The smallest house you can build in North Carolina for a single occupant is 150 square feet. This minimum total square footage is governed by state building codes that outline requirements for habitable dwellings, including tiny homes.
North Carolina Building Code Minimums for Dwellings
North Carolina's state building codes establish specific size requirements to ensure residential structures, including compact living spaces, are safe and habitable. These regulations dictate both the overall footprint of a home and the minimum dimensions for individual rooms within it.
For a dwelling designed for a single occupant, the total minimum area required is 150 square feet. This ensures adequate space for essential living functions.
When a home is intended for multiple occupants, the total minimum square footage increases. An additional 100 square feet is required for each occupant beyond the first. For example, a home for two occupants would need to be at least 250 square feet.
Furthermore, any habitable room within the dwelling must contain at least 70 square feet per applicant. This means that while the total home size varies by the number of residents, the individual living spaces must also meet a minimum standard to be considered habitable. For instance, if a couple shares one large living/sleeping area, that single room would need to be at least 140 square feet to meet the "70 square feet per applicant" rule for two people.
Here's a breakdown of minimum total square footage based on the number of occupants:
| Number of Occupants | Minimum Total Square Feet |
|---|---|
| 1 | 150 sq ft |
| 2 | 250 sq ft |
| 3 | 350 sq ft |
| 4 | 450 sq ft |
Key Considerations for Small Home Design
Building a small home in North Carolina within these guidelines requires careful planning and efficient design. Adhering to these minimums while creating a functional and comfortable living space involves several considerations:
- Space Optimization: Innovative designs, such as multi-functional furniture, vertical storage solutions, and open-concept layouts, become crucial to maximize every square foot within the limited space.
- Habitable Room Compliance: Ensure that any room intended for living, sleeping, eating, or cooking meets the minimum 70 square feet per occupant requirement. This might involve designing one primary multi-purpose room or several smaller, dedicated habitable spaces.
- Essential Facilities: Beyond the habitable room requirements, the design must also incorporate necessary areas for a bathroom (toilet, sink, shower/tub) and a kitchen/kitchenette. While these spaces do not count towards the "habitable room" minimum, they are vital for a complete dwelling.
- Local Zoning and Permitting: Always verify local zoning ordinances and permitting requirements, as these can vary by county or municipality and may impose additional restrictions or specific processes for very small or tiny homes. State building codes provide the foundational minimums, but local regulations can add layers of complexity.
