Zoning and Placement
Park Model RVs (Also known as Tiny Homes On Wheels) are one of the easiest ways to add living space to a property, but it is important to understand how cities classify them. Unlike ADUs or traditional homes, Park Model RVs are built to the ANSI 119.5 standard and are legally considered recreational vehicles. This means they follow RV rules, not residential building code, which keeps the setup process simple. In many areas, they do not require the same permits or inspections as a foundation-based structure, but they still must comply with your local zoning.
Below is a straightforward overview of what Park Model RVs are, how they are regulated, and what to look for when checking your city’s rules.
Park Model RVs
All NW Tiny Homes models are Park Model RVs. They stay on their chassis and wheels, are under 400 square feet, and are built to ANSI 119.5 with RVIA certification. Because of this, cities regulate them as RVs.
Park Model RVs are typically allowed in:
Private property in areas that allow an occupied RV
RV parks
Campgrounds
Tiny home villages
Certain rural or agricultural zones
Many cities do not allow an RV to be used as a permanent full-time residence on a standard residential lot. Some do allow it, and some allow it with restrictions. Rules vary by city and county, which is why checking zoning early is the most important step in the process.
How to Research Zoning in Your Area
Start by searching for “occupied RV private property” or “RV zoning” plus your city or county name. Helpful terms include:
Recreational vehicle zoning
RV on private property
Temporary dwelling
Long-term RV use
Focus on links that come from your city or county’s planning or zoning department. If it is unclear, reach out directly to get a clear answer for your address.
When you contact them, explain that you are placing a Park Model RV built to ANSI 119.5 and ask whether an occupied RV is allowed in your zoning district. If it is allowed, ask whether there are any time limits, placement rules, or permit requirements for utilities.
Most enforcement on temporary stay limits is complaint-based, but always confirm the official rules for your specific property.
If you want a ready-to-send email, use our questions list here:
Learn the difference between Park Models and ADUs
Zoning Information by Area
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Portland is one of the easiest places in America to place a park model RV tiny home.
Why Portland is great for park-model tiny homes
One tiny home on wheels is welcome on any residential lot that already has a house, attached house, or manufactured home
No building permit required. Because the city classifies an inhabited THOW or park-model RV as an “occupied recreational vehicle,” it is treated like a vehicle rather than a building. You simply register the unit with the DMV and connect it to power, water, and sewer through standard RV-style hookups
Fast set-up and minimal red tape. Typically, the only permits needed are a basic electrical outlet permit and a plumbing permit for the sewer connection .
Long-term living is allowed. You or a tenant may live in the unit full-time (month-to-month or longer). Short-term rentals such as Airbnb are not permitted.
Keep the wheels on. The home must remain mobile and parked behind the front façade of the main house. It cannot be placed on a vacant lot .
Room for two permanent ADUs as well. If you want additional space, Portland’s zoning generally allows up to two code-built ADUs on the same lot. A tiny home on wheels can occupy one of those ADU “slots” (“replacement ADU” option).
What doesn’t apply
The city’s System Development Charge (SDC) Waiver Program only applies to ADUs that are built to residential building code on a permanent foundation. Park-model RVs and THOWs do not pay SDCs, but they also do not receive the waiver.
Learn more about it here: Portland.Gov
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Park model RVs/THOWs sometimes allowed outside the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB):
Urban low density residential zones: R-5 through R-30, VR-4/5, and VR-5/7
Other single-family residential zones unless the property is in an urban reserve or within the urban growth boundaries of Barlow, Canby, Estacada, Molalla or Sandy: RA-1, RA-2, RRFF-5, FF-10, RR, FU-10, HR, and MRR
Find your zoning designation using the Clackamas Maps tool.
City of Milwaukie: Please note that structures with wheels are considered a vehicle and cannot be lived in per code. Wheels will need to be removed from tiny houses for occupancy. Since tiny houses are another dwelling unit on a property, make sure your property is zoned for another dwelling. To check zoning requirements with the planning department, please email planning@milwaukieoregon.gov.
Helpful resources:
Using an RV as a secondary dwelling
Contact:
Clackamas County Planning and Zoning
503-742-4500
zoninginfo@clackamas.us
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Currently, park model RVs/THOWs can only be placed inside an RV park in Troutdale.
Helpful resources:Troutdale Municipal Code
Contact:
Planning
503-674-7272
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Currently, park model RVs/THOWs can only be placed inside an RV park in Fairview.
Helpful resources:
Contact:
Sarah Selden, Community Development Director
503-674-6242
Alex Lopez, Associate Planner
503-674-6232
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Currently, park model RVs/THOWs can only be placed inside an RV park in Wood Village.
Placing any recreational vehicle (RV) in use for but not limited to sleeping or living purposes within the City for any period of time exceeding eight hours, except in an RV park, and no cooking shall be done in an RV outside an RV park. An RV used for sleeping or living purposes may be parked in the City on private property with owner’s permission, for a period of time not to exceed ten days in a calendar year.
Helpful resources:
Contact:
Mary Dong
Building Permits & Code Enforcement
MaryD@WoodVillageOR.gov
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Currently, park model RVs/THOWs can only be placed inside an RV park in Gresham.
Helpful resources:
Contact:
Urban Design and Planning
Phone: 503-618-2831
PlanningTech@GreshamOregon.gov
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Currently, park model RVs/THOWs can only be placed inside an RV park in Hood River, but may qualify as a cottage in a cottage configuration under Hood River’s Middle Housing Ordinance so long as they meet the standards for 17.25.
Helpful resources:
Ch. 17.25 Middle Housing Development Standards
Ch. 17.23 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Contact:
541-387-6840
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Currently, park model RVs/THOWs can only be placed inside an RV park in Washington County. However, a THOW may be permitted as a temporary health hardship dwelling in a rural area under qualifying conditions. If permitted through the health hardship application process, the use includes one temporary living accommodation, for a period not to exceed two years.
Helpful resources:
Contact:
lutdir@washingtoncountyor.gov
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Currently, park model RVs/THOWs can only be placed inside an RV park in Columbia County.
Helpful resources:
Contact:
503-397-1501
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Currently, park model RVs/THOWs can only be placed inside an RV park in Yamhill County.
Helpful resources:
Zoning Ordinance Section 1014 Accessory Dwelling Units
Contact:
Yamhill County Planning and Development
503-434-7516
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Currently, park model RVs/THOWs can only be placed inside an RV park in Tillamook County.
Unincorporated community of Netarts: In the NT-RMD zone, the following uses and their accessory uses are permitted outright, subject to all applicable supplementary regulations contained in this ordinance: one or two dwelling units (attached or detached); manufactured home; the use of recreation vehicles (including THOW) is permitted outright in Wilson Beach provided that the standards of Section 5.160 and all other applicable development standards are met.
Helpful resources:
Article 5.110 Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Standards
Article 5 Special Use Standards and Exceptions
Netarts Residential Manufactured Dwelling Zone (NT-RMD)
Contact:
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Currently, park model RVs/THOWs can only be placed inside an RV park in Clark County. Cottage configurations are allowed.
Helpful resources:
Contact:
Disclaimer
We work hard to keep this information accurate, but zoning rules change often and vary widely between cities and counties. Always confirm the current rules with your local planning or zoning authority for your specific property.