California county legalizes living in tiny homes on wheels — which can cost tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars
Officials in one California county are hoping a tiny change can help address the area's housing crisis.
In most of the state, permanently living in a tiny home on wheels is illegal. But that's no longer the case in Nevada County thanks to a new ordinance.
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"It does provide an option for folks to come up with a home for the elderly or college-aged kids to get into pretty quickly," Nevada County principal planner Tyler Barrington told CBS News Sacramento in a story published Feb. 5. "It's another option in the toolbox, if you will, to address the housing crisis."
The change, which went into effect Feb. 13, was made to help address the local housing situation, however, officials warn there are still regulations such tiny home owners would need to follow. So, what do potential buyers need to know, and how much would a tiny home cost?
Nevada County officials communicated to CBS News Sacramento that owners of tiny homes on wheels must apply for yearly DMV registration and the homes must pass certain inspections. Because these homes are on wheels, however, it changes who performs the inspections.
"A regular tiny home would be subject to California building code and require [a] permanent foundation. A tiny home on wheels is inspected by either the American National Standards Institute or the National Fire Protection Agency," Barrington said.
These rules are designed to ensure a tiny home's safety despite it not being a permanent structure.
Tiny homes on wheels might be a viable alternative for those struggling to get into real estate.
"We have a huge portion of low- to middle-class people that can't afford to buy the average home in the community, myself included," Travis Duckworth, owner of tiny home company Sol Tiny, told CBS News Sacramento. "But they can afford this."
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The average value of a home in Nevada County is just over $600,000, according to Zillow, which is higher than the national average of $355,000.
Tiny homes are typically more affordable and can be built quickly. Duckworth's company, for example, sells housing shells (starting at $35,000) and do-it-yourself kits (starting at $60,000). Custom builds can also be constructed starting at $75,000. Duckworth suggested to CBS News Sacramento a 300- or 400-square-foot home could cost $100,000 to $200,000.
But any cost savings could come with some trade-offs. If you're considering tiny home living, here are a few things to keep in mind:
You may need creative solutions for water and sewage. Depending on where you place your tiny home, consider a composting toilet and water tanks.
If you're moving from a larger space, you'll need to downsize a lot. Try getting rid of all clutter and using vertical space to your advantage.
While tiny homes may cost less, you may need to pay to rent land, hook up utilities or deal with parking fees. Make sure to factor in these potential costs.
Zoning laws can impact where you live. Even if tiny homes are allowed, local zoning laws may restrict where you can park your home. Research the rules before investing in a tiny house.
Always make sure you understand all of the pros and cons before purchasing a tiny home.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
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