Citizens wanting to make a difference but sometimes "Big Brother" won't agree.
Last week a news reporter from our local news channel contacted me and wanted to know more about micro homes/structures in our community. She had mentioned that it have been really hard for her to find people who are open to discussing their plans for tiny houses and micro homes community. I thought perhaps people are reluctant to talk about this subject due to their lack of knowledge of residential codes and bring trouble from local officials. Recently I heard on my local National Public Radio station, there was a family who downsized into a tiny home, grew their own food and was able to live independence of city electrical and water systems. The couple had purchase 40 acre land and were able to live off it for 4 years, debt free, stress free and a healthier lifestyle. Once local officials learned of this, the couple were forced out of their homes and last reported, they lived from house to house with their friends till the problem is resolved. They tried talking with local officials, but it didn't make a difference to them.
I've learned that current regulations, established sometime back in the 60's or 70's, are behind on the times for the 21st century living. Minimum square foot limits, once with intention to prevented trailer homes in certain communities, in theory were established to maintain social expectations of would be considered safe and clean residential communities. Some micro-living supporters have accused city restrictions to be ridiculous and impedes on a citizen's right to choose how they want live their lives, debt free, low-cost of living, and etc). Local enforcement for permits and applications are seen as frivolous regulations simply to justify additional city revenues in forms of fees, inspections, and permits. It is not surprising to find some local hoop-jumping have no practical logic to them, but to just another form of revenue stream for the city. For me, my purpose is to learn about finishing work and have a reason to learn to build furniture and have hunting adventures for great deals around the city, with no intention of making it a primary residence in the near future.
However the best way to spread the word about how cool tiny houses are is to understand all aspects of tiny home living. Do what the lawyers do....RESEARCH. My first place of research is my local city codes, which is accessible on the city's official website. The City Clark or building permits department are also another good source of information to begin with. I am not advocate for the government or the way they spend "our" money, but I feel the best way to "arm" ourselves and maintain our rights is with knowledge.
Readers with knowledge of housing codes related to tiny homes in other city jurisdiction, please feel free to post them in the comment section. Providing names of places and officials to encourage changes in regulations would also be helpful!
Independence, Mo City Municode: Chapter 4: Building, Plumbing, and Electrical
As I read through the codes, I'll note some topics for future references, in case I need them sometime in the future. Note: As I read through these codes, especially sec 4.01.012, I wish officials would reinforce those codes in many places within city. Another example of how city officials pick and choose what to enforce. People who can't afford to upkeep their homes won't be able to afford permits, fees, and taxes like responsible residents.
Sec 4.01.011-Structures and Exterior Property Areas
A. Can't leave junk, broken cars, non-outdoor furniture and building material longer than 7 days
B. Place must be clean and free of infestations
2. Weeds can't exceed 12 inches tall
3. Nothing in this section shall be applied so as to prohibit:
c. Lots in excess of one acre or undeveloped lots not used for active agricultural use, or portions
thereof, which are more than one hundred fifty feet (150’) distance from any developed residential
or commercial lot.
L. All accessory structures, including detached garages, fences and walls, shall be maintained
structurally sound and in good repair.
M. Don't litter
O. This subsection prohibits those conditions which interfere with the public's health, safety, peace,
comfort or convenience.
Sec 4.01.012. Exterior Structures
A. Must be in maintained and good condition
B. Address number requirements
C. Must be structurally sound
Sec 4.01.013. Interior Structures
A. Inside must be maintained, structurally sound, and sanitary condition
SEC. 4.01.014. LIGHT, VENTILATION AND OCCUPANCY LIMITATIONS.
SEC. 4.01.015. OCCUPANCY LIMITATIONS.
SEC. 4.01.016. REQUIRED PLUMBING FACILITIES.
More on NPR Radio stories on Tiny Homes:
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