Will County committee debates 'tiny homes' versus accessory dwelling units; leans toward clearer ADU rules while limiting RV-style tiny homes

Will County’s Land Use and Development Committee spent a lengthy portion of its meeting discussing whether to alter county rules for so-called "tiny homes," echo housing and accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

The committee did not take action, but members signaled they want clearer language and a policy path that differentiates (a) wheeled recreational vehicles subject to state RV/campground rules and (b) permanent small dwellings built or sited to meet building and health codes (ADUs or small modular dwellings).

Definitions and current rules County staff explained that under state statute and current county practice, many "tiny homes" are classified as recreational vehicles: "The definition of a tiny home is a recreational vehicle that is plated on wheels and can be mobile," staff said. As recreational vehicles, those units are currently permitted to…