Tiny house lot acquisition contract: zoning and title concerns

Tiny houses may be small in size, but the legal challenges surrounding their lots are significant. Acquisition contracts for tiny house parcels must address zoning compliance, utility access, and whether the lot qualifies as a buildable site. In states such as Oregon and California, local ordinances often classify tiny homes differently from manufactured housing, creating uncertainty in title records.

Contracts should expressly allocate responsibility for securing permits, handling setback requirements, and resolving disputes with neighbors over shared driveways. A recurring issue is the use of deed restrictions prohibiting permanent dwellings below a certain square footage. Buyers should insert contingencies related to zoning approval and occupancy certificates. Without these safeguards, a seemingly affordable lot may become unusable for its intended purpose.