All about Tiny Home Communities in Atlanta
Tiny home communities in Atlanta are becoming more and more common, and it’s no wonder. Simply put, tiny home neighborhoods create tight-knit communities, as well as promote minimalism, sustainability, and meaningful relationships. Furthermore, the compact size of tiny homes encourages outdoor living and communal activities.
In other words, tiny home neighborhoods offer more than just housing.
Join us for a close look at tiny home communities in Atlanta, as well as their benefits and social aspects. Plus, learn where to find the most popular tiny home communities in Atlanta.
Reasons to Love Tiny Home Communities in Atlanta
There’s more than one advantage to living in tiny home communities in Atlanta.
Cost-Effective: Tiny homes are affordable, plain and simple. Additionally, they’re ideal for first-time buyers, retirees, and those looking to reduce living expenses.
Green: Many tiny home communities in Atlanta exercise sustainability practices with eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems.
Community-Oriented: Shared spaces and events lend themselves to community spirit and social interactions.
Adaptable: Tiny homes offer flexible living arrangements that allow residents to adjust their homes easily to meet changing needs.
Are Tiny Home Communities in Atlanta Legal?
The answer is yes—with an “if.”
Municipal zoning regulations regulate tiny home communities in Atlanta, as well as all residences and recreational vehicles. While these laws vary by jurisdiction, they typically cover land use, location, height, width, foundation type, number of floors, and minimum lot and building sizes. Thus, getting approval from the local government to place a small house is crucial.
In Georgia, tiny homes are regulated at the local level, with each town and city deciding whether to permit them. Generally, most municipalities across the state allow tiny home communities if they meet local laws and are not explicitly prohibited.
Tiny home communities are common in Atlanta and other Georgia counties including Savannah, Macon, Albany, and Columbus. Be that as it may, restrictions still differ by city and county.
Compliance for Tiny Home Communities in Atlanta
Naturally, tiny home communities in Atlanta must follow specific state building codes. A tiny house in Georgia should have the following:
Minimum land area: 320 square feet
Minimum interior size: 120 square feet
At least one liveable room with a window and closet that open
Minimum ceiling height of 6’8”
Non-sleeping rooms: at least 70 square feet
Safety and functionality criteria include carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, plumbing, emergency exits, lighting, and ventilation.
Efficiency Dwelling Unit (EDU)
Of course, for those interested in smaller living spaces, an Efficiency Dwelling Unit (EDU) might suit your needs. Each additional occupant beyond two requires an extra 100 square feet of space. The living room must be at least 220 square feet. Specifically, an EDU must have these items:
An independent closet
Refrigeration and cooking appliances
Types of Tiny Home Communities in Atlanta
According to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), tiny homes are single-family residences that are 400 square feet or smaller, excluding loft spaces. They classify tiny homes into four types:
Recreational vehicles
Residential industrialized (modular) buildings
Manufactured (mobile) homes
Site-built dwellings
Tiny home communities in Atlanta must meet specific requirements for carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, emergency exits, lighting, plumbing, and ventilation.
Recreational Vehicles
Recreational vehicles (RVs) such as motor homes, travel trailers, truck campers, or camping trailers are designed for recreational or emergency human habitation. Thus, RVs must adhere to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A119.2 Standard on Recreational Vehicles and are meant for recreational or seasonal use only.
Tiny homes built on a utility trailer chassis with wheels are often called Tiny Homes on Wheels (THOWs). As wheeled vehicles, they are mobile-ready and don’t fall under state building codes. Consequently, THOWs are usually classified as RVs or park models.
However, it’s worth noting that THOWs have different rules compared to stationary tiny home communities in Atlanta. Here are the main requirements for THOWs in Georgia:
THOWs should look like regular living spaces.
The floor area should not go over 400 square feet.
RVs and other mobile homes must be licensed and regulated by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and the relevant county vehicle licensing office.
THOWs need to have essential accommodations for cooking, sleeping, and personal hygiene areas.
They must meet the standards set by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association and the Georgia Department of Transportation.
The underside of the THOW, including the wheels, should be skirted.
