Confused? Can’t figure out What’s what?

Sept 3rd, 2024

Are you thinking of simplifying your lifestyle? Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. Have you been exploring compact and attainable living options?

You have probably come across terms like tiny homes, park model RVs, and manufactured homes. When considering all the options, it can be overwhelming. And while they share similarities, they also have distinct and important differences. Let us help you clear up the confusion. Here are the different types of homes and information about building codes and certifications:

Tiny Homes, Park Model RVs, Manufactured Homes, & RVs explained.

TINY HOMES ON WHEELS (THOW)

Tiny Homes on Wheels parked at Sea Breeze Community.

Tiny homes are typically custom-built and designed to be as small as possible, often under 200 square feet. They prioritize efficiency and minimalism, focusing on essential living spaces.

They are usually characterized by their unique designs, eco-friendliness, and emphasis on a minimalist lifestyle.

Key Features:

• No larger than 400 sq ft, but size varies

• Custom-built or prefabricated

• Designed for mobility with wheels, they must be towable by a bumper hitch, frame-towing hitch, or fifth-wheel connection and are not designed to move under their own power 

• Can fall under several different building codes and certifications

PARK MODEL RVs

Park Model RV at Sea Breeze Community.

Park model RVs, or park trailers, are recreational vehicles for extended stays in RV parks or campgrounds. They are built on a chassis and equipped with wheels for mobility. They offer amenities like kitchens, bathrooms, and sleeping areas, making them suitable for year-round living.

Key Features:

• 16-40 feet in length, and when set up, PMRVs cannot exceed 400 square feet in gross area

• It must be built on a single chassis and mounted on wheels. They can be wider than 8'6" but must still be transportable on the road

• The factory or builder must meet certain legal requirements to be approved by the Washington State Department of Licensing and Insurance (L&I) (see code requirements below)

MANUFACTURED HOMES

Manufactured Home, contemporary single-wide monoslope

Newer HUD-Manufactured homes, formerly known as mobile homes, are factory-built homes that are transported to a site and can be placed on a permanent or pier foundation.

They are typically larger than tiny homes and park model RVs and often resemble traditional site-built homes. Manufactured homes are subject to federal regulations and building codes, ensuring quality, energy efficiency and safety.

Key Features: 

• Usually larger than traditional tiny home (THOW) or park-model RV (PMRV) homes, starting at 480 square feet

• Factory-built and transported to the site

• Can come in single or multiple sections

• Subject to federal building codes (see code requirements below), manufactured homes in Washington State are subject to many legal requirements, including installation, permits, anchoring, and skirting.

RVs

Recreational Vehicles

Living in an RV statewide is possible, but you must be aware of many zoning restrictions. State regulations stipulate that you can live in a licensed RV in one place for a maximum of 180 days. But we have great news for you! Sea Breeze Community is an exception and offers long-term, year-round RV parking!

Key Features: 

• Able to move on its own or towed

• An "RV certificate" is an inspection document that states a vehicle conforms to NFPA 1192 safety standards is required. (see code requirements below)
  

THOW, Park Model RV, Manufactured Home, and RV Building Codes/Certification

Certifications and building codes ensure the dwelling complies with particular fire and safety codes, which are essential for the well-being of all residents.

RVs, THOWs, Park Models, and Manufactured Homes should be built to one of the following:

building codes

• ANSI A119.5 - nationally recognized standard that defines the building codes for Recreational Park Model RV’s.

• NFPA 1192 - This standard establishes fire and life safety criteria for Recreational Vehicles to protect people from loss of life from fire and explosion.

• HUD - National standards that include requirements for manufactured home's construction, fire safety, energy efficiency, and more.

Or, they could be certified in one of the following ways:

CERTIFICATIONS

• Washington State L&I 

• RVIA (Recreational Vehicle Industry Association) - RVIA sets and enforces standards for the RV industry. RVIA certification means that a recreational vehicle (RV) meets specific safety and quality standards for construction, electrical, plumbing, heating, and fire safety.

• NOAH (National Organization of Alternative Housing) - NOAH is a prestigious accreditation that ensures your tiny home is built to the highest safety, quality, and sustainability standards.

• PWA (Pacific West & Associates) - PWA is a third-party inspection and certification agency that provides certification labels for RVs, Park Model RVs, and other products. PWA's certification labels state that a product is manufactured according to applicable codes and standards. States and national jurisdictions recognize PWA's credentials.

• ICC NTA is a third-party certification program for building product manufacturers, including testing, inspection, and certification programs.

We hope this helps clear up any confusion you might have had. If you want more specific answers to your questions about tiny home living in our community, you can find them on our FAQ page.