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Commission moves to update zoning code for tiny homes, Conestoga huts, container homes and ADUs; open house Feb. 18
Summary
City staff told the planning commission they will propose code changes to address tiny homes, shipping‑container homes and Conestoga huts, including a likely minimum tiny‑home size near 320 sq ft and restrictions on amenities and siting. A public open house on a proposed neighborhood corridor overlay is set for Feb. 18 at 6 p.m.
City planning staff told the Athens City Planning Commission on Feb. 5 that they will bring draft zoning‑code changes to address small‑scale housing types — including tiny homes, Conestoga huts and shipping‑container homes — and begin a public process on a neighborhood corridor overlay.
City Planner Megan Jennings announced a public open house for the proposed neighborhood corridor overlay on Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. at the new fire station headquarters, 120 East Simpson Ave. StructurePoint, the consultant working on the overlay and a general code audit, will present public input and a summary to the commission at its Feb. 19 meeting.
Director David Riggs described several elements staff plan to propose: definitions for Conestoga huts and container homes, minimum amenities (for example, a tiny home should include a kitchen and bathroom), and possible siting limits such as buffers from parks or schools. Riggs said the city is considering a minimum tiny‑home size near 320 square feet that would have to include a kitchen, bathroom and living/bedroom space. He also said single shipping containers are typically smaller than that threshold, so container homes would likely require two containers combined, exterior modifications such as a roof and siding, and design standards so the structure resembles a house rather than an exposed metal box.
Jennings said the ADU discussion (detached and attached accessory dwelling units) will require focused public engagement and education because those rules can raise community concerns. "They're an important residential use," she said, and staff noted the city’s affordable housing commission supports ADUs. Staff said final draft recommendations for overlay text and code reorganization are expected in the spring following public outreach.
Next steps: Public open house Feb. 18; StructurePoint will report back to the planning commission on Feb. 19 and staff expect to return with draft code language later in the spring.
