Tiny houses rolling in!

SmartShare Housing Solutions, parent organization to HomeShareSLO, has launched Tiny House Consulting, a program that makes connections between people and tiny house living. A new ordinance now allows tiny houses on wheels in qualifying SLO City backyards, opening up new affordable/sustainable housing possibilities.

A tiny house on wheels (THOW) is a subset of ADU, or accessory dwelling unit, and must meet certain standards to be eligible for this over the counter permit process.

Qualifying backyards:

–within SLO City limits

–owner-occupied primary residence on the lot

–permitted utility connections to main & tiny house (water, sewer, electrical)

More info: https://www.slocity.org/how-do-i/apply-for/tiny-home-on-wheels

Eligible tiny homes:

–ANSI, NOAH or other certification (similar to RV’s)

–DMV registered trailers

–on wheels (no self-propelled RV’s)

–look ‘similar to a traditional home’

–placed toward rear or side of lot with 5-foot setbacks

–max size 400 sf (excluding lofts)

–insulation in floor, walls and ceilings

The City will consider off-grid tiny homes on a case-by-case basis. The hookups still need to be in place, but if owner can show that a composting toilet, solar power or other off-grid option is safe and reliable, it may be approved. With smaller size and footprint, tiny houses generally use a fraction of the resources of a standard dwelling. When placed in SLO City backyards, they add to density near jobs and services and minimize tree impacts without foundations.

SmartShare and other tiny home advocates are working with the County Planning Dept on their tiny house allowing rules in development now, slated for PC/Supervisor hearings early 2020.  Homeowners, tiny house self-builders and other interested community members can learn more at a free workshop hosted by SmartShare Housing on Thursday April 4th at 6pm at the SLO Guild Hall, 2880 Broad St.

www.tinyhouseconsulting.org  805-215-5474