An Act allowing moveable tiny houses as permanent residential dwellings and accessory dwelling units
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1474) of Bruce E. Tarr, David F. DeCoste, Colleen M. Garry, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation to allow moveable tiny houses as permanent residential dwellings and accessory dwelling units. Municipalities and Regional Government.
Bill Information
Bill Information
- Presenter:
- Bruce E. Tarr
- Status:
- Referred to Senate Committee on Ways and Means
Emergency Preamble
Whereas, The deferred operation of this act would tend to defeat its purpose, which is to declare that movable tiny homes (MTH) are structures that are important, effective, and deemed crucial in addressing the affordable housing crisis in the Commonwealth. Given this crisis, exasperated by the pandemic years, notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, municipalities shall be required to give special consideration to movable tiny houses whether or not they meet the Chapter 40B 10% threshold for affordable housing, as a fast–track solution to this most significant problem for the Commonwealth’s workforce and the rising demographic of 1-2 person families. This housing product is built to the 10th edition of MA. Building Code, thus, is a safe, habitable dwelling that should no longer be regulated like RVs. Many of our workers have been evicted overnight from their movable tiny homes due to town officials’ misunderstanding that these dwellings are built like seasonal RVs when they are built like any other stick-built house in compliance with the building code. The foundation is an integrated chassis floor system that when anchored with augers and skirted, is as stable as a fixed permanent foundation., therefore it is hereby declared to be an emergency law, necessary for the immediate preservation of the public convenience.
establishes a legal framework for "movable tiny houses," defining them as transportable dwellings under 400 square feet for use as primary or accessory homes. The legislation directs state agencies to create a new vehicle classification and titling process, requiring a registration fee and inspections for long-term occupancy to ensure safe utility connections. Additionally, the bill empowers municipalities to adopt these rules, enact less restrictive local ordinances, and offer incentives like tax abatements to encourage the use of tiny houses.
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