Want a movable tiny home on your property? Here’s how Boise could make that happen
If you’re finding it difficult to find affordable housing in Boise, as many are, the city may be legalizing a new option sometime next year — but all that hinges on the results of a new pilot program.
The city of Boise is planning a pilot program for movable tiny homes in the near future, which could lead to a code change to legalize the controversial housing model in Idaho’s largest city.
Movable tiny homes are typically no greater than 400 square feet and are not built on a fixed foundation; they typically have wheels so they can be towed. They’re considered different from recreational vehicles, because movable tiny homes are made with traditional construction materials, as opposed to fiberglass used on RVs.
Prices vary, but movable tiny homes can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $150,000 depending on size and quality.
In Boise, movable tiny homes are allowed only in RV parks and cannot be kept on a homeowner’s property, said Kyle Patterson, a data analyst with the city. Homeowners, though, have been expressing interest in them being an option.
The Treasure Valley’s housing shortage is forcing some residents to make tough decisions. More people who cannot afford houses have moved into their cars and RVs, filling Treasure Valley RV parks, many of which do not offer long-term leases.
The city held a public viewing of a tiny home at Terry Davis Park in July that attracted around 80 people, many of whom said they would join a city program.
“What stood out most from that experience was just the outpouring of community support and excitement,” Patterson said. “I couldn’t even find a parking space.”
For the pilot to work, the city would temporarily allow a maximum of six residents to have a tiny home on their properties for a period of six months. A nonprofit would provide financial support to ensure the space had utility hookups and other necessary amenities. Patterson said that the nonprofit has not been chosen.
Once chosen, the city would entirely fund the work of the nonprofit in supporting the pilot projects, he said.
“The idea is: Let’s try it and evaluate it and see if it works,” Patterson said.
Details of the program are still being finalized. The city expects to start selecting participants in January or February. If the pilot is successful, the city could start drafting a code change to allow movable tiny homes permanently, Patterson said.
Movable tiny homes aren’t without controversy. Those opposed have said the materials wear down faster than in a normal home and can contribute to higher density in residential areas.
Boise is not the only city in Ada County that could legalize them. Developer Hannah Ball has introduced a code change amendment to legalize them in Garden City. These types of homes aren’t allowed outside RV parks in any Ada County city, Patterson said.
The city is also considering a separate pilot program to encourage the construction of more accessory dwelling units, often known as casitas or mother-in-law suites. They are sometimes attached to garages or are built separately in backyards.
Under the accessory dwelling unit program, 10-12 homeowners would receive incentives to build tiny homes, including an exemption from all development impact fees and support from a nonprofit in setting up the unit. In exchange, the owner would promise to rent the unit at an affordable rate for years.
Accessory dwelling units don’t come cheap. Patterson said it can cost a property owner $175,000 to $225,000 to build one, not including increases to their property taxes. He said the key will be seeing if incentives are enough to persuade homeowners to take the plunge.
“We can find 10 people who are willing to do this, I don’t doubt that,” he said. “But are there 50 people that want to do this every year? Are there 500?”
Participants for the accessory dwelling unit pilot likely also won’t be selected until early 2022, he said.
This story was originally published December 12, 2021 at 4:00 AM.
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