Resident asks Metamora trustees to allow tiny house as private secondary dwelling; attorney to draft special‑use ordinance

Shawnna Ryan, a Metamora resident at 100 W. Pine St., asked the Board of Trustees to consider allowing a tiny house on her property to serve as a private, secondary living space for her mother. "Requested the boards’ consideration to allow her to put a tiny house on her property to act as a private, secondary living space for her mother," the minutes record. Ryan said she would not request a separate address or utilities and that the unit would tie directly into her home.

The board revisited the matter under old business after the zoning board declined to decide without Village Board guidance. Attorney Brunton outlined issues that must be addressed—parking, emergency access, and whether short‑term rentals would be permitted—and told trustees the next step is drafting an ordinance establishing special‑use permit procedures for detached tiny dwellings. Brunton said he will provide a draft ordinance for trustees at the next meeting. Zoning board member Andrew Kamm summarized the zoning board’s concerns about emergency vehicle access and utility tie‑ins.

Why it matters: permitting accessory tiny dwellings would change how homeowners may use parcels in residential zones and could affect emergency‑access requirements and utility connections. The attorney’s planned draft will determine whether the board treats tiny homes as a permitted accessory use or requires case‑by‑case special‑use review.