Since Idaho has embraced the International Residential Code’s Appendix Q, which establishes guidelines for tiny houses, it is among the states in the union most accommodating to tiny homes. However, this does not imply that you may construct or leave your little house parked wherever you are in the state.
The regulations and policies of the many counties and cities in Idaho might impact your small home project. This post will discuss which Idaho counties permit small homes, the factors to consider before constructing one, and where to buy a tiny home.
Can You Make a Tiny House in Idaho Your Main Residence?
Yes, if you fulfill the building standards, tiny houses that fall within the site-built, modular, or manufactured housing categories may be used as permanent residences in Idaho. However, you can reside in an RV home for 60 days in some counties. After the 60-day mark, you will obtain a daily residency permit.
Tiny House Prices in Idaho
Living in a tiny house is an excellent way to lessen your impact on the environment, cut down on maintenance and utility bills, and simplify your life—all without sacrificing any of your life pleasures. Check out tiny houses in Idaho:
Dublin
It has a large cooking space and a nice living room. With cubby and cabinet storage areas around, this tiny home has more storage possibilities than any other model, plus a spacious bathroom. This tiny house RV is perfect for anybody looking for a fantastic place to spend time with family or unwind. It has a price of $67,950.00.
Clear Creek
Its price is $58,700.00. It has upper and lower cabinets in the middle of the kitchen. Some stairs go to the main loft. This loft has an additional privacy wall and is both roomy and inviting.
Arion
It has a large U-shaped kitchen and a roomy living and dining area. Also, it features a movable sofa bed and two separate sleeping lofts. Its cost is $73,450.00.
Carpathian
This model is ideal for anyone seeking a spacious, tiny home with a compact footprint, plenty of space for numerous bedrooms, three slide-outs, and many full-size appliances. It has a value of $91,250.00.
What Counties in Idaho Allow Tiny Houses?
Because each county is allowed to modify the current state building rules to meet the unique demands of the area, there are differences between the many variants of the building regulations.
Gem County
Gem County is especially welcoming to those who own mobile small houses. To deal with the surge of individuals who wish to live in their tiny house on wheels long-term, which is otherwise restricted by the state laws in Idaho, Gem County has created its code.
Although the county recognizes the necessity for autonomous, temporary dwelling quarters within the community, it supports main settlements within permanent structures. The requirements are:
- Yard measurements: The yard still conforms to the measurements mandated by the zoning ordinance for newly constructed buildings within that specific zone.
- Lot Area: The minimum lot area needed for new construction in that zone is the same as the lot area per household.
- Floor size: Each housing unit has a floor size that is not less than what is needed for new construction in that zone.
- Compliance: All other applicable codes and ordinances are complied with by the conversion.
The guidelines for residing in a mobile home, recreational vehicle, or tiny house on wheels apply to using an RV for more than 30 days as the principal dwelling on land is not part of a permitted RV or manufactured home park in Gem County. The following are some relevant points:
- RVs may be the principal dwelling on the same property for a maximum of one year. If the RV is properly shielded from public view, the administrator may grant a one-year time extension.
- Before using an RV as a place to live, any property owner who places an RV under this section must apply for an RV residence permit and pay the applicable price.
- An enclosed structure cannot accommodate an RV used as the primary dwelling.
- A new address will be given if there is not one already (unless the RV will remain there for less than 30 days).
- The RV must use a wastewater system that the health department has authorized or deemed suitable.
Ada County
Aiming to address the housing issue around Boise and other communities, Ada County put out a plan to overcome the limitations imposed by state legislation and increase accessibility to tiny homes for long-term residents.
The proposed program will fight state regulations that prohibit residents from permanently residing in a tiny house or a tiny house on wheels for the benefit of its members.
In theory, the pilot program would allow tiny homes to be placed in metropolitan neighborhoods, provide financial incentives to homeowners to construct supplementary dwelling units that they could rent out for reasonable prices, and set up a home-sharing website that would pair up underprivileged tenants with hosts of spare rooms.
Idaho Tiny House Laws: Local Zoning Regulations
The International Residential Code (IRC) is the model for the nation’s municipal building regulations. Idaho has defined statewide standards for several types of small homes, even if local governments may have their ordinances and regulations related to tiny houses.
Moscow City
Furthermore, Moscow’s mobile home parks now permit small houses on wheels, and they enjoy year-round access to full-time connections.
Boise City
Any homes built as modular structures are subject to inspection and must adhere to the One-and-Two-Family Dwelling Building Code. The City of Boise provides permission for these modular homes constructed on a foundation on the property. A building permit and plan review permission are necessary for any auxiliary construction or additions built on the property.
Garden City
The community organizes actions to improve Garden City as a welcoming place for small home enthusiasts. In two of the city’s zoning areas where small house occupancy was previously prohibited, the city modified its tight zoning law to permit tiny dwellings.
1. Site Built
It is a structure built on the site of its intended function. It is not meant or made to be relocated.
2. Manufactured Home
Constructed to be 40 feet or longer, transportable, meet HUD manufactured house building and safety requirements, and intended for use as a residence with or without a permanent foundation, it must be subject to inspections.
3. Modular Buildings
A closed structure is partially or fully prefabricated or built somewhere other than the building site is referred to as a modular house, except for manufactured homes.
As well as modular homes, manufactured homes need building permits, and plan review permission is necessary for any auxiliary constructions and additions constructed on the property.
Tiny House Regulations And Rules In Idaho
The laws and guidelines were modified to better suit the homes in each county. According to Appendix Q of the International Residential Code, a tiny house in Idaho is typically less than 400 square feet. The minimal floor size required for a tiny house in the state is 150 square feet.
