Building a tiny home in Colorado is usually quite small, ranging from 100 to 400 square feet, and they’ve become really popular in this area.
Recent changes in regulations now allow for their construction within neighborhoods, provided they’re on a solid foundation rather than wheels.
In Colorado, any dwelling under 1,000 square feet is classified as a tiny house. Want to know about the costs? In places like Colorado Springs, expect to pay between $200 and $400 per square foot.
Building a tiny home in Colorado is about keeping things simple and eco-friendly, while enjoying the peace of nature that surrounds you.
Tiny House Communities in Colorado
Living in tiny house communities in Colorado is a great chance to join a friendly neighborhood in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Enjoy a simple, eco-friendly lifestyle surrounded by nature and nice neighbors, helping the environment and embracing community living in stunning Colorado.
Hermosa Orchards Village
Hermosa Orchards Village is a community in Durango, Colorado, nestled in the stunning Animas River Valley on seven acres of land. It features twenty-two areas where you can lease small houses and park models under 400 square feet.
This community is designed for people who enjoy outdoor living and being part of a close-knit community. Each lot ranges from 3600 to over 6000 square feet, offering plenty of space for outdoor living areas, decks, gardens, storage sheds, and other amenities to enhance your home’s surroundings.
Peak View Park
It is Located near Pikes Peak in Woodland Park, Colorado, Peak View Park provides stunning views all year round for those living in RVs and Park Model Tiny Homes.
Emphasizing long-term stays, the park offers a mountain escape with outdoor recreation, easy reach to Colorado Springs, and nearby medical services.
Colorado’s Tiny House Laws
In many states across the U.S., most cities in Colorado don’t have specific laws for building tiny homes. Instead, they use the rules already set for similar structures. For example, in Aurora, a tiny house is seen as a single-family home. It must be built on a lot like those for mobile homes and follow all city codes.
This means the house needs to be connected to the city’s water and sewage systems, which is called living on the grid. Living off the grid in Colorado means owning a piece of land.
In other cities, like Lakewood, tiny houses are often treated like RVs, especially if they’re on wheels. In Lakewood, a tiny house is usually only allowed as a temporary living space. For something more permanent, it needs to be built on a foundation and follow city codes similar to those in Aurora.
To find out what the zoning and construction laws are in your city for building a tiny home in Colorado, you should contact local officials. As tiny houses become more popular, cities are updating their regulations to be more flexible with building requirements, but this will take time. Once you know the laws in your city, you can decide whether or not you’d like to build there.
4 Places to Building a Tiny House in Colorado
If you’re not sure where to start building a tiny home in Colorado, look for places with flexible rules. This is especially important if you’ll live in it full-time. Here are some good cities and counties in Colorado where you can start building your tiny home:
1: El Paso County
Small houses on wheels are usually seen as recreational vehicles that people can’t live in full time. The rules about how long you can stay in one vary depending on where you are, ranging from 2 weeks to 180 days per year.
El Paso County in Colorado was one of the first places to change this. They now classify tiny houses differently, allowing people to live in them all year round as long as they follow certain rules about where they’re built or parked and pass inspections.
2: Walensburg
In Walensburg, a small town in southern Colorado with around 3,000 people, zoning laws were changed in 2014.
Now, residents can build tiny homes on residential lots, but they have to be built on a foundation, so no tiny houses on wheels are allowed.
However, if you own land, that’s probably what you’d want to do anyway. Also, you’ll need to connect your home to the town’s sewage and water lines, which usually makes living in these tiny homes more convenient than other options.
3: Salida
In the middle of Colorado, there’s a place called River View at Cleora in Salida. It’s a small place where people live. It’s surrounded by big mountains called the Rockies. River View isn’t just about small houses.
It’s famous because it’s close to really fun places to go rafting and skiing. They also have things like a shared kitchen, gym, places to store stuff, and people who take care of things. It’s kind of like retirement communities where older people live.
4: Park County
Park County offers opportunities for people interested in living in or building tiny houses. Similar to El Paso County, recent changes in state laws have helped make this possible. However, potential residents should be aware of high building costs, challenges with roads and utilities, and county rules.
Even though Park County supports tiny house living, it’s important to contact local planning departments and non-profit organizations to understand specific requirements, rules, and available support for tiny living enthusiasts.
The growing interest in tiny house rules and regulations in Oregon is a good sign for the future growth and acceptance of tiny living.
Tips For Building a Tiny Home in Colorado
When you’re getting ready to build your tiny home in Colorado, there are a few important things you need to do first:
- Decide if you want your tiny house to stay in one place or be able to move.
- Find a good spot for it.
- Ensure that you obtain all the necessary permits.
- Learn about the rules and laws for building in that area.
- Figure out how you’ll get electricity.
- Make a list of all the materials you’ll need to build your tiny house.
Thinking about building a tiny home in Colorado. Now that you know the first steps, you’re all set to begin. In today’s tough housing market, especially for those just starting out or looking to retire, finding an affordable home can be difficult.
However, choosing to build a tiny home offers not only a practical solution but also promotes energy efficiency and a simpler lifestyle.
Building a Tiny Home in Colorado Cost
The price of building a tiny house in Colorado can vary based on different factors. It depends on whether the house is mobile or on a foundation, with costs typically ranging from $37,000 to $125,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Put A Tiny House In Colorado?
In parts of Colorado like Park County, El Paso County, and Delta County, you can build tiny houses. However, each county has its own rules and zoning requirements for tiny houses. Before you start building or buying a tiny house in these areas, it’s important to research and understand these rules.
What Counties In Colorado Allow Tiny Homes?
Some cities and towns in Colorado have made tiny home living legal, including El Paso and Park counties, Durango, Leadville, Lyons, and Woodland Park.
Can You Put A Tiny Home On Your Property?
In certain states, tiny homes are seen as unauthorized constructions, while others have specific rules for labeling or categorizing your tiny house. Make sure to check national, state, and local regulations, as well as county zoning rules, to understand the zoning limitations for tiny houses.
Where Can You Build A Tiny House In Colorado?
Several counties in Colorado, like Park, El Paso, and Delta, allow tiny houses. Each county has specific regulations for tiny house construction, so research these rules before building or buying in these areas.
Are Tiny Homes Legal In Colorado?
Yes, you can make a tiny house your permanent residence in Colorado. The Tiny House movement in Colorado has grown due to House Bill 22 – 1242 (effective July 1, 2023), allowing factory-built homes of around 400 square feet or less to be used as permanent residences in neighborhoods.
How Much Does It Cost To Build A Tiny House In Colorado?
In Colorado Springs, tiny homes generally range from $200 to $400 per square foot in cost. For example, Tumbleweed sells its 161-square-foot “Elm” model for $66,000, which comes out to around $410 per square foot.
Are Tiny Homes Allowed In Colorado?
Yes, you can live permanently in a tiny house in Colorado.
