HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/10/2018, Item 2, Rion1
Sheffield, Alexis
From:Doug R <
Sent:Friday, September 28, 2018 12:33 PM
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:Tiny Homes on Wheels - Zoning Ordinance Update
Attn: Planning Commission
City of San Luis Obispo, CA
Dear Commission members,
The intent of the current City Council to approve “movable tiny homes” a.k.a. Tiny Homes on Wheels
(THOW) as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) would allow substandard housing in the form of Recreational
Vehicles (RV) within our existing residential neighborhoods. Language of the proposed ordinance requires a
THOW to meet certain ANSI standards. Those standards are for Recreational Vehicle manufacturing, which are
SUBSTANDARD to conventional permitted “stick built” residential construction that must meet California
Building Code requirements. The subject ANSI standards are certified by the Recreational Vehicle Industry
Association (RVIA). RVIA member factories are occasionally inspected to verify that the manufacturer’s pledge
to build units in compliance with the ANSI standard is being honored. The RV units are NOT individually
inspected during assembly and would not be inspected by our city building 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. The ANSI standard referenced in the
proposed ordinance is specifically for what are commonly referred to as “park model” RVs. The Recreation
Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) defines park model RVs as “a unique trailer-type RV that is designed to
provide temporary accommodation for recreation, camping or seasonal use.”
Additionally the RVIA’s ANSI standards do not meet HUD standards for manufactured housing (formerly
known as “mobile homes”).
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.
Current zoning regulations and the draft ordinance 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 substandard so called “movable
tiny homes” ? The city council’s desire to legalize substandard, non conforming recreational vehicles as a new
housing type is ill conceived and will compromise public health and safety.
Sincerely,
Doug Rion
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401