Your 2025 County-by-County Guide to Legal Tiny Living

Thinking about going tiny in Colorado? Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy home with mountain views, off-grid simplicity, or a more intentional way of life, Colorado offers exciting opportunities—but also complex rules—for tiny home living.

At Everdwell Tiny Homes, we simplify the process. In this updated guide, you’ll discover which Colorado counties support tiny homes, what permits you’ll need, and how to move forward with clarity and confidence.

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What Counts as a Tiny Home in Colorado?

In Colorado, a tiny home is generally 100–400 square feet and may be:

• Built on a permanent foundation, or
• A Tiny Home on Wheels (THOW) classified as an RV

To be considered legal, tiny homes must comply with both state building codes and local zoning regulations.

🛠 Colorado State Codes That Apply:

• 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) with Appendix Q (specific to tiny homes)
• 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
• Homes must have an approved insignia from the
  Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA)

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Best Colorado Counties for Tiny Homes (2025 Update)

We’ve compiled the most up-to-date information on where tiny homes are welcome in Colorado:

✅ Counties with Clear Tiny Home Regulations:

• El Paso County – Foundation homes allowed; THOWs permitted in RV parks
• Jefferson County – No minimum size for homes on foundations; THOWs allowed in mobile home zones
• Adams County – Tiny home villages permitted with the right approvals
• Larimer County – Foundation homes allowed; THOWs recognized as RVs
• Boulder County – ADUs permitted in designated zones
• Clear Creek County – Must meet zoning, driveway, and environmental requirements
• Archuleta County – Insignia required for out-of-state builds
• La Plata County – ADUs are allowed
• Routt, Garfield, San Miguel, Gilpin, and Ouray Counties – Supportive of tiny home development under specific guidelines

⚠️ Counties with Restrictions:

• Lake County – 600 sq ft minimum for dwellings
• Costilla County – 600 sq ft minimum
• Phillips & Elbert Counties – More restrictive zoning and utility requirements

❓ Counties With Unclear or Limited Guidance:

• Delta, Dolores, Mineral, Baca, Sedgwick, Yuma, and others have limited or no specific code for tiny homes. Always contact your local building department to verify the latest updates.

📍 For the full list of Colorado county contacts, visit the
Colorado County Directory.

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Do You Need a Permit for a Tiny Home in Colorado?

Yes. Whether your home is on wheels or on a foundation, you’ll need to:

✔️ Obtain a building permit from your local county
✔️ Follow IRC Appendix Q and IECC
✔️ Get a certified insignia from the Colorado Division of Housing

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How Everdwell Helps You Go Tiny the Right Way

At Everdwell, we’re more than builders. We’re your trusted guide through the entire tiny home journey—from choosing the right location, to navigating permits, to delivering a beautifully crafted home that meets state and county codes.

If you’re ready to stop Googling and start building, we’re ready to help.
✅ Custom floorplans
✅ Permit assistance
✅ Delivery across Colorado

Contact Us Today to Get Started →

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are tiny homes legal in Colorado?
Yes—but it depends on the county. Many allow them with specific rules.

Do I need a building permit?
Yes. All legal tiny homes require local permits and must meet state code.

How small can my home be?
Some counties (like Jefferson) have no minimum size, while others (like Lake) require at least 600 sq ft.

What’s the difference between a THOW and a foundation home?
THOWs are usually classified as RVs and have more mobility but fewer placement options. Foundation homes are treated like traditional homes and usually face fewer zoning challenges.

Where can I find a reliable builder?
You already have—Everdwell Tiny Homes specializes in compliant, high-quality tiny homes for life in Colorado.

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Build Smart. Live Free. Go Tiny With Everdwell.

With changing laws and growing interest, 2025 is shaping up to be the year of the tiny home in Colorado. But success starts with knowing where you can legally build—and who you can trust to build it.

Let’s build your dream, together.
📞 Schedule Your Free Consultation →