Tiny homes and vacation rentals on the rise

At the Worland Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission meeting on Monday, Sept. 25, board members discussed the developments of tiny homes and vacation rentals in Worland. While tiny homes and vacation rentals are not new, there is currently little guidance on how the city of Worland will regulate them.

TINY HOMES

Board members brought up a variety of topics and concerns when it comes to tiny homes making their way into Worland. The main discussion surrounded the permanence of tiny homes in the community, as well as the differences between tiny homes that are on trailers and “have wheels” versus tiny homes that are more permanent structures. Board members agreed that the two kinds of tiny homes should be regulated differently, but the details as to how they should be regulated are still in the works.

Chairman Scott Fritzler tentatively suggested that tiny homes on wheels could be treated as RVs, while permanent tiny homes need to go through the process of building a foundation and take more measures.

There were comparisons of tiny homes to RVs, trailers, mobile homes and skid structures, and board members attempted to figure out where tiny homes fall in any of these categorizations or if they are separate.

Given how varied tiny homes are, board members found difficulty in defining a tiny home and deciding on what needs to be done with them. They intend on creating a working definition for “tiny home” and looking at what work needs to be done in the future to make improved regulations.

RENTALS

Board members additionally discussed short term rental situations, such as Airbnb, Vrbos and other similar rental site. Board members intend on creating a recommendation to city council that would allow short term rentals in all zones. However, they will again create a more specific definition of “short term rental” before finalizing any decisions. Board members are additionally aware that these rentals are becoming increasingly popular so while they may have been accepted in the past, people may feel differently as time goes on.

Board member Mike Dykman stated that both issues have risen due to people trying to travel for less money, making it likely that communities will continue to see more tiny homes and vacation rentals. Board members were in agreement that while they would like to be accommodating, they need to set regulations.

OTHER BUSINESS

Starting on Oct 1, Eagle Engineering & Surveying will be handling building official duties. Building permit applications and fees will still be handled by the city. The contract will be active until June 30, 2024, when the council will re-evaluate.

The next meeting for the Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission will be Oct. 23.