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Resident asks Thorntown to allow tiny home; council suggests BZA review and ordinance change may be needed
Summary
A resident asked the council whether a tiny home could be placed on his property for a family member; council members discussed current minimum dwelling-size rules, tap and impact fees, and suggested pursuing a variance through the Board of Zoning Appeals or amending the minimum-dwelling ordinance.
Rick Bechtold told the council on Aug. 18 that he is interested in placing a tiny home on his property to house his mother-in-law and presented materials about the unit. The council discussed the town’s current zoning ordinance, which sets a minimum dwelling size and governs utility tap and impact fees, and noted that the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) could consider a variance for Mr. Bechtold’s request.
Council members and staff discussed how the minimum-dwelling-size ordinance was established and the process for changing it, including whether a text amendment would be needed or whether the BZA could grant an exception under existing rules. No formal application or vote occurred at the meeting.
Why this matters: Tiny homes are a growing housing option and may offer a lower-cost alternative for family caregiving situations, but zoning and fee structures can limit their placement. The council identified procedural routes — BZA review or ordinance amendment — that Mr. Bechtold could pursue.
