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Commissioners hear about "box" fold-out homes as potential seasonal workforce housing option
Summary
At issue updates, commissioners discussed a modular 'box house' product being piloted in Utah that folds out on site, ranges from roughly $98,000 to $150,000, fits on small lots (about 500–600 sq ft), and has duplex options that could suit seasonal-worker housing near Flaming Gorge and Red Canyon.
During issue updates the commission discussed affordable and workforce housing and the county’s ongoing self-help housing program. A county official briefed commissioners on a company that produces modular "box" homes that arrive in a container and fold out on site.
The official said the homes do not look like typical tiny homes and come in several plans, with prices discussed in the meeting ranging from about $98,000 to $150,000 depending on amenities. Some models were described as small two-bedroom units with washer/dryer hookups; sizes were described in the meeting as generally about 500–600 square feet. The company also offers a duplex configuration, which commissioners said could be useful for seasonal employment housing near local recreation employers such as Flaming Gorge Resort and Red Canyon.
“...they come pretty much fully furnished. With the specs that they do on property, they can actually put these homes up in less than a day,” the official said during the briefing, describing quick on-site installation.
Commissioners discussed potential siting, noting some county lots (including a county-owned lot in Dutch John mentioned in the meeting) may not be suitable for tiny units because of neighborhood fit and land value; others suggested placing duplex units on other county lots or developing new lots where small homes would be appropriate. No zoning changes or formal county action were proposed at the meeting; commissioners said staff would gather more information about the product, zoning implications and whether lot sizes could be adjusted if the county pursued such options.
Separately, commissioners asked for updates on the county’s self-help housing program and were told staff remain in final diligence with contractors and town legal requirements before firm start dates are set.
