Tiny Homes
A definition for Tiny Homes is provided in the Tiny Homes: An Alternative to Conventional Housing publication by the BC Housing Research Centre:
In this report, we define a tiny house as: a ground-oriented permanent dwelling that is detached, moveable and non-motorized, small in size (less than 500 square feet) and using a compact design.
Source: Tiny Homes – An Alternative to Conventional Housing
Tiny Homes are permitted in the RDN through regulations in two zoning bylaws:
1. RDN Zoning Bylaw 2500 for Electoral Areas A, C, E, G, and H; and
2. RDN Electoral Area ‘F’ Zoning Bylaw 1285
Tiny homes are a permitted use under Zoning Bylaws 2500 and 1285 if certified to the CSA Z240 MH or CSA A277 standard and approved through a building permit (under the BCBC). Additionally, the foundation for a tiny home must meet the BCBC and may be either an anchorage system, traditional poured concrete foundation or an alternative foundation, such as a helical screw pile foundation (see Attachment 1, Helical Screw Pile Foundation). Therefore, tiny homes are allowed in the RDN, where zoning permits, under the following land use categories:
- Detached principal dwelling unit;
- Detached secondary suite; and
- Manufactured home in a manufactured home park
Additional Planning and Building links:
RDN policy documents, including OCPs and the Regional Growth Strategy: Planning Bylaws and Policies | RDN
RDN Building Permit application and related information: Applying for a Building Permit | RDN
Tiny Homes Staff Report – October 2025
The following staff report and attachments were presented at the October 2, 2025, Special EASC meeting and the report links and following resolutions are provided below:
October 2, 2025 Special EASC tiny homes report and attachments:
- Update on Allowing Tiny Homes in Electoral Areas.pdf
- Attachment 1 - Helical Screw Pile Foundations.pdf
- Attachment 2 - Board Resolution on Tiny Homes and RV Living.pdf
- Attachment 3 - Tiny Homes for Sale in BC.pdf
- Attachment 4 - Manufactured Home Park Locations.pdf
Motion from October 2, 2025 EASC meeting:
It was moved and seconded that staff be authorized to proceed with the recommended next steps outlined in this report titled “Update on Allowing Tiny Homes in Electoral Areas” dated October 2, 2025, with the amended recommendation for #3 that reads "It is recommended that staff be directed to draft a resolution for Board approval that will be sent to the BC Premier and the Minister of Housing & Municipal Affairs regarding the need for financial incentives to support existing and future property owners create more rental housing units in the form of tiny homes or small scale manufactured homes as dwellings or detached secondary suites".
CARRIED
Above motion was adopted on consent at the October 18, 2025, Regular Board Meeting.