Homes are getting bigger, more expensive, and harder to buy. Tiny homes are emerging as a way for renters to finally achieve homeownership at an affordable price.
Curbed reports that advocates, cities, and local governments are dealing with opportunities and challenges with the tiny homes, defined as dwellings that are 500 square feet or smaller.
Cities, though, are struggling to classify the homes. If they have wheels, then they can be considered a recreational vehicle. Even if they are on a foundation they could technically be an accessory dwelling unit.
Since they’re usually portable, small, and don’t always have the same certifications as traditional housing, they create a mess when it comes to zoning rules and building codes. Most building codes accept any buildings over 70 square feet, but zoning codes in many areas prohibit anything smaller than 1,000 square feet.
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