Loudoun County Board approves tiny home white paper and advisory committee formation

During the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Business Meeting on May 6, 2025, a significant focus was placed on addressing the growing need for affordable housing through the exploration of tiny home communities. The discussion was initiated by Supervisor Randall, who emphasized the importance of researching various housing solutions, particularly for seniors and recent college graduates.

Randall proposed a motion to authorize the Affordable Dwelling Unit Advisory Board (ADWAB) to develop a white paper on tiny homes, which would outline the feasibility and potential scope of such communities in Loudoun County. The motion was supported by other supervisors, highlighting a collective interest in innovative housing solutions. The board agreed to establish an ad hoc committee to assist in this development, with the understanding that the scope would exclude rural areas of the county.

The conversation around tiny homes revealed a variety of perspectives. Supervisors discussed the potential benefits of tiny home communities, including affordability and accessibility for specific demographics. They also raised questions about the legal definitions of tiny homes, zoning regulations, and the types of amenities that could be included in such developments. The board expressed a desire to learn from successful models in other regions, such as the Community First project in Austin, Texas, which has effectively integrated tiny homes into a supportive community framework.

In addition to the tiny homes discussion, the meeting included a reconsideration of the Mountainside Overlay District zoning standards. This topic sparked debate among supervisors regarding the urgency of modifying these standards to address health and safety concerns related to sewage and water issues. The board ultimately decided to forward this discussion to the Transportation and Land Use Committee for further examination.

The meeting concluded with several nominations for various advisory boards, reflecting ongoing efforts to engage community members in local governance. Overall, the discussions underscored the Board of Supervisors' commitment to exploring diverse housing options and addressing pressing community needs in Loudoun County. The anticipated next steps include the development of the tiny homes white paper and further discussions on the Mountainside Overlay District, both of which are expected to shape future housing policies in the region.