This is in response to “Big problem with tiny house on wheels” (March 7, The Columbian). A tiny house works for many; we should try to help those who want them.
I’ve built three conventional houses over 25 years. Last year, I built one near central Vancouver; I know how codes affect affordable housing, and about the increasingly high cost of land.
We need increased density to address growth, but old standards for setbacks, lot size and intolerance for ADUs make that difficult. Impact fees, a permit, etc., cost nearly $7,000 for a modest 990-square-foot house. A permit for a similar house in Southern Oregon in 2010 cost $2,000. We should waive add-on fees for people with low incomes.
Allow development of special tiny-house lots to accommodate six to eight units on a standard lot. Make it easier for people to divide large lots into smaller lots to accommodate a small house if setbacks are adjusted. Vancouver has many oversized lots. Portland has long made allowances for houses on narrow lots and has encouraged ADUs to add density.
Let’s make it easier for creative people to find their own solutions to high housing costs. Properly built tiny houses are better than having people living under tarps, in cars and in dilapidated RVs.
