Living in a tiny home is a dream come true for most people. However, many US states still need to warm up to tiny homes. While some states in the US are tiny home friendly, others have rendered these small spaces illegal in residential areas. Due to the building codes, many tiny home dwellers face challenges in some US states. If a state doesn’t recognize a tiny home as a legalized structure as per the construction code, then the house is deemed illegal. Even if some states allow tiny homes, there are certain restrictions. A good tiny home builder can help you customize the structure that meets the state’s building codes. To meet trusted tiny house builders near me, sign up at TinyHouseMe. We make your tiny home journey simpler and easier by connecting you with the right tiny home builder.
Tiny homes are booming despite the fluctuating prices and minor legal hassles. The tiny home movement is still a rage in the US, but some states look down on tiny homes. Now, let’s find out the main issues tiny homes face in some US states.
Building codes vary from state to state
National building codes do not consider tiny homes legitimate residential structures. However, state regulations vary, so some states welcome tiny houses more than others. As for the states that do not allow tiny homes, the main reason is that the building codes prohibit such structures. In addition, many state governments refuse to acknowledge the practicality of a tiny home and they might need more resources to validate the movement’s sustainability.
However, as the tiny home communities are passionate and resilient and advocate for tiny houses, these restrictions will eventually loosen. For example, Connecticut is known for being uptight with tiny homes, but now they are scouting advocates of the movement.
Again, some states do allow tiny homes but impose strict limitations. The ray of hope is that states in the US are on their way to legalizing tiny homes, and then there are many tiny home-friendly states who are now welcoming these petite structures.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is against tiny homes
The tiny home on wheels is considered an RV (recreational vehicle). The US has two main kinds of tiny homes: tiny houses on wheels and tiny homes on a foundation. The federal government has strict rules regarding the tiny home on wheels, and lately, the HUD, a federal agency, has started proposing to outlaw homes on wheels and RV living. With the current circumstances and some states’ dependency on the federal government’s aid, legalizing tiny houses in certain places gets harder. If this proposal takes flight, many occupants will have to stop living in a tiny home, and the movement will lose its leg.
Tiny homes are difficult to regulate
Many licensed tiny home builders and professionals in North America builds tiny homes. These builders have years of construction experience, but regardless of the builder’s credibility and compliance, some US states are still on the fence about tiny home living. This is because tiny houses are tricky to regulate, especially regarding security, privacy, and zoning. The tiny home can be your permanent residence only if it can pass certain standards, but as the designs are all customized, these structures are not conventional enough to tick all the boxes. However, this doesn’t mean that tiny homes are less safe or not up to the mark.
On the contrary, these small spaces are not equipped with the ideal specs necessary for a conventional living space in the US. Tiny homes are well-designed but still have ventilation challenges, and indoor airflow maintenance is quite a challenge with limited space. Adding HVAC systems and dehumidifiers is necessary for some poorly ventilated tiny houses. Nevertheless, although tiny homes are hard to regulate by some state governments, building a structure by trusted tiny house builders near me can get you the approval and make a living in a tiny home easier.
Curb the greed of the landlords
Due to the demand for tiny homes, some landlords engulfed with greed take advantage. For example, in 2017, some landlords built rental shotgun tiny homes in residential areas beyond the limited number of properties that can be built on the land. The shotgun homes are tiny dwellings that have widths less than 12 feet, and the African-American minority families in southern parts of the US prefer living in shotgun houses. Having more than a limited number of tiny homes in residential places is illegal, and it also affects the residents’ quality of life.
Moreover, as per the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), overcrowding significantly impacts a child’s development, and with constant moving, the child can develop behavioral issues.
Rules for RVs are more stringent
RVs (recreational vehicles) have stringent regulations varying from one state to another. RVs like travel trailers and camper vans fall under one roof. While some states are less uptight with RVs, the opposite is true for others. The concern is disengaging the dwelling from the SUV or any car that hauls the tiny home. Then, a few states don’t allow parking of RVs in some areas, but the main goal is to ensure that the RV doesn’t run into trouble.
Therefore, if you plan to invest in a tiny home on wheels, check the rules and regulations before connecting with tiny house builders near me. You must also learn about the required lane usage, parking rules, trailer lights, and necessary safety items. Not only will learning these rules will protect the tiny home from accidents and theft, but it will also save you from paying fines and penalties.
Final Words
There you have it all. The next time someone asks whether tiny homes are legal in the US, you can share these five challenges tiny homes face. However, the silver lining is that states are becoming looser with the restrictions and making zoning regulations more favorable for tiny home residents. If you are looking for a good tiny home builder to help you with the right advice, planning, and financing of your tiny home, sign up at TinyHouseMe. We connect you with 100s of tiny home builders and help you book an appointment at the earliest.