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Presenters outline semi-permanent 'flex' housing units; council raises code and sewer concerns
Summary
A vendor presented modular 'flex' housing units (about 300 sq ft, estimated $180,000 each) to Milford officials as one approach to workforce housing; presenters and council discussed siting, sewer rules (the city does not allow septic within city limits) and whether such units would be temporary or semi-permanent.
A vendor presented modular “flex” housing units to Milford City Council on Tuesday as a possible workforce-housing option and described unit features, costs and siting options.
Brian (presenter) described the product as roughly 300 square feet, built with structural steel off-site, and said an off-site-built unit of that size would cost “about $180,000.” He said units can be configured singly or combined, can be set on gravel or concrete pads or helical piers and may be used as semi-permanent units. He also said the units hook up to water and sewer in a manner similar to RV hookups.
Council members asked whether the units can connect to existing water and sewer and whether they can use septic. Council staff responded that septic tanks are not allowed inside Milford’s city limits, so any in-city deployment would require connection to municipal sewer. Staff also said the city has not yet adopted specific ordinances for temporary or semi-permanent units and that planning and zoning will need to review the concept; the planning staff member on the dais was tasked with following up.
Council members and the presenter discussed logistics including rail transload options, potential offload sites in Savage, and the possibility of a spur on Martin Marietta property to ease delivery; Union Pacific and Savage were mentioned in that logistical discussion.
Brian said units can be sold individually to private lot owners or acquired in small developments; financing options differ depending on whether the unit is an accessory dwelling, part of a developer-built subdivision, or otherwise financed through lenders that underwrite manufactured housing or similar collateral.
Council staff said they will refer the concept to the planning and zoning board for review and that the city will need to consider code changes, sewer requirements and permitting before deploying such units in the city.
