How Oregon Tiny Home Legislature Will Change

As ordinary living expenses continue to increase in Oregon, tiny homes are becoming an increasingly appealing alternative to traditional homes. Many residents are unhappy about the rise in the cost of living and are looking for other solutions, and tiny houses are some of the best options available. The popularity of tiny houses is even influencing legislature, with two new bills regarding Oregon tiny house regulations headed for the Capitol.

Unfortunately, there is currently an imbalance between land and available product, which has caused rents and housing prices to increase considerably, but with these two new bills in place, it can be less of a problem for many individuals.

What Defines a Tiny Home?

A tiny home is any residence or recreational home that measures less than 250 square feet in size. Some are permanently fixed in place, while others are more mobile and can travel across the country as long as they meet state regulations regarding recreational vehicles. These homes are ultimately much more versatile than traditional houses and can provide homeowners with many options that aren’t available otherwise.

What the New Oregon Tiny House Bills Mean

One of the people responsible for pushing these two new bills is State Senator Tim Knopp, who has been aware of the housing crisis affecting Central Oregon and is a supporter of tiny homes as a result.

In a public statement, Knopp said, “We just need to make sure that when those tiny homes are being built, they’re built safely, and that those who are buying them know exactly what they’re getting.”

The bills themselves will establish new standards for tiny homes in Oregon, helping further integrate the concept into communities statewide.

Easing Building Requirements

The first tiny home bill is designed to ease overall building requirements of homes that are 250 square feet or less, and calls for set standards.

The bill requires Director of Department of Consumer and Business Services to “adopt amendments to state building code to establish specified standards for homes that have floor area of not more than 400 square feet.” By no later than September 15, 2022, there should be standards in place for tiny homes, with a “Sunsets requirement for special standards January 2, 2024.”

Inspection and Compliance

The second bill requires building officials to perform inspections on tiny homes for compliance in two different contexts.

First, small homes that are not used as residences or not permanently sited must undergo inspection to ensure compliance with recreational vehicle program standards. However, if they are used as residential properties and are permanently sited, they must comply with the Low-Rise Residential Dwelling Code.

This bill comes at the request of the House Interim Committee on Business and Labor.

How These Bills Can Improve Housing in Oregon

While tiny homes aren’t a total solution to Oregon’s housing crisis, they can ease it significantly by providing Oregon residences with more cost-effective living. These bills help make sure these new homes meet all construction and compliance standards, making them official homes for many while adhering to any codes and regulations.

It’s important to acknowledge that these are the bare beginnings of the bills, as advocates and lawmakers have stated that they still need improvements, but these bills still show that the state is progressing regarding tiny home accommodation.

With the help of these bills, the rise in popularity of tiny homes in Oregon, and other solutions to come, the cost of living may lower significantly within the next decade.

Living Tiny in Other States

Oregon isn’t the only state to recognize the benefits of tiny home living. Many other states across the country are picking up this trend, which can help improve the lives of many who struggle with traditional home payments and want to travel.

Tiny homes are a convenient way for homeowners to live with many of the luxuries of a traditional home while providing them with mobility that larger homes don’t offer. People living in these smaller homes also find that the overall cost of living is cut in several ways, with less energy and resource consumption in the long run.

Whether you live beachside in California or in the middle of rural Indiana, a tiny home can help improve your lifestyle in many ways. As more people continue to adopt tiny home living, more states are likely to introduce the same legislative changes that Oregon is pushing.

Who Builds Tiny Homes in Oregon?

Many companies design and build tiny homes in Oregon, but Utopian Villas is a tiny home builder in Oregon that provides customers with many unique designs that can meet Oregon’s tiny home standards, with top-quality construction materials. With one of our tiny homes, you can get a complete layout that gives you everything you need for cost-effective living.

Where and How to Buy Tiny Homes

Considering a tiny home in Oregon or another state? Utopian Villas can provide you with some of the best tiny house models available in the country, with many different designs based on your lifestyle and living needs. We’re ready to help you find the perfect park model for you and your family. As leading tiny home builders in Oregon, we can work with you to determine which model we offer can give you the best results.