Panel debates tiny‑homes appropriation: advocates tout innovation, mayors warn of costs and permitting

A bill to appropriate money for a tiny‑homes program drew an array of witnesses: advocates and researchers urging that innovative modular and 3‑D printing methods can reduce construction costs dramatically, and municipal officials and mayors cautioning that finished, code‑compliant tiny homes can still be costly and require infrastructure. Michael Werner and housing policy fellow Nick Callegari — representing the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity, and Opportunity — recommended $10 million to pilot small homes and called for a construction innovation task force to study modular and 3‑D technologies. Callegari said the commission’s back‑of‑the‑envelope math suggested a $20,000-per‑unit figure based on the bill’s $10 million appropriation for 500 units, but acknowledged that typical Connecticut construction costs run about $275 per square foot and that more innovative methods may bring costs down to around $100 per square foot. Witnesses outlined key technical points: typical tiny homes in the bill would be up to 400 sq ft; modular units and 3‑D printed walls can reduce labor and material waste; foundations, permitting, and utility hookups remain necessary and add cost. Callegari and Werner recommended at least one‑third of the pilot units be built with low‑cost innovative methods for testing. Mayors and municipal officials — including New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker and Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett — said they support housing innovation but urged caution. Elicker said code‑compliant tiny homes that meet state building code commonly cost far more than $20,000 each; he estimated market prices closer to $100,000 if built to code, and said his city has invested heavily in shelter and affordable construction. Others highlighted the need to ensure permanent connections to water and sewer, clarify whether units are permanent or temporary, and avoid ad hoc encampments. Committee takeaway: Supporters asked the panel to explore pilot projects and a construction innovation task force to gather data on cost, code compliance, and resiliency. Mayors urged any program include stronger language about infrastructure connections, permitting processes, and permanent versus temporary use.