HomeMy WebLinkAbout8/21/2018 Item 17, Updegrove
Christian, Kevin
From:Graham Updegrove <graham@ccreslo.com>
Sent:Monday, August 20,
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:8-21-18 City Council Meeting: Item 17
Greetings Council,
I have had a chance to read the subsection of the Zoning Regulations Update (17.86.210 – Recreational Vehicles: Use as
Dwelling; Parked on a Private Lot) as it relates to tiny homes. I understand the desire to allow tiny homes on residential
parcels, however am concerned about the loopholes that some owners may exploit (i.e. using old trailers that would
qualify as a “tiny home”). The only section I see that potentially limits the design standards of the “tiny home” is as
noted in red below:
Section 17.86.210, Paragraph 8
Procedure Requirements. In addition to submitting the application materials and information required by Section
17.86.020 (Accessory Dwelling Units and Guest Quarters) for an accessory dwelling unit, an applicant for a moveable tiny
house shall submit proof that:
a. The proposed moveable tiny house is licensed and registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles;
b. The proposed moveable tiny house has been certified by a qualified third-party inspector as meeting ANSI 119.2 or
119.5 requirements, or was built to meet ANSI 119.2 or 119.5 requirements as demonstrated by sufficient evidence
satisfactory to the Director;
The ANSI code section appears to apply to Recreational Vehicles, though I was not able to find the code language
anywhere without having to pay for it. While the owner occupancy requirement may limit the number of tiny homes
that are pursued, and assuming an approximate 15,000 residential homes and lets say 35% owner occupancy within the
City, we could see a max of ~5,000 tiny homes/trailers within our neighborhoods. While many people connect the words
tiny home with a small structure that looks like a house, but is on wheels, there does not appear to be a definition of a
tiny home within the code. I searched Craigslist for “trailer” and here are a few photos of “tiny homes” that I believe
homeowners could potentially put on their property to rent out. These can be purchased for $500-$5,000 and I expect
market rent could range from $800-$1,200/month depending on the amenities/size/condition of the tiny home. I fear
many homeowners could obtain permits for a "tiny home” and place a trailer on their parcel. The rental income for
many would certainly offset any loss of backyard space, the cost to permit/place a "tiny home" is minimal, the payback
period is likely less than 1 year and a trailer is more salable than a tiny home. For this reason, I ask you to seriously
consider the language in Code section 17.86.210 – Recreational Vehicles before tomorrow’s City Council meeting.
Recommendations:
1. Define what constitutes a tiny home and/or explicitly prevent trailers/5th wheels, unless they meet design guidelines
of a "tiny home”.
2. Promote homeowners utilizing pre-drafted plans for an ADU with reduced fees/expedited processing, while
disallowing any tiny homes until further input has been obtained.
3. Require tiny homes be placed on a permanent foundation.
Potential “tiny homes”.
https://slo.craigslist.org/tro/d/camping-trailer/6649888217.html ($4,000)
https://slo.craigslist.org/cto/d/camper-trailer/6673129939.html ($500)
Thank you for your time and thoughts on this matter.
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Regards,
Graham Updegrove
Broker Associate, BRE #01873454
California Coastal Real Estate I www.ccreslo.com
3196 South Higuera #D, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
graham@ccreslo.com
c: 805.459.1865
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