Tiny Homes & RVs, plus some suggestions
Posted: Wed Oct 25, 2023 5:03 pm
On behalf of CM Pool
Colleagues,
My thanks to Planning and DSD staff for the information provided in today’s memo on RVs, and the work they are accomplishing to allow Tiny Homes to be more easily permitted and installed as full-time dwelling units.
Memo: http://assets.austintexas.gov/austincou ... 164405.pdf
I support the approach that staff is taking here and recognize that there are several barriers to considering the “vehicular”-type recreational vehicles as dwelling units, not the least of which is the different standard under which they are constructed for temporary use.
For now, I believe we need to focus on facilitating more Tiny Homes to be accessible for more people and leave the question of RVs off the table.
Distinct from RVs, I agree with staff’s recommendation for code changes to allow Tiny Homes – even ones that are delivered on a chassis (on wheels) – to be full-time dwelling units, but only as long as they meet International Residential Code standards for public health and safety.
I ask that we support staff in their recommendations here.
There are two additional things I want to work with staff and experts to craft for HOME Phase 1:
1. I want to make sure we manage the size of any new homes on lots by suggesting a Floor-to-Area (FAR) limit as a size constraint. In my conversation with staff and experts, that limit could be .4 or .5 depending on how many homes are being constructed.
2. I have mentioned this before, but I am interested in crafting a meaningful preservation incentive that is accessible to homeowners. Existing homes have inherent value and keeping those materials out of the landfill is environmentally sustainable.
During tomorrow’s public hearing, I will be listening for suggestions and solutions on how to achieve more options for homeowners who need them, and how to welcome more middle-income families and individuals into our neighborhoods.
Looking forward to the meeting tomorrow.
Leslie
Colleagues,
My thanks to Planning and DSD staff for the information provided in today’s memo on RVs, and the work they are accomplishing to allow Tiny Homes to be more easily permitted and installed as full-time dwelling units.
Memo: http://assets.austintexas.gov/austincou ... 164405.pdf
I support the approach that staff is taking here and recognize that there are several barriers to considering the “vehicular”-type recreational vehicles as dwelling units, not the least of which is the different standard under which they are constructed for temporary use.
For now, I believe we need to focus on facilitating more Tiny Homes to be accessible for more people and leave the question of RVs off the table.
Distinct from RVs, I agree with staff’s recommendation for code changes to allow Tiny Homes – even ones that are delivered on a chassis (on wheels) – to be full-time dwelling units, but only as long as they meet International Residential Code standards for public health and safety.
I ask that we support staff in their recommendations here.
There are two additional things I want to work with staff and experts to craft for HOME Phase 1:
1. I want to make sure we manage the size of any new homes on lots by suggesting a Floor-to-Area (FAR) limit as a size constraint. In my conversation with staff and experts, that limit could be .4 or .5 depending on how many homes are being constructed.
2. I have mentioned this before, but I am interested in crafting a meaningful preservation incentive that is accessible to homeowners. Existing homes have inherent value and keeping those materials out of the landfill is environmentally sustainable.
During tomorrow’s public hearing, I will be listening for suggestions and solutions on how to achieve more options for homeowners who need them, and how to welcome more middle-income families and individuals into our neighborhoods.
Looking forward to the meeting tomorrow.
Leslie