Is it Legal to Live in a Trailer or RV in My Backyard

It seems simple. You own the property, so why shouldn’t you be able to live in a trailer or RV in your own backyard?

Many San Diego homeowners consider this when they need extra living space for family or want a more affordable housing solution. Unfortunately, local zoning laws often make it illegal.

First installment in the Strategic Real Estate Series | By Rachell Lara, San Diego Realtor specializing in practical strategies for building wealth through real estate.

On this page: Adding Living Space · Understanding Property Rules · When Trailer Living is Permitted · Building Permanent Solutions

Adding Living Space to Your Property

Living in San Diego has never been cheap, and lately, many families are getting creative just to make the numbers work. Multigenerational living is becoming more common as aging parents move in with their children. Adult kids who left the nest are coming back because saving for a down payment feels nearly impossible. Others are simply trying to stretch their housing budget while the cost of everything—from groceries to utilities—keeps rising.

In response, many homeowners start looking at the space they already have. Maybe you have room on your property for a travel trailer or RV. Maybe you’re thinking about renting out the main house and living part-time in a trailer to offset the mortgage. Or perhaps you want to create a little independence for a family member by setting up a trailer in the backyard.

On the surface, it seems simple. After all, it’s your property. Why shouldn’t you be able to live in your own trailer on your own land? The reality is that in most of San Diego County, living in a trailer, RV, or travel trailer on residential property is not legal, even if the vehicle itself is legally registered and parked on your land.

This surprises many property owners. The rules governing how land can be used are layered and often confusing, involving city ordinances, county zoning regulations, and sometimes private HOA restrictions. Understanding how these rules work—and the limited situations where trailers may be allowed temporarily—can save homeowners from fines, code enforcement issues, and costly mistakes.

Understanding Property Rules

One of the reasons this topic is so confusing is that multiple layers of regulation control how property can be used. Even if something seems reasonable on your own land, local laws, ordinances, and rules may still prohibit it.

Do You Live in a City or an Unincorporated Area?

At the government level, you either live in San Diego or another city, or your area is unincorporated and you fall under San Diego County- now this isn't always obvious. For example, even if you live in El Cajon, your address, post office, and everything, doesn't mean you live inside the City lines of El Cajon. A large portion of El Cajon falls under County jurisdiction. Check the San Diego County Areas Served to see if your property is in the County or City.

Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions

On top of the governmental layer, there are the CCRs, Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions. Most people think of these as HOA rules, but the truth is, many developments have them even if they don't have an HOA, and they aren't limited to developments. They are often attached when someone splits a lot, so you could have CC&Rs on a very rural property.

In the case of living in a recreational vehicle, the CC&Rs are irrelevant since the City of San Diego and most cities in the County won't allow it, so it is never a consideration at the CC&Rs level. San Diego City is so strict about recreational vehicles that you need to get a permit if you are parking on the street, the Temporary Overnight Recreational Vehicle Permit (TORVP). TORVP Details Here: The County of San Diego does not allow you to live in a trailer on a permanent basis, though there are a few exceptions to that rule.

When Trailer Living Is Permitted in San Diego County

While most cities and the County of San Diego do not allow people to live in RVs or travel trailers on residential property under any circumstances, the County of San Diego has a few specific and regulated exceptions.

Temporary Housing

These situations require an active building permit, must meet strict criteria, and are not intended for general long-term RV living.

1. Active Home Construction – Temporary use allowed with building permits and sanitation plans during construction or rebuilding.
2. Temporary Health Care Housing – requires medical documentation and renewal of permits. Temporary Health Care Trailer Details

Long-Term Trailer Solutions

Farm Employee Housing

Properties in agricultural zones can use trailers and park model trailers as Farm Employee Housing upon the issuance of an Administrative Permit. These accommodations must comply with zoning regulations and building standards and are intended to support legitimate agricultural use of the land.

Tiny Homes on Wheels (New 2025 Policy)

In late 2025, the County of San Diego introduced Tiny Homes on Wheels (THOWs) as a new housing option. After review, county planning officials determined that these structures can fit within the existing zoning ordinance in unincorporated areas of the county.

Tiny Homes on Wheels may potentially be used as a stand-alone residence or an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on an existing property. However, these are not the same as RVs or travel trailers. Tiny Homes on Wheels must meet strict construction and safety requirements, including being 1 story, under 430 square feet, and meeting other health and safety standards. A complete list of requirements can be found here.

How to Comply with Health & Safety Regulations

Even when a trailer or THOW is allowed under an exception, the property must still comply with sewer or septic connections, safe water supply, electrical service, and fire safety regulations. Improper sanitation or dumping waste can trigger code enforcement, fines, or other penalties.

Building a More Permanent Solution

Because city ordinances prohibit full-time trailer living and County exceptions are mostly temporary, the best long-term approach is to create a permitted living space on your property:

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

• Small secondary home on the same lot as a primary residence
• Maximum size ~1,200 sq ft, with a full kitchen and bathroom
• Requires building permits

Junior ADUs (JADUs)

• Small unit inside the main house, usually up to 500 sq ft
• Cost-effective for family or renters

Guest Quarters

• Detached small space for guests or employees (600 sq ft or less)
• Can't have kitchen facilities, wet bars, or laundry
• Can't be rented

Can I have a Tiny Home?

Tiny home in this situation is more semantics; you could build a tiny home as long as it complies with ADU/JADU permit requirements. You cannot have a mobile tiny home (THOW) in the City of San Diego as you can in the County of San Diego.

Important: Park model trailers or standard RVs cannot be converted into ADUs under County rules. Check the San Diego City ADU Guidelines or the San Diego County ADU Handbook.

From a practical perspective, guest quarters no longer make sense. They were once the only option for adding extra living space, but many homeowners eventually converted them to full kitchens so extended family could live comfortably. While you may save some money by not adding a kitchen, an ADU with its full amenities really is a better investment since it adds flexibility along with space. It can be rented out and will provide a more substantial increase in value when you go to sell.

Thinking About Adding Living Space to Your Property?

Living in a trailer, RV, or park model on your land in San Diego County is rarely permitted, and even temporary exceptions come with strict rules. Tiny Homes on Wheels, ADUs, and manufactured homes offer legal pathways, but each comes with its own zoning and infrastructure considerations.

Navigating these rules can be confusing. I guide clients through the planning and evaluation process so you know exactly what’s possible for your property and your family. Reach out today to discuss your goals and the practical steps to make them a reality.