Washington Tiny Home Shipping Services

Washington Tiny Home Shipping Company

Tiny homes offer owners unparalleled flexibility due to their mobility and small size. They are, however, still complex and fragile structures susceptible to damage if not carefully handled. Many tiny home communities are in built-up residential areas with minimal space to maneuver the load or cranes. At Nationwide Transport Services, we dedicate lots of time and resources to empower and enable our crews to do this demanding part of the job. We ensure your tiny home has all the necessary paperwork, is moved on the correct trailers, and gets to its destination on time.

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TINY HOME SIZE REQUIREMENTS IN WASHINTON

Washington ranks at the top of the list of most accommodating states for tiny homes in the United States. In 2019, the state assembly moved to loosen the regulations on mobile homes and promote the growth of tiny house eco-villages in the state. In Washington, a tiny home on wheels is defined as a dwelling built on wheels, a chassis, or a foundation and is no larger than 400 feet, not including lofts. It should include permanent living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation provisions and follow the Washington State Building Code, including the International Residential Code. The state rules do not consider Recreational vehicles (RVs), Park Model Recreational Vehicles (PMRV), and Manufactured Homes (MHs) as permanent dwelling units.  Tiny homes built offsite must have Washington State Labor and Industries approval as modular structures while intended for permanent installation. Homes reviewed under these standards are HUD-compliant.

1. Tiny Homes on Wheels (THOW)

In Washington State, a tiny home with wheels and a chassis is a park model recreational vehicle (PMRV) that can only be used temporarily or recreationally. A tiny home with wheels taken off and mounted on a foundation is still considered a park-model recreational vehicle and can not be approved as a permanent dwelling unit. LNI must approve a tiny home constructed on a chassis as a modular home, and a manufactured home placement permit is required.

Minimum Requirements

The International Residential Code does impose minimum square footage limits. However, some counties might.

Maximum Requirements

These apply mainly when moving on public roads. THOWs that exceed the legal dimensions require the necessary permits and insurance covers to move.

 

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Transporting a Tiny Home oversize load.

2. Auxiliary Dwelling Units

The requirements for tiny homes in Washington, even though based on the IRC, can vary from county to county. For example, Soap Lake City has a minimum size requirement of 200 sqft and a maximum requirement of 1000 square feet. It is wise to consult the authorities before constructing or moving a tiny home to a particular area. The standard requirements are as follows: Rooms for sleeping and living must be at least 70 square feet and at least seven feet in one dimension. Minimum ceiling heights are 7 feet and 6’-8" for bathrooms and laundry rooms. Tiny houses built on-site are treated like any other structure and must meet building code requirements for safety, structural, energy code, and ventilation. 

3. Transitional Structures

These structures are usually on foundations but can be detached and moved to a new location, such as mobile homes.

Here are some examples of county-specific regulations;

  • Klickitat County

In the county, for a tiny home on wheels to serve as a permanent residence, it has to be in a mobile home park, have utilities connected, and meet all other conditions required by the relevant RCW.

  • Seattle County

While the city permits tiny homes registered as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), it does not allow tiny houses on wheels (THOWs).

  • King County

Park models or recreational vehicles (RVs) can only serve as temporary homes. RVs can be used for short-term "camping" stays for up to 60 days in a continuous period of 365 days.

What Are the Tiny Home Regulations in Washington?

The regulations on tiny homes mirror those of standard homes regarding safety. Approved tiny homes get a symbol that proves to the authorities they meet the state's standards. The regulations may vary depending on the type of tiny home, intended use, and location. Some of the core regulations comprise;

  • Plumbing: Tiny homes must meet the 2018 IRC minimum plumbing fixture clearance requirements. Plumbing work can only be done by state-certified plumbers.
  • Utility connections: To qualify for permanent residency, tiny homes must be connected to power, water, and sewage disposal. Owners need an L&I electrical permit to connect their houses to power.
  • Fire Safety Regulations: Fire safety is critical to ensuring the safety of tiny homes. Builders and manufacturers must adhere to fire codes that govern construction materials, smoke detectors, and egress requirements. For tiny homes built on foundations, standard residential fire codes apply. It may include (1) Installing fire sprinklers, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide alarms and (2) Using fire-resistant materials for roofing and sidings.
  • Property Tax: Tiny homes are not taxed in Washington since property taxes only apply to traditional dwellings. THOWs can be subject to personal property taxes imposed on mobile homes, though, as most states classify them as RVs if they have wheels.
  • Parking regulations: Parking regulations for tiny homes depend on their classification and zoning.  Some jurisdictions treat tiny homes on wheels as RVs, which may limit parking options outside of RV parks.
  • Community Regulations: Most tiny home communities have their own rules regarding aesthetics, maintenance, and use of common areas. Potential residents should acquaint themselves with these regulations before moving in.

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TINY HOME COMMUNITIES IN WASHINGTON

Here are some of the most common tiny home communities in Washington to consider. We ship tiny homes to and from these communities all year round. Speak to our experts for further guidance. 

  • LIHI Tiny House Villages (Seattle Area, True Hope Village, and Rosie's Village, and Camp Second Chance)
  • Bellingham Tiny Home Village
  • Olympia's Quixote Village
  • Snohomish County Tiny House Initiatives
  • Tacoma Tiny Homes (Stability Site Tiny Home Village)
  • Community-Driven Tiny Home Projects

WHERE CAN I BUY A TINY HOME IN WASHINGTON?

If you’re planning on investing in a tiny home in Washingyon, here are some manufacturers to look at. Don’t hesitate to contact us for safe and timely delivery of your tiny home.

  • Zyl Vardos (Olympia)
  • Handcrafted Movement (Battle Ground)
  • Tiny Mountain Houses (Tumwater)
  • Seattle Tiny Homes (Woodinville)
  • Carriage Houses Northwest (Marysville)
  • West Coast Homes (Everett)
  • Cascade Tiny Homes (Bellingham) 
Shipping a Tiny Home.
Transporting a Tiny Home.
Transporting a Tiny Home.

RELIABLE TINY HOME MOVING SERVICES IN WASHINGTON

Nationwide Transport Services' personalized tiny home shipping solutions cater to homes of all shapes and sizes. Whether moving to a new location or heading for a camping trip, we have you covered. It is essential to visit the offices of the relevant authorities first to acquire the necessary permit before your home gets delivered. To legally reside in your tiny home, you must get it inspected for compliance with various state regulations. Contact us today to book our services and get a free quote. Our team will guide you and answer any queries regarding the shipment of tiny homes in Washington.