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Tiny Homes on Wheels Permit

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For an overview of the County's Tiny Homes On Wheels (THOW) ordinance, including location and design requirements, visit our Tiny Homes on Wheels webpage.

THOWs are processed like other residential projects and must be submitted through ePlan Review. For additional information, including application requirements, see the Residential Permits page.

Are Plans Required? Yes
Submitted Through ePlan Review 
ePlan User Guide
How to Submit a Project in ePlan Overview
Required Forms See forms available under the "Building" section on the ePlan Review webpage.
Fees Approximately $2,000
Additional Forms, as applicable Environmental Health Building Clearance, if parcel is served by an OWTS (septic system).
Required Information

Submit a certification by HCD or a Special Inspection Agency that the structure meets the current ANSI-A119.5 standards. The manufacturer shall have the ANSI certification prior to the building permit application submittal. 
Minimum Plan Size
  • 18 x 24 inch minimum landscape format
  • Other accepted sizes: 24 x 36, 30 x 42, and 36 x 48 inches
If you need help or have questions Contact Building staff by email: Planning.BuildingInfo@santacruzcountyca.gov, or by Scheduling an appointment using the Appointment Scheduler .
IMPORTANT NOTE Before you invest in project plans, check with Zoning for development standards, including setbacks. Confirm with Environmental Planning staff that your property is suitable for your project and not encumbered by environmental constraints or resources that require protection. If your parcel is served by an OWTS (septic system), check with Environmental Health staff.
Additional Information & Resources:

Tiny Homes webpage with FAQs

NOTE: The THOW parking pad must meet the requirements of the Santa Cruz County Code Chapter 16.10 – Geologic Hazards and Section 13.10.680 as follows:

  • A THOW is considered a new habitable dwelling (i.e., “development”) in the Geologic Hazards Ordinance. If the project site is in an area of significant potential hazards, a geologic hazards assessment or investigation may be required.  
  • If a grading permit, retaining walls, or mitigation measures for geologic hazards are necessary for the THOW location, a geotechnical investigation may be required.
  • Bumper guards, curbs, or other installations shall be adequate to prevent movement of the THOW.
  • The wheels shall not be removed and the parking pad shall be a level surface paved with two inches of asphalt concrete over five inches of Class II base rock or equivalent permeable or nonpermeable surface so as to provide a durable, dustless surface, and shall be graded and drained to prevent erosion and disperse surface water.
  • A THOW utilized as a permanent residence must be braced and secured by seismic tiedowns as is required for all mobile homes in Santa Cruz County.
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