Sometimes the simplest answer is the right one.
It isn’t news that our country consumes and wastes far more than it should. Whether it’s driving a seven-seater car with only two people or living in a mansion with high energy costs--the over consumption is astounding. So what can we do about it?
Let’s look at tiny houses for example. At no more than 500 square feet with a focus on simple living, tiny houses could be at least part of the answer to our growing world. Today, more and more people are turning to tinys because of their affordability and their lower impact on the environment. However, one of the common challenges that arises in terms of going tiny is finding a place to live in it legally. Luckily, finding a home for your tiny home is entirely possible with a little patience and research. Let’s take a look at some of the best places to build your tiny house.
1. In a Tiny House Community
Tiny house communities are popping up around the country as a place where tiny homeowners can live together legally and in a sustainable way. A great example of this is in the “first tiny house friendly town in America” in Spur, Texas. This particular location has no minimum build size and a supportive community of tiny homeowners.
2. On a Trailer
Regulations and zoning restrictions become slightly vague when it comes to tiny houses on wheels. In most locations, a tiny house on wheels is classified as an RV (recreational vehicle). While technically you can’t live full time in an RV, the upside is that you’ll be able to move it if necessary. Be sure to check the local regulations wherever you go to avoid a fine.
3. In Someone’s Backyard
If you don’t mind living close to your friend or family member, building on their land might be a smart move. Building a tiny house ADU (accessory dwelling unit) can be built on foundations in locations that allow ADUs. However, because they are on the land of a primary dwelling, it isn’t always the first choice for many tiny house hopefuls.
4. In a City That Allows Tinys
Today, more and more places are embracing tiny houses than ever before. In some parts of the country, tiny houses are are permitted as long as they meet the specific zoning requirements. You’re more likely to find this is the case if you’re looking to build a tiny house on a foundation.
Examples of cities that allow tiny houses include Fresno, California; Park County, Colorado; Union Mills, North Carolina; and Pima County, Arizona.
Are tiny houses a simple answer to a complicated world? In some ways, certainly. A smaller space equates to lower consumption rates; it takes far less energy to heat or cool a tiny house. You’ll also think twice before purchasing food or items with heavy plastic packaging if you’re in charge of disposing your own trash. Additionally, tiny houses are also compatible with alternative energy solutions such as composting toilets and solar energy. If you’re serious about leaving an even tinier footprint, then building a tiny house may be the right solution for you.
While the world may not be 100 percent ready to embrace the tiny house community; those of us who are willing to downsize for the planet will continue to go full steam ahead.
