| 11/3/2021 |
Clark County Zoning Commission
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Agenda note: SUBJECT MATTER/RECOMMENDATION: In the matter of the recommendation that the Planning Commission request the Board to discuss implementation of Senate Bill No. 150 relating to tiny houses. (For possible action):
SPEAKER(S): Present
DISCUSSION: Following introduction of the item, Nancy Amundsen, Director of Comprehensive Planning, advised that following passage of Senate Bill (SB) 150, the County was authorized to allow tiny houses, as defined in the International Residential Code (IRC), in certain zoning districts; in addition, the Senate Bill required that the Board determine where tiny house parks could be placed, and to be allowed as accessary structures in residential districts as a second dwelling; reviewing the zoning code for areas where the houses would be best suited; and the bill was scheduled to become effective on January 1, 2024.
Commissioner Kirkpatrick advised of amenities needed for the houses; the houses would be considered manufactured housing; and wanted a yearly inspection to ensure compliance with standards.
In response to a question from Commissioner McCurdy, Ms. Amundsen advised that Senate Bill 150 indicated the houses would be 400 square feet, though in some areas, the house size ranged from 400 to 800 square feet.
Commissioner McCurdy advised that the tiny houses could be a way to assist those who could not afford a traditional home; requested the exploration of an idea for a community pantry for those who were food insecure; and requested the exploration of an idea for community co-working spaces.
In response to a question from Commissioner Gibson, Sami Real, Planning Manager for Comprehensive Planning, advised that SB 150 referred to the International Residential Code as a definition of a tiny home which was 400 square feet or less.
Commissioner Gibson advised of a review of the code and experiences with similar projects; spoke regarding the affordability of the homes; and minimum lot sizes.
Jilan Wise, Far Out Tiny Homes, spoke regarding the affordability and down-sizing for minimalist lifestyle; homes are 400 square feet or less and, on a chassis, or not; in the 2018 IRC, Appendix Q detailed code requirements whether on a permanent foundation or chassis; and lack a designated areas as homes were currently located in RV parks, trailer parks, or manufactured home communities.
Responding to questions from the Board, Ms. Wise spoke regarding the classification of the homes; where homes could be built, especially on parcel remnants; spoke of down-sizing by people of various means and lifestyles and that many were not interested in apartment life; not governed by Housing and Urban Development (HUD) but by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI); carbon footprint decreased by 50% from regular homes; and homes were built to last.
Commissioner Kirkpatrick directed staff to research further in transit-oriented areas, remnant land parcels, and if full offsites would be required.
Ms. Amundsen advised that the County had alternative standards available; the Building Department could approve tiny homes if required codes were met; and would review the definitions of RV parks and/or manufactured home parks to include tiny homes, instead of trying to designate which zoning areas the homes could be constructed.
Commissioner Gibson spoke regarding the requirement of the County for driveways and on street parking; and advised to look at mobile home parks where the houses could be installed or constructed.
Todd Koren, Absolute Exhibits, provided examples of homes built in the City of Los Angeles; advised that the minimum park size was 10,000 square feet per statute; 5.75 acres of land that encompassed the back-up radar system for McCarran International Airport; could construct or place approximately 130 tiny homes of the lot with egress for emergency services, and 75 parking spaces; and spoke regarding infrastructure utility services.
Ms. Amundsen advised that the land Mr. Koren referred to was restricted for housing construction by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); and advised that further research would be conducted, particularly construction in the outlying areas.
In response to a question from Commissioner Kirkpatrick, Ms. Amundsen confirmed that the houses had to be constructed on a permanent foundation and would reach out to the City of Las Vegas for a discussion on the Container Park. | |
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