Find out about tiny home safety in the Yukon

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.