Creating a tiny home building code to positively affect long-term sustainability

There is an ongoing effort in the tiny home construction industry in the United States to create a tiny home specific building code. To date, there has been little data collected to reflect how the creation of a building code could affect the tiny home industry. Mixed methods research was conducted, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data. Interviews were conducted with tiny home experts, builders, owners, advocates, insurers, financers, and building officials. The results of the research indicated that creating a tiny home building code would positively affect the sustainability of the tiny home movement. Of the different types of tiny homes identified in the research, those associated with tiny homes on wheels (THOW) would likely benefit the most from a creation of a tiny home specific building code. The majority of those surveyed (76%) were in support of creating a THOW specific building code. Five main categories were identified as necessary for inclusion in a THOW specific building code including trailer foundations, trailer to structure connections, framing, electrical, and sanitation. Eleven subcategories, or specific items, were identified as essential for inclusion in a THOW specific building code. Future research should validate the data collected and ensure all pertinent code items are addressed.