Tennessee Tiny Home Shipping Services

Tennessee Tiny Home Transport Company

Tennessee's growing interest in tiny homes reflects a national affordable and sustainable housing trend. However, moving these compact dwellings requires the help of professionals familiar with the state's varying regulations and road conditions. Nationwide Transport Services has over a decade of experience handling oversized loads, including tiny homes. To keep up with an evolving tiny homes market, we have adapted our services to accommodate new designs, ensuring we can always meet state and local requirements. Our legal team stays up-to-date with regulatory changes, allowing us to navigate the complex permitting process to avoid unnecessary fines or delays. We pride ourselves on handling each tiny home with care, ensuring safe and timely delivery, no matter the destination it's headed to. Our services are available for short intrastate and long interstate moves. For homes on foundations, we provide cranes for disassembly, making them easy to load and unload onto trailers for transport.

4.85 Trusted by 56,362+ Businesses & Individuals

TINY HOME SIZE REQUIREMENTS IN TENNESSEE

Like many states, Tennessee's regulations around tiny homes vary by county and municipality. There are no set statewide laws governing tiny homes. Still, most counties require tiny homes to comply with the International Residential Code (IRC), which requires a minimum of 120 square feet for habitable space and a maximum of 400 square feet. Tiny homes in Tennessee are categorized as either Tiny Homes on Foundations or Tiny Homes on Wheels (THOWs), each with its own rules and restrictions. Permanent tiny homes should be built on at least 320 square feet of land. They should have at least one bedroom with a window and a closet and ceiling heights of at least 6 '8".They should also have at least one living room, measuring at least 70 sq. feet, while kitchens and bathrooms must have a ceiling height of at least 6'4".A standalone bathroom is a mandate. Tiny homes on foundations are subject to local building codes and may need to meet more strict requirements, such as connection to utilities and minimum square footage.

Tiny Homes on Wheels (THOW)

THOWs are typically considered recreational vehicles (RVs) and may be subject to RV-specific regulations. They appeal to owners for their mobility and extra flexibility since one does not need to own land. Many municipalities only allow full-time living in a THOW in specific areas, such as RV parks or tiny home communities. In Tennessee, THOWs are treated similarly to RVs and must be certified to RV standards, following the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA)guidelines. Parking restrictions can vary greatly, but living full-time in one within residential neighborhoods is generally prohibited unless the laws give an exception. In most areas, they must be moved every 30 days when parked in campgrounds or RV parks unless local ordinances state otherwise.

THOW size regulations

The exact size and weight restrictions as other loads apply when transporting tiny homes. Over-dimensional tiny homes must comply with state oversize regulations. These limits typically apply to THOWs because they move more regularly. The legal dimensions in Tennessee are:

  • Length: Maximum trailer length of 40 feet. The towing vehicle and trailer length should be at most 65 feet.
  • Width: Maximum width of 8.5 feet.
  • Height: Maximum height of 13.5 feet.

 

500x300 Watermarks All Sites - 2024-09-20T143754.360
Transporting a Tiny Home oversize load.

Tiny Homes on Foundations

Tennessee's zoning laws vary, but some counties are more lenient, allowing tiny homes on residential lots. Homes should be built on foundations that meet Chapter Four of the IRC standards for residential construction. They should also meet requirements on minimum size, ceiling height, and safety features like smoke detectors and escape windows. These homes are treated as permanent structures and may be subject to property taxes.

Transitional Structures

The regulations are more strict regarding transitional structures and ready-removable due to their susceptibility to fire hazards. Tennessee generally does not allow ready-removable structures to act as legal living spaces. In the state, you cannot turn a shed into a tiny house. Sheds are allowed electricity for operating tools and machinery, not to power the place as a living space.

What Are the Tiny Home Regulations in Tennessee?

 Fire Protection Systems: In Tennessee, tiny homes must adhere to fire safety regulations similar to those required for traditional homes. Local jurisdictions often require smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and egress windows that meet size regulations for emergency exits. A certified inspector must verify the safety system meets local fire codes before the home is approved for occupancy.

  • Insulation: Proper insulation is critical, especially for tiny homes in mountainous or colder regions of the state like East Tennessee. Homeowners should consult local building codes to ensure their home's insulation meets the state's energy efficiency standards.
  • Fireplaces: Tiny homes with a fireplace or wood stove must comply with International Residential Code (IRC) guidelines to ensure proper ventilation and fire safety. To prevent fire hazards, these must meet specific clearance requirements and have non-combustible materials surrounding them.
  • Property Taxes: Tennessee does not impose taxes on tiny homes classified as recreational vehicles (RVs) or auxiliary dwellings. However, if your tiny home is permanently set on land you own, it may be subject to real estate taxes. For Tiny Homes on Wheels (THOWs), motor vehicle taxes apply based on the home's registration as an RV.
  • Insurance: In Tennessee, tiny homes on wheels that are RVIA-certified require an RV insurance policy. Insurance protects the structure during transport and while stationary. For tiny homes on foundations, homeowners insurance is advisable. It is crucial for protection against potential disasters like fires or storms.
  • Parking Requirements: THOWs are often classified as RVs, and parking them is typically restricted to RV parks or campgrounds. Some counties and municipalities allow tiny homes in designated tiny home communities or some rural areas, while cities may impose stricter zoning laws. Tiny homeowners should consult local zoning laws to ensure compliance before moving in.
  • Utility Connections: Homes designed for full-time living require access to local water, sewage, and electrical utilities unless fully equipped for off-grid living. Mobile tiny homes must meet connection standards at RV parks or campgrounds to access utilities.

NEED A QUOTE?

FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW TO GET STARTED NOW!

Nationwide Transport Services Logo

ACTUAL-MID-PAGE-FORM-2024

TINY HOME COMMUNITIES IN TENNESSEE

When you buy a tiny home in Tennessee or move to the state, consider these communities. 

  • The Retreat at Deer Lick Falls (Monteagle, TN)
  • The Retreat at Water's Edge (Tracy City, TN)
  • Tennessee Tiny Homes Community (Memphis, TN)
  • The Village (Wildwood, TN)
  • Lakewalk Tiny Home Community (Greeneville, TN)
  • Little River Escape (Menlo, TN)

WHERE CAN I BUY A TINY HOME IN TENNESSEE?

Here are trustworthy tiny home manufacturers in Tennessee.

  • Incredible Tiny Homes (Newport, TN)
  • Wind River Tiny Homes (Chattanooga, TN)
  • New Frontier Tiny Homes (Nashville, TN)
  • Tiny House Chattanooga (Chattanooga, TN)
  • Tennessee Tiny Homes (Memphis, TN)
Shipping a Tiny Home.
Transporting a Tiny Home.
Transporting a Tiny Home.

EFFICIENT TINY HOME MOVING SERVICES IN TENNESSEE

Nationwide Transport Services offers comprehensive tiny home shipping services across Tennessee. Our experienced logistics team handles every moving aspect, including obtaining permits, planning routes, and offering real-time tracking to keep you up to par throughout the journey. We also provide the necessary equipment, such as cranes and trailers, to move your tiny home safely and efficiently. 

Contact us today for a free quote and enjoy a stress-free shipment.