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Planning commission recommends ordinance to allow movable tiny homes countywide
Summary
The commission adopted a resolution recommending the Board of Supervisors approve a county ordinance allowing placement of movable tiny homes on private property, after clarifying language and agreeing the ordinance is CEQA-exempt.
The Trinity County Planning Commission on April 24 voted unanimously to recommend a county ordinance allowing movable tiny homes be adopted by the Board of Supervisors.
Senior building inspector Cody Smith introduced a draft ordinance to add a new code section (15.26) governing movable tiny homes as an affordable housing option. Smith said demand from residents prompted the proposal and that the draft aligns with state inspection regimes for movable units. Senior planner Bella Hedke highlighted that the building division took the initiative to translate community requests into a draft ordinance.
Public commenters representing farmers, rural residents and fire services generally supported the proposal while urging clarifications. Trinity Center Fire Chief Dwight Stewart submitted a letter (included in the packet) with fire-safety comments; commissioners and staff confirmed the draft had been revised so lofts and typical tiny-home features were allowed. Local commenters told the commission that tiny homes could help address worker housing shortages and provide affordable dwelling options.
Commissioners asked technical questions about allowed uses and safety requirements. Smith said movable tiny homes may serve as primary single-family dwellings or accessory dwelling units if they meet zoning setbacks and lot coverage requirements. He emphasized that before issuance of a certificate of occupancy, required items such as road access, addressing for emergency services and water storage must be signed off and that Cal Fire is part of the permit referral and inspection process.
After questions and public comment the commission considered two competing motions: one to continue the item to May 8 for further consultation, and a subsequent motion to adopt the staff recommendation. The commission approved the subsequent motion to adopt Resolution PC 2025-05, including a CEQA determination that the project is categorically exempt (as presented in the staff report), and recommended the Board of Supervisors adopt an ordinance allowing movable tiny homes. Commissioners asked staff to make the ordinance terminology consistent (use "movable tiny home" throughout) and to clarify that the ordinance addresses placement and use of movable units (for units built off-site and moved in), not on-site construction, which would be subject to standard building permitting.
The commission also discussed how many tiny homes could be sited on a parcel. Smith said lot coverage, setbacks and state regulations for tiny homes will determine the number of units; the ordinance does not create a pathway for tiny-home communities or parks (those would require a separate code framework).
The resolution passed unanimously. Staff and commissioners said the ordinance will return to the Board of Supervisors with the recommended textual clarifications requested by the commission.
