Portland has the easiest backyard tiny home rules on the West Coast
If you live in Portland, you have one of the easiest paths in the country to add a small home in your yard. A park model on wheels fits the rules, avoids heavy permits, and keeps costs in check.
What Portland allows
One Tiny Home On Wheels (THOW) per developed residential lot. Place it behind the front of the main house, not in the front yard.
Keep it mobile. Wheels stay on. Set on blocks for level and add skirting to clean up the look.
Hookups done right. Safe, legal power and water. Sewer to an approved connection, or occupants use facilities in the main house.
Long-term living is OK. Short-term rentals are not.
Not an ADU. This is an occupied RV built to ANSI A119.5 standards, so you avoid most building-code hoops.
Why this is great for Portlanders looking to add a Tiny Home to their yard
Faster setup, lower cost. You can be living comfortably in weeks, not months.
No heavy ADU permitting. Skip the big permit process and impact fees of a custom ADU.
Real flexibility. Host family, a long-term tenant, aging parents, or downsize and rent the main house.
Simple approvals. You are handling straightforward utility work and placement rules instead of a full building process.
This is the most affordable way to add a comfortable living space to your property.
Your path to a backyard tiny home
Choose the right unit and options
All of our park model THOWs are built to ANSI A119.5. Pick the layout, options, and finishes that fit your use.Plan your hookups
Add a dedicated electrical receptacle, water connection, and an RV-style sewer tie-in to the main house. We can connect you with licensed pros who do this quickly and cleanly.Place it correctly
Set it behind the front façade, keep basic separation from structures, and use an improved surface. No front yard placements and not on a vacant lot.Enjoy
Move in, host, or rent long-term and enjoy.
Mini FAQ
Is this an ADU? No. It is an occupied RV that stays on wheels.
Can I remove the wheels? Keep them on. Level on blocks and use skirting for a finished look.
Can I rent it out? Yes, for long-term rentals. Short-term rentals are not allowed.
Do I need a big building permit? No. You handle simple utility work and follow placement rules.
Bottom line
Portland opened the door so homeowners can add affordable housing with a tiny home on wheels and minimal friction. Do the hookups right, park it in the correct spot, and enjoy a comfortable, code-aware setup that helps the city’s housing needs.
Next step
Schedule a tour, choose your favorite home & we can go from there!
