Jul 19

Could That Tiny Home Be Illegal?

Could That Tiny Home Be Illegal?

 

Could That Tiny Home Be Illegal?

Could That Tiny Home Be Illegal?

 

The tiny home trend is growing more popular, but owners of these teeny residences say they’re facing a big problem in knowing where to put them.

Few cities allow stand-alone tiny houses, which are typically defined as a house smaller than 500 square feet. Many community ordinances have minimum square footage requirements for single-family homes. Many areas also have rules that require any dwellings to be connected to utilities. (Several tiny homes operate with solar panels and rainwater catchment systems.)

“Many residents and local officials fear [the tiny homes] will drive down property values,” reports Stateline. “Some state and local governments, perplexed about whether to classify tiny houses as RVs, mobile homes or backyard cottages, still refuse to allow them.”

Some communities have softened up when it comes to allowing tiny homes. For example, cities like Washington, D.C., and Fresno, Calif., have eased zoning and building rules. California’s housing department issued guidance in May to help builders and code enforcers identify standards for tiny homes.

Tiny houses have grown in popularity in recent years, due to an HGTV show featuring them and an increasing number of people who say they desire a simpler life with less financial obligations. Some nonprofit organizations reportedly view tiny homes as a potential affordability solution for overheated housing markets too.

But where to place the tiny homes has become the main struggle. Many tiny homes are built off-site and can easily be moved. That raises questions over which building codes the houses must then meet. Dan Buuck, a specialist on codes and standards for the National Association of Home Builders, told Stateline that some tiny homes are built with dangers, such as smoke that could potentially accumulate more quickly in low-ceiling and loft areas.

Bill Rockhill, the founding president of the American Tiny House Association, says he and other builders try to abide by uniform building codes for houses or a similar set of standards for RVs.

Source: “Tiny Houses Are Trendy, Minimalist, and Often Illegal,” Stateline (July 6, 2016)

admin

For all of your Real Estate needs, place yourself in the competent hands of a career Realtor who is a Philadelphia native and Delaware County resident. Skilled, smart and enthusiastic about his work and his life, Anthony DiDonato has the appealing combination of business sense and people skills gives him an edge in an industry that demands both.

Educated at Drexel University with a dual major in accounting and finance and minors in management and psychology Anthony DiDonato offers over 25 years of experience in the real estate industry. He has been a real estate investor since 1985 and a member of H.A.P.C.O. (Landlord Association). He became a licensed Realtor in 1992 and a member of the Local, Pennsylvania and National Associations of Realtors. Anthony DiDonato is also a member of the Computerized Multiple Listings, (MLS) and Internet Marketing Programs. In 1997 Anthony DiDonato became Century 21 All-Elite, Inc. Corporate Secretary.

Anthony DiDonato believes in taking his profession to the highest level of quality service. He is known for finding that “perfect” property in Philadelphia, Delaware County, Chester County, Montgomery County and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania for his buyers and helping his sellers prepare their properties so they sell quickly and efficiently.

When it comes time to negotiate the terms of a contract, Anthony DiDonato has the knowledge, experience, and professionalism applied to meeting – or exceeding – his clients’ expectations. His service to his clients is second to none. His honesty and integrity have been his claim to fame.

For Superior Real Estate Representation in the Delaware Valley, Philadelphia, Delaware County, Chester County, Montgomery County and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania… call Anthony DiDonato.