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Trinity County board introduces ordinance to allow movable tiny homes on private property
Summary
The Board of Supervisors introduced and waived first reading of a new ordinance to permit movable tiny homes for single-family residences and ADUs, drawing praise from supervisors and staff for fire-safety and aesthetic provisions.
The Trinity County Board of Supervisors on June 4 introduced and waived first reading of an ordinance to allow movable tiny homes on private property, including use as accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and moved the item forward for a future second reading and adoption.
The ordinance, presented by Cody Smith, building official and division director, establishes standards for movable tiny homes—units placed on private parcels or used as ADUs—addressing wildland-fire safety and exterior appearance.
Smith told the board the policy responds to frequent public requests and mirrors practices in other jurisdictions while adding county-specific requirements for fire safety and neighborhood aesthetics. "I honestly, this is probably the number one thing that I have been asked for since I have started in the building department," Smith said, adding he tailored the rules for Trinity County’s wildland fire risks and for aesthetic concerns in some neighborhoods.
Why it matters: Supervisors said the change is meant to expand housing options and reduce barriers for residents trying to build affordable homes on their parcels. Several board members praised the ordinance as a measured way to increase housing supply while addressing safety concerns. "Anything that makes it easier to build a home or…to make their lives nicer and easier with all the crazy stuff out there," said Supervisor Carpenter Harris.
Key provisions and discussion: Smith explained the ordinance covers movable tiny homes placed on foundations or properly skirted, and requires demo permits when removal occurs to avoid abandoned units. Several supervisors emphasized the removal/ disposal requirement to avoid long-term roadside debris; Supervisor Carpenter Harris said the removal requirement is important because the county already sees accumulation of derelict trailers and small structures.
The ordinance also differentiates tiny homes from other structures used for agricultural or commercial processing: if a structure includes electrical service, cooking facilities or substantial human occupancy it may trigger standard building permits or a different land-use review. Smith told the board that "when we talk about greenhouses...if any of these are going to have electrical, then they have to pull a permit with us for the electrical part of that."
Process and next steps: The board voted unanimously to introduce the ordinance and waive reading at first reading. A second reading and formal adoption will come at a later meeting. Staff said they will continue outreach to local fire chiefs and planning staff to refine implementation and consider a preapproved-plan program to speed future ADU/tiny-home applications.
What was not decided: The board did not take final adoption action; the item returns for second reading. Supervisors said they want follow-up work on preapproved plans for ADUs and continued coordination with fire officials about defensible-space requirements.
Ending: Supporters within the board described the ordinance as part of the county’s broader housing strategy and said they will monitor implementation with the building department and fire partners.
