Page 14 - The Tiny House Tactical Guide, 2018 Edition

CHAPTER 01 FREE THE TINY HOMES

THE “HAVE MORE” PARADOX those lucky enough to have the option.
The problem with ADU-centric ordinances is that they assist those Of course, nothing lasts forever, and short-term rentals are under
who already own a property —not would-be owners who purchase siege in many cities. Boston politicos have suggested banning Airbnb
or lease land, hoping to build small. Americans tend to think of rentals altogether. Portland, Maine, has limited the total number
themselves as class neutral, but housing policies such as these favor of short-term rental registrations to 300. In nearby South Portland,
the favored. That’s not to say the end result is undesirable. It allows pressure from NIMBY neighbors has just resulted in a list of onerous
families to put in a small house for aging parents, for example. On requirements that cut off short-term rentals at the knees. The list
the other hand, it won’t help a young couple stuck in an overpriced of restrictions includes banning the rental of camper vans, tents,
apartment move into home ownership. trailers and mobile homes.
And of course, because ADUs are frequently “add-on” structures, Why is this relevant? Because zoning at the local level is often
many owners are (understandably) inclined to use them as rental decided by mob rule, it can change rapidly and unfavorably for tiny
properties. (See “Case Study: A Florida Getaway”). In a time when house owners. This is one of many reasons, in our opinion, why tiny
middle-class incomes have flatlined, while costs of living keep rising, homes—even those on foundations—should retain their ability to
such rentals can provide relief. Estimates suggest, for example, that become mobile again. That way, if sea level rises, wildfire threatens,
Airbnb typically amounts to about a 14 percent income increase for or local zoning conditions become untenable, owners have the option

FIGHTING FOR FLEXIBILITY

A new tiny house classification that allows for both fixed and mobile use deserves support.

ASKED ALEX ONTIVEROS of Pacific West up and move around, as some people desire it with
Associates, Inc. (PWA) to comment on [It’s time] “to their THOWs. Transporting a 401-square-foot tiny
the idea of creating a new classification house may require movement permits or additional
be certified for BOTH RV applications create a new code licenses that not all TH owners may have, not to
for tiny homes that would allow them to
mention that transporting a 40’ long by 10’ wide
and fixed foundations. This concept, he (at best) unit would be a challenge for the average
says, has already been suggested to the that would address consumer.
I International Code Council (ICC). We have seen positive reception with RPTs as
Here’s Ontiveros on where the issue stands at the problems ADUs in Los Angeles, Fresno, Ojai, Jackson Hole
present: and other jurisdictions in Colorado. These are by
“We have been certifying RVs and RPTs for about that labeling a no means the only ones, but the most visible to
30 years under Pacific West Associates, Inc. (PWA) our knowledge.
so we took it as a parallel step to certify tiny homes THOW as an The idea of a flexible tiny home has also been
on wheels in either of those two categories for the brought up. Some of the challenges we see would
time being in the interest of safety and providing a RV brings up.” include building to a code inclusive enough to
nationally recognized building code for jurisdictions encompass most, if not all, building department
to look at when this type of unit comes in. requirements across the country. Securing units
We agree with the fact that RV certification and – Alex Ontiveros to a permanent foundation also has its own
grouping of these units together places restrictions inspections that would be required as the TH rolls in.
on them. Due to this, our parent company, PWA, has These challenges are the reason why we have
been engaged by the Tiny House Industry Association in committees to been engaged in the creation of a new code specific to tiny homes on
create a new code that would address the problems that labeling a THOW wheels. Currently, IRC and its Appendix Q attempt to cover tiny homes
as an RV brings up. As with any other code, this will be an extensive process. on foundations, but historically IRC has not covered anything on wheels.
The 400-square-foot restriction has been in place since about 1979, We don’t expect that they will for the time being.”
intended to keep the manufactured home industry separate from the For an example of some of the complicated wrangling going on behind
RV and RPT industries. the scenes as towns try to find a place for tiny homes, read this PDF from
While having a TH labeled as a Manufactured Home is certainly a a hired planning consultant working with the city of Lyons. Note, however,
solution for the issue of occupancy, it does present challenges that the this was penned before the new tiny house section was added to the IRC.
RV and RPT certifications do not. Manufactured Housing builders are
subject to 100 percent visual inspection of their production. This means Editor’s note: You heard it here first! Let’s get out there and give organizations
that either a third-party company or a state assigned inspector would such as the PWA some support. Write to the ICC, and let them know you think
have to have in-plant presence while each unit is being built. This can a new, flexible hybrid classification for tiny homes is essential for the next
drive the cost up significantly for the builder and ultimately the consumer. edition of the International Residential Code. They take proposals from anyone,
Another consideration of this size of unit would be the ability to pack and are required to consider all proposals. Contact them HERE.

14 THE TINY HOUSE TACTICAL GUIDE