How small is too small?

[unclebilly]

.66 ac is too small for a septic field and a well. You would need services (one or the other to make this work)… or haul water and / or septic…

I could never go that small again. We have 450X that much land… I don’t think I could stand less than 20 acres.

[908/930]

Nice view. Once you figure out what you can build, have you considered a prefab house, take a look if there are any company's around you. I have the same experience with contractors out here, gave up trying to find any very early in this project, just do it myself but it added lots of time. Just the electrical took months.

[Henry Schmidt]

All good information.
I tried calling code enforcement and got perpetual hold, 3 times.
I get in the car and drive by and they should be able to answer all my questions.
The minimum size I was looking for was just a starting point. The access road and pad has a preliminary grade and now I need to start to get serious.

[Rusty Heap]

Here's my house and shop peeking out of the woods.........my neighbors have still complained about my stereo being too loud.

[Zeke]

Most 'tiny' houses are not considered permanent. I think your inquiries should include what you can have there before you design.

Also, looking up the preferred definition of a ADU is "accessory dwelling unit." This infers that there is a primary residence. So I think that terminology does not fit here.

[stevej37]

Don't know...I have the opposite problem.

[Henry Schmidt]

Originally Posted by Zeke

Most 'tiny' houses are not considered permanent. I think your inquiries should include what you can have there before you design.

Also, looking up the preferred definition of a ADU is "accessory dwelling unit." This infers that there is a primary residence. So I think that terminology does not fit here.

I understand the difference between SFD (single family dwelling) and ADU. I used ADU simply as a reference to pre-approved plans. There is value in working with plans the county will approve without drama. My feeling is that plans/blue prints for an ADU are no more laxed than those for a SFD.
The question is basically, "what is the minimum size for a primary residence in unincorporated San Diego county". In my research I was unable to find the answer.
The generally consensus is 750-1000 sq/ft. I was looking for a definitive answer.
As for your "what you can have" statement: the purpose of this thread is exactly that.

[Cairo94507]

Where we are, Auburn, CA, Placer County, ADU's have much less in fees and permits required to build. Additionally, the County is required to approve those plans within 12 months- so the whole process is cheaper and quicker. However, we have a minimum residence size requirement on a lot of 2,400 sq. ft. for a primary residence before they will consider an ADU on a property.

All that aside, I think 800 sq. ft. is perfectly livable for a couple. I would make all 800 sq. ft. as living space and have unconditioned space for laundry, pantry, and a mechanical room for typical HVAC, water heater, etc.

[Henry Schmidt]

Originally Posted by Cairo94507

Where we are, Auburn, CA, Placer County, ADU's have much less in fees and permits required to build. Additionally, the County is required to approve those plans within 12 months- so the whole process is cheaper and quicker. However, we have a minimum residence size requirement on a lot of 2,400 sq. ft. for a primary residence before they will consider an ADU on a property.

All that aside, I think 800 sq. ft. is perfectly livable for a couple. I would make all 800 sq. ft. as living space and have unconditioned space for laundry, pantry, and a mechanical room for typical HVAC, water heater, etc.

Thank you
I'm leaning towards this design. 676 sq/ft. The design suits the property. The only changes I would make would be to switch the bath with the bedroom. That keeps all the plumbing on one wall.

[Zeke]

Also a walk in closet is less efficient than a reach in. I'm not sure how I would achieve that in the design, but the lack of door to the bathroom would have to be changed for me. That upsets the laundry and so it goes. So I give that plan a 5 out of 10.

However, your thought on the plumbing makes a lot of sense which casts doubt on the design as a whole.

Sorry, I can't help on the minimum size. But there is a lot of information in the IRC. Min bedroom and bath sizes, fenestration and egress requirements that tend to add up.

[Henry Schmidt]

Originally Posted by Zeke

Also a walk in closet is less efficient than a reach in. I'm not sure how I would achieve that in the design, but the lack of door to the bathroom would have to be changed for me. That upsets the laundry and so it goes. So I give that plan a 5 out of 10.

However, your thought on the plumbing makes a lot of sense which casts doubt on the design as a whole.

Sorry, I can't help on the minimum size. But there is a lot of information in the IRC. Min bedroom and bath sizes, fenestration and egress requirements that tend to add up.

Crude but you get the point. All the plumbing on one wall, I bet we could even find a way to add a bathroom door.

[Zeke]

That's a nice sized bedroom but a little cramped living space. By the time you add for TV and entertainment there will hardly be room for a couch.

Just general taste won't let me hang a TV over a fireplace. It's just a thing, that's all. In this case there aren't many other options.

The best thing about a small house is small utility bills.

[Henry Schmidt]

Originally Posted by Zeke

That's a nice sized bedroom but a little cramped living space. By the time you add for TV and entertainment there will hardly be room for a couch.

Just general taste won't let me hang a TV over a fireplace. It's just a thing, that's all. In this case there aren't many other options.

The best thing about a small house is small utility bills.

I was thinking a smaller bedroom would increase the living room area.
Less space can mean less clutter and studies have shown, clutter creates anxiety.
I'm done collect crap. Plus this property already has a 1500 sq/ft ag building.

[Zeke]

^^^Sounds good. And a 1500 sq ft outbuilding. What could be better?

[Flatbutt1]

Originally Posted by Henry Schmidt

Thank you
I'm leaning towards this design. 676 sq/ft. The design suits the property. The only changes I would make would be to switch the bath with the bedroom. That keeps all the plumbing on one wall.

This is considered a tiny house?

[Henry Schmidt]

Originally Posted by Zeke

^^^Sounds good. And a 1500 sq ft outbuilding. What could be better?

What's in the outbuilding.....?

[Henry Schmidt]

Originally Posted by Flatbutt1

This is considered a tiny house?

No, it's just a concept for a small house.
Tiny house was never on my radar.

[unclebilly]

I like that house design. I would consider a way to make a bathroom entry where the closet is from the general space so guests dont have to go through your bedroom to go pee. Also a sliding barn door resolves the bathroom door issue on the bedroom.

[Captain Ahab Jr]

Henry, not sure this is of any interest/help to you as my house is in Slovenia.

Plot size is 0.04acre/165m2 with garden and parking for 1 car

House is 3 story, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1 living room, 1 kitchen, 1 garage with small man cave sitting on a 550ft2/51m2 footprint

Not sure if it meets 'tiny house' criteria but to me it never feels too small as the stunning outside views makes it feel very spacious

[Henry Schmidt]

Originally Posted by unclebilly

I like that house design. I would consider a way to make a bathroom entry where the closet is from the general space so guests dont have to go through your bedroom to go pee. Also a sliding barn door resolves the bathroom door issue on the bedroom.

Thanks for the input. The floor plan was only offered as a generic size and room location. Cabinet, closet, doors and windows need specific consideration.

Three story is not an option but it would offer a view cool view. Single story is preferred and "tiny house" is not on my radar. "How small" was simply a reference to minimum primary residence code requirements.
I still don't have a definitive answer.