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Commission hears tiny-home inquiry, asks resident to return with plans
Summary
A resident asked whether a tiny home could be placed behind her house for a relative; staff said tiny homes are not currently allowed and commissioners said an applicant should return with a plot map, structural plan, and setbacks for the Jan. 8 meeting if she wants to pursue it.
Commission staff reported that a resident inquired about placing a tiny home behind her house for her mother. "I told her that we do not allow tiny homes," Unidentified Speaker 3 said, and advised the resident to review the codified ordinances and bring a formal plan if she wishes to pursue a change.
Commission members discussed the key distinction between tiny homes placed on a permanent foundation and tiny homes on wheels. Unidentified Speaker 2 noted that, from the county's perspective, a structure placed on a foundation is treated as permanent housing and would be subject to the setbacks and rules that apply to residences. "If you set that on a foundation it's permanent," S2 said.
The commission agreed that the resident would need to return with a plot map showing setbacks and a full plan for the unit. Staff proposed scheduling a short planning-and-zoning meeting on Jan. 8, 2026, immediately before the town board meeting if needed; commissioners said they would consider the materials then. No formal change to the ordinance was adopted at this meeting; S3 characterized the issue as a gray area that would require ordinance language to clarify conditions for allowing tiny homes.
The commission did not vote on a policy change; it asked staff to place the matter on the agenda only if the applicant submits the required documentation.