Permanent Structure Rules
Lofts
A floor level used for living or sleeping that is more than thirty inches above the main floor, open to it on one or more sides, and has a ceiling lower than six feet eight inches.
- Minimum Size and Measurements
Lofts must have a minimum floor size of 35 square feet and a minimum horizontal dimension of 5 feet.
- Effect of Height on Loft Area
A portion of the loft cannot be included toward the minimum needed size of the loft if it has a sloping ceiling and is less than three feet from the completed floor to the finished ceiling.
Ceiling
A small home’s habitable areas and passageways must have ceilings that are at least 6 feet 8 inches high. For example, the ceiling height of restrooms, toilets, and kitchens.
Emergency Escape
Tiny homes must follow Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings.
- Windows for Egress Roof Access
If the egress roof access window meets the minimum opening area criteria, it must be built so that the bottom of the aperture is no higher than 44 inches above the loft floor.
Temporary Structure Rules
Motor homes, fifth-wheel trailers, travel trailers, park model recreational vehicles, folding camping trailers, and truck campers are examples of recreational vehicles, according to the Division of Building Safety.
- Owners of small houses on wheels must get the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) to obtain a permit.
- According to the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 1192 Standard for Recreational Vehicles, the mobile tiny home has to meet requirements.
Transitional Strucutre Rules
In areas of Idaho, tiny dwellings are the answer to the housing issue and homelessness. Even though the state has transitional projects, there are currently no regulations for transitional tiny home construction.
A scheme for transitory housing was proposed. The program’s goal was to construct small houses as possibilities for those in need of a place to live, including single mothers, veterans, and those in recovery from addictions. However, this program was rejected by the citizens.
In Idaho, Where Can I Build A Tiny House?
Follow the specific requirements of the county or city. A small house must have at least one acre of land when it is on private land. Your tiny home will be handled as a modular home if it is the only residence on the land. It could be constructed in:
- RV parks
- Private properties
- Tiny house communities
Tiny House Communities in Idaho
It’s a noteworthy state to live in and has its communities. Likewise, you can visit historic sites, recreational areas, archeological sites, natural preserves, volcanic parks, and plenty of lakes and woods for hiking and camping.
Valley Village RV Park
Towering pine trees, hammock areas, and the soothing sounds of nature surround this holiday sanctuary. The community rents out little homes and RV parking spaces.
River Landing Tiny Home Resort
There are six small home rentals for rent in River Landing Resort. Each of these 399-square-foot homes is situated directly on the lake. If you want to meet other small home occupants, there is a community gathering spot along the river that you may go to.
Tiny House Builders Near Me
Why dwell in the little town of Idaho? Geographically, the state offers a great deal. Throughout the state, rivers, mountains, and farming dominate the terrain. There are jagged mountains, sparkling lakes, broad plains, and lush green slopes around Idaho.
Idaho’s tiny living offers the best of both worlds: urban and rural lifestyles. You do not need to look for builders in your location because, with Great Lakes Tiny Homes, you can find the house of your dreams with its diverse models and nationwide shipping.
Furthermore, Great Lake Tiny Homes is a part of the RV Industry Association (RVIA). This certification is living proof of high production standards and compliance with safety, building, and legal regulations for tiny houses.
Do I Need a Certified Builder?
Yes, you need an RVIA, but what is it? The acronym for Recreational Vehicle Industry Association is a certification indicating that the house satisfies fire, plumbing, electrical, building, and heating safety standards.
Safety
Your tiny house demonstrates it satisfies industrial safety requirements with the RVIA mark.
Recognition and acceptance
All parties involved recognize and accept an RVIA-certified small house, such as zoning authorities, insurance companies, and financial institutions.
Insurance
Because RVIA-certified tiny houses exceed safety and quality criteria, getting insurance coverage for them is easy.
Financing
In the same way, purchasing or developing a tiny house has more financing alternatives with the RVIA certification.
Nationwide Access
In any state where tiny houses are permitted, homeowners can construct RVIA-certified homes. The RVIA seal assures zoning and construction code compliance.
Resale Value
Because of these benefits, potential customers could be more likely to purchase an RVIA-certified tiny house.
Note: Only manufacturers with permits, like Great Lake Tiny Homes from the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), can build approved tiny homes.
FAQs
What Is the Size of a Tiny House’s Kitchen?
While tiny houses are modest by nature, some are considerably smaller than others. In these situations, a small kitchen of 30 to 50 square feet might be adequate. However, you might go for 60 to 70 square feet if your home has enough room for you to grow.
Should I Consider A Strong Foundation?
A solid foundation is considered while building a small house in Idaho. Firstly, you decide if you want the house to be movable. For this reason, most tiny houses are built on travel trailers, in addition to the legal issues surrounding small dwellings that were previously discussed. There are several ways to build tiny dwellings, such as on concrete slab foundations, post-and-beam, stilt, or skid foundations.
Why Are Idaho Tiny Homes So Popular?
Living in a little home in Idaho is fantastic. Farmland, mountains, and rivers dominate the natural scenery. Residents of Idaho love waking up to stunning scenery, a booming economy, and a wealth of recreational options.
Living small is a viable choice for people who wish to live frugally since municipal construction standards and zoning laws have been much more accommodating to smaller homes in recent years.
Conclusion
With the International Residential Code’s Appendix Q, which establishes guidelines for tiny dwellings, Idaho State presents options for those passionate about tiny houses. Nonetheless, some Idaho counties and cities have their own set of rules and regulations. Gem County, Ada County, Moscow, Boise, and Garden City are a few of the counties and localities that permit tiny homes.
Therefore, before purchasing or constructing your tiny house, do your research and confirm with the local authorities. You can take advantage of tiny living in Idaho by adhering to the laws and guidelines.
