitting and ADU side of the tiny-home market, California Backyard Homes helps property owners navigate zoning, utilities, and financing.They design and install both mobile and foundation-based ADUs, giving LA homeowners a path to legal backyard living without the red tape.
Website: cabackyardhomes.com
4. Forever Tiny Homes
Forever Tiny Homes builds RVIA-certified, DMV-ready THOWs that meet ANSI 119.5 standards and can be registered across California.
They’re known for quality materials and compact efficiency, though most production is based in Northern CA—so expect delivery costs and lead times.
Still, for LA buyers seeking a builder with a decade of RV compliance experience, they’re a solid contender.
Website: forevertinyhomes.com
5. Liberty Tiny Homes
Dealer for RVIA/ANSI 119.5 park-model builders (Champion/Platinum/Clayton) with nationwide delivery and clear pricing tools. Expect factory-built units with standard features like 2×4 walls, 2×6 floor joists, steel I-beam chassis, and R-11/R-22 insulation, plus customization options and a delivery calculator for out-of-state buyers. Good fit if you want a DMV-ready park model from a certified manufacturer without hunting down a distant plant yourself.
Website: libertytinyhomes.com
Also Worth Considering: Samara (ADUs, Not THOWs)
While not a tiny-home-on-wheels builder, Samara—a design-driven company backed by Airbnb’s co-founder—builds foundation-based ADUs between 420 sq ft and 950 sq ft. If you own property in Los Angeles and want a high-design, prefab unit for long-term rental or family use, Samara’s Backyard models offer a legal, permanent alternative.
Website: samara.com
Before You Build in Los Angeles
Certification matters. LADBS requires ANSI, NFPA, or RVIA certification before issuing an ADU permit.
Zoning check. MTHs are permitted on R1, R2, RD, and RE-zoned lots. Confirm your parcel via the city’s ZIMAS tool.
Connections required. Movable homes must hook up to water, power, and sewer—off-grid setups aren’t allowed in residential zones.
Parking exemptions. Lots near transit no longer need replacement parking for converted garages or ADUs.
FAQs
Can I live full-time in a movable tiny home in Los Angeles?
Yes. Since 2020, movable tiny homes have been recognized as legal ADUs if certified and properly connected to utilities.
Can a THOW later become a fixed ADU?
Yes. Builders like Clever Tiny Homes design their units to transition from mobile to permanent installations, allowing flexibility as homeowner needs evolve.
What’s the average cost and timeline?
Expect $100,000–$180,000 for a fully certified MTH, with build times ranging from 3–6 months depending on customization and permitting.
Beyond Los Angeles: Southern California’s Expanding Tiny-Home Market
The demand for movable housing is spreading beyond LA’s city limits. Neighboring regions like Ventura County, Orange County, and San Diego are now adopting similar ordinances, widening opportunities for builders and homeowners alike.
Companies such as Utopian Villas and Tiny Home Cottages are expanding operations statewide, providing options from luxury park models to affordable ADU shells. Meanwhile, LA-based firms like Clever Tiny Homes continue to serve this broader market, offering certified builds that can adapt to each county’s unique zoning rules.
As the housing conversation moves beyond square footage and toward flexibility, Los Angeles remains a case study in how small, movable homes can fit seamlessly into a modern metropolis—without sacrificing quality, comfort, or compliance.