All Yukon homes must meet building standards to keep occupants safe. This includes:
- large;
- small;
- seasonal or year-round homes on a foundation or wheels; and
- off-grid, or with full service.
Building a safe tiny home
Plan before you build
Email Building Safety and Standards at buildingsafety@yukon.ca or phone: 867-667-5741 if you’re planning to build your own:
- home;
- cabin; or
- non-traditional dwelling, such as
- a yurt;
- container home;
- tiny home; or
- tiny home on wheels.
Permits and inspections for tiny homes
Occupancy permits verify that building codes were followed and that permits and inspections were done:
- all electrical work was done by a certified electrician;
- oil-fired appliances and fuel oil tanks were installed by certified oil-burner mechanics; and
- work on gas-burning devices was done by licensed gas contractors.
Safety features required by law
These include:
- smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms;
- if the home has electricity, alarms must be hard-wired;
- an alternate escape route from a sleeping loft;
- a loft window or skylight must be large enough to get through and you might need an exterior ladder;
- railings to prevent falls from the loft or stairs;
- exhaust and venting systems to ensure air quality; and
- clearance and shielding around heating sources to prevent fire.
Buying a safe tiny home
If you're buying a non-traditional home, be sure the check the following.
- If the home is on wheels it needs to be road safe.
- Are the trailer and tire load ratings appropriate?
- Do you need a wide-load permit?
- The home meets wastewater and sewage-disposal requirements under Environmental Health.
- The home is allowed on the property:
- check local bylaws; and
- ask to see the development permit.
- That it's legal to live in the home, and ask for the occupancy permit.