Many questions, few answers on tiny homes

WORLAND — After receiving inquiries about building tiny homes in Worland, City Building Official Randy Adams brought the issue to the Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission during their Monday meeting.

Adams said he has received several calls about building tiny homes. The homes can be built with a foundation or on wheels. “The problem is we don’t have an area that would address that (the homes on wheels). All of our mobile home parks are full.”

According to thetinylife.com, “The trend toward tiny houses has become a social movement. People are choosing to downsize the space they live in, simplify, and live with less. People are embracing the tiny life philosophy and the freedom that accompanies the tiny house lifestyle.

“The typical American home is around 2,600 square feet, whereas the typical small or tiny house definition is a home with square footage between 100 and 400 square feet. While of course there aren’t any rules to joining the tiny house movement, when people refer to “the tiny life,” their tiny house generally falls under the 400 square foot level.

“Tiny homes may be rented or owned. You may choose a mini home on wheels or your small home may set on a foundation. Most tiny houses are independent structures—some are parked on land with other buildings or a larger home. Other tiny houses are parked on their own lot. Some tiny houses are designed and built by the owner themselves, while others are purchased, adapted from trailers, or built from a tiny house kit. Tiny houses come in all shapes, sizes, and forms, but they all enable simpler living in a smaller, more efficient space.”

Adams said a tiny home built on a foundation can be in any residential area.

Board member Mike Dykman said he has fielded questions about people wanting a tiny home on their property in addition to their primary house and Adams said that is not allowed under current city code.

Recreation vehicles, trailers or other living quarters on wheels can only be parked on a person’s property for 14 consecutive days if there is someone occupying it.

The board asked Adams if he has inquired what other cities are doing regarding tiny homes. Adams said he wanted to see what the board’s thoughts were on the homes first, noting “It’s new so there might not be much” (with other cities at this time).

Board member Landis Benson added, “It’s new, but it’s not going to go away.”

Mayor Jim Gill was in attendance and told the board it is something that needs to be considered. He said he believes Worland is growing and more homes are needed, especially to attract a labor force.

It was noted at the meeting by Benson and James Donahue that there are only four homes on the market in Worland at this time.

Board member Dan Frederick said this may be something the city needs to consider otherwise it could push people outside the city limits due to the county having fewer restrictions.

Board member Alain Poncelet asked if there was land the city owned or could purchase that could be used for new development. Gill said the city does not have the funding to purchase new land.

Public Works Superintendent Nick Kruger said there are several undeveloped subdivisions inside the city limits. One prime area for development would be east of Veterans Park, he said.

Gill said he is working with Washakie Development Association in reaching out to Wal-Mart to either develop the land they own east of town or sell it.

The board asked Adams to bring back more information on what kind of infrastructure would be needed for a tiny home subdivision, whether the city should allow those on wheels or not and the implications allowing tiny homes on wheels would mean for mobile home parks and RV parks that have their own regulations.