Are Tiny Homes Illegal in Your Arizona Backyard?

The cost of buying a home in Arizona has jumped a lot since 2020. Right now, Zillow reports the average cost of a house in Arizona is around $422,446. 

It's no wonder young adults aren't buying homes these days. The rental market isn't looking much better. With the average rent hovering around $2,000 a month, affordable living seems to be a thing of the past.

Why Are Prices So High? Here's one reason: The Impact of the Migration from California to Arizona

What Are the Advantages of Owning a Tiny Home in Arizona?

A lot of Arizona residents are looking for alternative living solutions. Living life on a smaller scale is becoming a much more attractive option, which is why a lot of people are exploring the possibility of living in a tiny home.

Living in a tiny home has a lot of advantages. A lot of people are looking for a simplified lifestyle. Only buying the things you have both the space and a use for means mindful choices. It can mean a more sustainable way to live.

Less space means less cost. The average cost of a tiny home ranges from as low as $15,000 to $100,000, depending on the size and whether it is built by the owner or purchased as a custom-built home.

Plus, a lot of tiny homes are mobile, so you can move the home to a new location with new views.

A tiny home could also be an excellent option for an expanded family. If you're caring for aging parents or have adult children who have returned to the nest, building a tiny home on your property could be a "best of both worlds" option that accommodates everyone.

Read this: A tiny home also costs less to heat and cool. How Arizona Residents Can Save On Air Conditioning Costs

Is It Legal to Build a Tiny Home in Cochise County?

If you're thinking about purchasing a tiny home, you'll need somewhere to put it. There are zoning laws that could prevent you from putting your tiny home in some places, but the good news is that if you're in Cochise County, it's legal to build a tiny home in your backyard. But there are some important conditions to keep in mind.

Cochise County has adopted Appendix Q of the 2018 International Residential Code, which specifically addresses tiny homes. Cochise County classifies tiny homes as legal dwellings, but they have to meet certain requirements. For example, the minimum size for a tiny home in Cochise County is 296 square feet.

What are the Rules for Building a Tiny Home in Cochise County?

If you're planning to build under the Owner Builder Opt-Out Program, your property must be at least 4 acres and zoned to allow multiple buildings.

As you build a tiny home, the program will allow you to bypass some of the traditional building inspections. You'll still need permits for certain things, like septic systems, floodplain use, if necessary, and right-of-way access if your land borders a county-maintained road.

The good news is, while you don’t need full construction plan reviews under the opt-out program, there are a few inspections that are required to ensure you're building complies with health and safety standards.

So yes! You're allowed to build those tiny homes in Cochise County, as long as you're building it on the right size parcel of land and following the county’s guidelines. Be sure to check your zoning and permit requirements before you start.