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The core difference between an ADU and a tiny house is not its size but its legal classification and foundation. An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a permanent real estate asset built on a foundation, legally tied to your property and designed to build equity. A mobile tiny house, or THOW, is considered personal property, like an RV, offering a flexible lifestyle but typically depreciating in value. The Foundational Misconception: You're Comparing a Legal Term to a Marketing

Yes, tiny houses are broadly legal in San Diego, but their legality is highly dependent on where your property is located and how the home is built. The rules differ significantly between the City of San Diego, which primarily treats them as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and unincorporated San Diego County, which has its own specific ordinances. The most critical factor determining the regulations, permit process, and legal use of your tiny home is whether it's built on a