West Sacramento OKs first reading to legalize 'tiny homes on wheels' as dwelling option

The West Sacramento City Council held a public hearing and approved the first reading of ordinance 24-9 on Wednesday, moving the city closer to allowing tiny homes on wheels as legal primary or accessory dwelling units in several residential zones.

Planning staff described the changes as supplemental regulations to ensure tiny homes on wheels resemble traditional residential units and meet utility, safety and permitting standards. The ordinance requires administrative approval from the community development department, hookups to water and sewer, building-permit review, screening or skirting of chassis and adherence to residential design features such as roof pitch and exterior materials.

Why it matters: The measure creates a path for owners of small, moveable dwellings to place those units on private residential lots while ensuring utilities and life-safety standards are met. Proponents said the change will expand affordable, low-impact housing choices and help residents remain in the community; supporters urged the council to lead the region on pro-housing policy.

What the ordinance does

- Scope: The draft ordinance would allow tiny homes on wheels in most residential zones except the highest-density zone; the units must obtain administrative approval and then go through standard building permitting for utility connections.

- Design and permanence: The draft requires designs that make units look residential rather than like recreational vehicles, and it requires chassis to be skirted or the wheels removed and the unit placed on a leveling pad.

- Fees and approvals: Staff said administrative review fees and construction-related impact fees could apply; the city is updating its fee schedule and will present fee changes to council separately.

Public comment and council action

Several residents and advocates addressed the council in support of the ordinance. Resident Robin Davis, who lives in a tiny home on wheels on undeveloped residential property in West Sacramento, and several other speakers described pathways to homeownership or affordable housing offered by the units and urged approval.

Council member Ocala moved and Council member Orozco seconded first reading of Ordinance 24-9; the council approved the first reading by roll call (ayes recorded). Staff said administrative checklists and a process flow will be provided to applicants and that the city will finalize fee details separately.

Next steps

The council conducted the first reading; a second reading and formal adoption will be scheduled in a future meeting consistent with ordinance-adoption procedure. Staff will finalize the administrative-approval checklist and the fee schedule adjustments for council review.