Resident asks Bluff planners to clarify tiny-home rules; commission schedules work session

A Bluff resident urged the Planning and Zoning Commission on June 4 to clarify conflicting language in the town zoning code about tiny homes and recreational vehicles, prompting commissioners to plan a dedicated work session on the issue.

Stephen Reale told commissioners that section 6.40.10 appears to contain two incompatible provisions: one stating that "where permitted, mobile homes, modular homes, or tiny houses shall be permitted as a use-by-right as a primary dwelling or as an accessory dwelling unit in all zoning districts in which a residential dwelling or ADU are permitted uses," and another saying that "recreational vehicles and tiny houses on wheels or tiny houses shall only be placed or used as dwelling in authorized recreational vehicle parks or mobile home parks." Reale said he hoped to place a tiny home within about two months and asked for clarification of what is allowed.

Chair Malia Collins and commissioners agreed to research the citations and provide Reale with guidance. Commissioner Marcia Hadenfeldt presented research comparing Bluff’s zoning code with several similar Utah towns and said those towns have significantly simpler ordinances. Commissioner Brian Whitney cautioned against removing provisions without understanding the rationale of prior commissioners and recommended consulting former commissioners as part of the review.

The commission noted that recent changes in Utah state law concerning accessory dwelling units, tiny homes and affordable housing may affect local code language. Commissioners said they will schedule a work session to focus on tiny-home and RV language and to reconcile any town code provisions that may be more restrictive than state law.

Next steps: commissioners will compile research, consult former commissioners as available, and hold a work session to produce recommended revisions for future agendas.