Sonoma & Napa Tiny Homes: Wine Country ADU Guide (2026)
Wine country is a dream spot for a tiny home, and the two counties handle them a bit differently. Sonoma County has a clear temporary permit for tiny homes on wheels. Napa County focuses on ADUs. Here's a simple guide to both unincorporated areas.
Ready to start? Fill out the Zen Tiny Homes Buyers Application or call Zen Tiny Homes at 760-492-0742.
Sonoma County: Temporary Tiny Homes on Wheels
Permit Sonoma allows tiny homes on wheels with a Temporary Occupancy (TEM) permit for these uses:
While you build or remodel a single-family home.
Before you apply for or build a permanent ADU, where ADUs are allowed.
To house a caregiver, or a relative or friend who needs care (a doctor's note is required).
To house recent wildfire survivors, or as temporary farmworker housing.
Units must meet the California Building Code and/or ANSI requirements, with up to 400 square feet of interior living space, not counting lofts. All Zen Tiny Homes are built to ANSI standards. Each unit must connect to septic or sewer, or use a licensed pump-and-haul service. Under the County's procedure), the temporary unit must be removed or disconnected before the final inspection on the related building permit.
Napa County: ADUs
Napa County allows ADUs up to 1,200 square feet with a kitchen, bathroom, sleeping area and living space. Under the County Code, an ADU can be a manufactured home. The County's ADU checklist lists 4-foot side and rear setbacks, with the front setback set by the zone.
Sonoma County | Napa County | |
Tiny home on wheels | Temporary uses with a TEM permit | No tiny home on wheels rule found |
Foundation ADU | Allowed under County ADU rules | Up to 1,200 sq ft |
Wastewater | Septic, sewer or licensed pump-and-haul | Often private septic on rural lots |
Rural Lots Need a Plan
Many wine country lots rely on a private well and septic. That can shape where a tiny home fits and what it costs. See Tiny Home Utilities & Off-Grid Basics.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I live in a tiny home on wheels in Sonoma County?
For certain temporary uses, with a Temporary Occupancy (TEM) permit: while building or remodeling a home, before building an ADU, for a caregiver, for recent wildfire survivors, or as farmworker housing. Permits are generally for up to 1 year.
How big can a temporary tiny home be in Sonoma County?
Permit Sonoma says units used for temporary housing must meet California Building Code and/or ANSI requirements, with a maximum of 400 square feet of interior living space, not counting lofts.
How big can an ADU be in Napa County?
Up to 1,200 square feet, with 4-foot side and rear setbacks.
Floor Plan Preview
Here's a look at two of the designs Zen Tiny Homes can build. Every plan can be adjusted to fit your lot.
Jamul Bungalow: 3D exterior
Jamul Bungalow: floor plan
See all the layouts in California Tiny Home Floor Plans.
Ready for a Wine Country Tiny Home?
Rural lots need careful planning. Our $500 site assessment checks what fits your lot.
Prefer to talk? Call Zen Tiny Homes at 760-492-0742 or visit zentinyhomes.com.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change and vary by property. Zen's $500 site assessment checks what fits your lot, or call 760-492-0742.
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