THOWs must be towed using a frame-towing hitch, fifth-wheel connection, or bumper hitch, as they can’t move independently.
Park models are vehicular-type units with a floor area of 400 square feet or less. These units are factory-built to meet the ANSI A119.5 Park Model Recreational Vehicle Standard and can be semi-permanently or permanently sited.
The siting of RVs, park models, and THOWs is governed by local planning and zoning ordinances. For title and licensing, GDOT regulates RVs as vehicles through your county vehicle licensing agency.
Modular Homes
Many tiny home communities in Atlanta consist of modular homes. A residential industrialized or modular building is a home unit that complies with the Georgia State Residential Code. These buildings are prefabricated in a factory and must be fixed to a permanent foundation. As a result, they adhere to the same code standards as traditional homes.
Notably, modular buildings may or may not have a metal chassis, but they must be attached to a stable foundation.
Each industrialized building undergoes a thorough inspection during construction in the factory by independent third-party agencies. Once completed, a DCA insignia certifies compliance with state codes.
Still, local governments have authority over the installation process on-site.
Manufactured (Mobile) Homes
Manufactured or mobile homes are built in a factory on a metal chassis following the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) federal code regulations. Unlike traditional homes, manufactured homes are exempt from local building codes.
Site-Built Dwellings
Site-built, sometimes referred to as stick-built, dwellings are residential structures constructed on the building site itself. Structures in these tiny home communities in Atlanta are usually erected on permanent foundations. Thus, they’re not designed for relocation.
Obviously, all site-built dwellings must comply with the current International Residential Code (IRC) for One and Two Family Dwellings and should be built by a state-licensed contractor. Moreover, tiny houses on permanent foundations, subject to local government approval, must also be constructed by state licensed contractors as mandated by law.
Top 5 Tiny Home Communities in Atlanta
As tiny houses gain popularity, the state offers a wider variety of options for individuals seeking a simple, more sustainable lifestyle. The top tiny home communities in Atlanta provide an exciting opportunity to fully embrace this growing trend. To that end, here is just a handful of the communities you can discover:
Trilith
The Trilith micro-home community south of Atlanta is situated near Trilith Studios. It’s renowned as a filming location for Marvel movies.
Trilith offers diverse home styles and is one of our favorite tiny home communities in Atlanta. Comprising six houses, Trilith strikes a balance between privacy and community living. Residents enjoy shared facilities like a neighborhood fire pit, common pathways, and a communal "Burrow" made from a repurposed shipping container, ideal for grilling and social gatherings. These amenities promote a tight-knit community atmosphere while respecting individual privacy.
The Cottages on Vaughn
You’ll find The Cottages on Vaughan nestled in Clarkston county. This tiny home community in Atlanta comprises eight cottages ranging from 250 to 550 square feet. Shared amenities and welcoming front porches foster social interaction and a feeling of togetherness. These homes, priced between $119,000 and $200,000, include fully-equipped kitchens, bathrooms, and necessary facilities. The community incorporates eco-friendly elements such as regenerative landscaping and solar panels to promote sustainable living practices.
Little River Escape
Little River Escape is a distinctive 50-acre community designed for tiny house enthusiasts in Menlo, Georgia's scenic mountains. Residents can relish beautiful natural surroundings with waterfalls and mountain views.
This tiny home community in Atlanta provides attractive amenities like a neighborhood pool and fun events, creating a pulsing and familial atmosphere. Starting at $61,950, this price includes a tiny house and 30,000 square feet of land. Also, residents have the option of pre-built designs or building their dream tiny home.
Serenbe
Serenbe Community located about 30 minutes southwest of Atlanta, is still primarily made up of larger homes but is now gaining interest in incorporating tiny homes. By emphasizing sustainability, wellness, and community, Serenbe shows promise to be among the top five tiny home communities in Atlanta.
Loving Tiny Home Communities in Atlanta
Tiny home communities in Atlanta offer a unique and beneficial living experience. From cost-effective housing options to promoting sustainability and creating strong community ties, there are countless reasons to love these compact neighborhoods. Not only do they provide a sense of belonging and a break from consumerism, but they also allow for adaptable living arrangements that cater to changing needs.