HomeMy WebLinkAbout8/21/2018 Item 17, Rion
Purrington, Teresa
From:Doug R <slocorider@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, August 16, 2018 6:17 PM
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Zoning Regulations update - Tiny Homes on Wheels
Doug Rion
572 Islay St
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
slocorider@gmail.com
16 July 2018
City of San Luis Obispo
Clerk of the City Council
San Luis Obispo, CA
RE: Zoning Ordinance update, Tiny Homes on Wheels (THOW)
Dear Mayor and City Council members,
If approved as written Article 4 Section 17.86.210 (E) of the proposed Zoning Regulations would allow
substandard housing in the form of Recreational Vehicles (RV) called “movable tiny homes” a.k.a. Tiny Homes
on Wheels (THOW) to be located within our existing residential neighborhoods as Accessory Dwelling Units
(ADU). Sub-section (E)(8)(b) requires a THOW to meet certain ANSI standards. Those standards are for
Recreational Vehicle manufacturing, which are SUBSTANDARD to conventional “stick built” residential
construction that must meet California Building Code requirements. The subject ANSI standards are certified
by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). RV manufacturing plants are certified by the RVIA to
comply with the ANSI standards. The RV units are NOT individually inspected during assembly and would not
be inspected by our city building department inspectors during assembly. If I desire to add a bedroom and
bathroom to my existing residence the building permit would require multiple inspections during construction
to ensure seismic, structural, electrical, plumbing and fire code requirements have been met and comply with
all California Building Codes. THOWs would not be required to meet these codes, and therefore are by
definition SUBSTANDARD construction.
So called Tiny Homes on Wheels are nothing more than RVs. Recreational Vehicles are not suitable nor
intended for full time, year round daily habitation and should not be allowed for such use in residential zones.
Section 17.86.210 (A) clearly states that no RV shall be used for living or sleeping quarters on private
property. Why the exception for so called “movable tiny homes” ?
The proposed THOW regulations were never vetted or discussed by the Planning Commission (PC) during their
final review of Article 4 on June 14, 2018. I have reviewed all archived video of PC meetings after they
requested council direction regarding THOWs during the April 10, 2018 joint PC/City Council meeting and
found absolutely no discussion of the subject THOW regulations during subsequent PC meetings.
THOWs are a fad. The Tribune opined that they “are adorable”. Puppies, kittens and babies are adorable
however they are unable to sustain independent daily living.
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If THOWs are approved as ADUs be prepared for San Luis Obispo slum lords (and there are many of them)
immediately queing up for permits to place substandard housing on their rental properties to the detriment
and hazard of neighboring residents and adjacent properties.
Do not approve THOW’s as ADUs, they will impinge on the quality of residential neighborhoods.
Sincerely,
Doug Rion
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