Despite panic among tiny home owners, it turns out no one will be negatively affected by regulations set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
What happened? According to Cleveland.com, thousands of tiny home enthusiasts took to social media to express outrage, including one woman who wrote, "Stop this madness!" Most of the backlash criticized the federal government for wanting to ban tiny homes, started by a posting on the Activist Post and similar ones on Don't Comply called the proposed laws "Draconian".
It all started around April 2016 when new regulations on clearly defining recreational vehicles (RVs) and trailers were proposed to make differentiating between the two easier. Trailers and RVs are newly defined — as of February — as, "a factory build vehicular structure, not certified as a manufactured home, designed only for recreational use and not as a primary residence or for permanent occupancy."
It all started around April 2016 when new regulations on clearly defining recreational vehicles (RVs) and trailers were proposed to make differentiating between the two easier. Trailers and RVs are newly defined — as of February — as, "a factory build vehicular structure, not certified as a manufactured home, designed only for recreational use and not as a primary residence or for permanent occupancy."
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What does it mean for tiny home owners?
The new definitions are to help keep factories in check with requirements set by the
National Fire Protection Association and the Standard for Recreational Vehicles (also referred to as the American National Standards Institute). Safety standards set for RVs and trailers are much different from permanent residencies like tiny homes, so the regulations would require manufacturers to note RVs and trailers do not meet the same standards as a mobile home (including tiny homes). In short, it changes absolutely nothing for tiny home owners across the nation.
National Fire Protection Association and the Standard for Recreational Vehicles (also referred to as the American National Standards Institute). Safety standards set for RVs and trailers are much different from permanent residencies like tiny homes, so the regulations would require manufacturers to note RVs and trailers do not meet the same standards as a mobile home (including tiny homes). In short, it changes absolutely nothing for tiny home owners across the nation.
How can tiny home owners find the most accurate and up-to-date information about regulations?
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Both current and potential tiny home owners should be aware of and research local zoning ordinances, as local governments control whether or not tiny homes or other mobile homes are allowed in the area. The federal government does not have control over banning or allowing tiny homes. In the future, tiny home owners can look up potential federal housing regulations on their website.