Tiny Home Land & Location Glossary

Zoning: Local rules that regulate how land may be used and what types of development are allowed.

Land use: The purpose for which a property is used or approved, such as residential, agricultural, commercial, or recreational use.

Permitted use: A use allowed under the applicable regulations, subject to any relevant conditions or approvals.

Conditional use: A use that may be allowed only after additional review or approval under local rules.

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU): A secondary dwelling associated with a primary residential property. ADU rules, eligibility, and requirements vary by jurisdiction.

Occupancy: The use of a building as a place to live or stay. Rules may distinguish permanent residential occupancy from temporary or recreational use.

Building Code: Requirements governing building safety and construction. Which code applies depends on the building classification and jurisdiction.

Setback: The required distance between a structure and a property line, road, or other designated boundary.

Lot Coverage: The portion of a lot occupied by buildings or other features counted under local development rules.

Minimum Dwelling Size: A minimum size requirement that may apply to a dwelling under local regulations or an applicable building standard.

Parcel: A defined piece of land recorded as a property for ownership and legal purposes.

Property Survey: A professional determination or record of property boundaries and, depending on the survey, other physical or legal features.

Boundary Line: The legal limit of a property.

Easement: A legal right allowing someone to use part of a property for a specified purpose, such as access or utilities.

Right-of-Way: A legal right to pass over or use a defined area, often for roads, paths, or infrastructure.

Deed Restrictions: Recorded restrictions that may limit how a property can be used or developed.

Title: The legal ownership interest in a property, including relevant recorded interests and restrictions.

Legal Access: A lawful means of reaching a property. A visible road or track does not necessarily establish a legal right to use it.

Buildable Area: The portion of a property that can be developed after accounting for applicable restrictions, setbacks, easements, environmental constraints, and physical conditions.

Topography: The shape and elevation of the land, including slopes, ridges, and depressions.

Soil Test: An investigation of soil characteristics. The type of testing required depends on the proposed construction and site conditions.

Geotechnical Assessment: An evaluation of ground conditions and their implications for foundations, stability, drainage, or other engineering decisions.

Grading: Changing the shape or elevation of land through cutting, filling, or leveling.

Drainage: The movement and management of water across or through a site.

Stormwater Management: Measures used to control runoff from rainfall or snowmelt.

Flood Zone: An area identified through applicable mapping or assessment as having a particular level of flood risk. Maps are useful screening tools, but property-specific conditions may require further investigation.

Wildfire Risk: The potential for a location to be affected by wildfire, influenced by vegetation, terrain, weather, access, and other factors.

Utility Connection: A physical connection to a service such as electricity, public water, sewer, or communications.

Water Main: A public or shared pipe that distributes water to service connections.

Well: A constructed source of groundwater. Its feasibility and reliability depend on local geology, water availability, construction, and applicable requirements.

Septic System: An onsite wastewater treatment and disposal system that generally includes a septic tank and a soil-based treatment or dispersal area.

Percolation Test: A test used in certain contexts to evaluate how water moves through soil, often as part of assessing onsite wastewater suitability. Local requirements determine the appropriate tests and methods.

Utility Easement: An easement allowing utility infrastructure to be installed, accessed, or maintained on a property.

Off-Grid System: A system designed to operate independently of one or more conventional utility networks.

Site Preparation: Work needed to prepare a property for construction or installation, potentially including clearing, grading, access, drainage, and utility work.

Tiny House on Wheels (THOW): A tiny dwelling built on a trailer chassis. Its legal classification and permitted use depend on applicable local rules and how the unit is designed and used.

Foundation-Built Tiny Home: A tiny home constructed on a foundation rather than designed to remain on a road-going trailer.

Manufactured Home: A housing category defined by applicable regulations and construction standards. It is not interchangeable with every small or prefabricated dwelling.

Recreational Vehicle (RV): A vehicle or unit designed for recreational, travel, or temporary accommodation purposes, as defined by applicable standards and regulations. RV classification does not automatically authorize permanent residential occupancy.

Delivery Clearance: The space required for a home and its transport equipment to reach and maneuver into the intended location.

Foundation: The structure that transfers building loads to the ground. The appropriate type depends on the building, soil, climate, engineering, and applicable requirements.

Due Diligence: The process of investigating a property and verifying important facts before making a commitment.

Contingency: A condition or provision in an agreement that can affect whether a transaction proceeds. The specific rights and deadlines depend on the agreement and applicable law.

Impact Fee: A fee that may be charged by a local government or service provider to help fund infrastructure or public services associated with development.

Connection Fee: A charge for connecting a property to a utility or service.

Site Assessment: An investigation of property conditions and constraints relevant to a proposed use or development. The scope may range from a preliminary review to detailed professional evaluations.

Total Site Cost: The combined cost of acquiring and preparing a property for its intended use, including relevant access, utility, drainage, permitting, and construction-related expenses.