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Old 11-02-2015, 08:50 AM
 
4,139 posts, read 11,492,423 times
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I watched Tiny House Nation and they showed a woman from Charlotte who built one of those to live in her friend's backyard.

It had me wondering (and I have a teen son who tells me he plans to live in one in our backyard some day, but that is probably just talk)........

What are the laws/ordinances, etc....for the areas around Charlotte? What are the rules in Charlotte proper?

Anyone know?
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Old 11-02-2015, 09:08 AM
 
Location: Southport
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There are 2 separate issues. One is a tiny house by itself, one is a tiny house in the backyard of a "regular" house.

The latter is permitted, subject to it not being larger than 35% of the square footage of the main house, with a max of 800 square feet. There are setback requirements as well.

I don't know about the former. The biggest obstacle may be fining a lot that isn't subject to a subdivision minimum house size. You should probably call the Planning Department at (704) 336-2205 and ask if their are any restrictions on minimum house size.
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Old 11-02-2015, 10:35 AM
 
4,139 posts, read 11,492,423 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by carolinadawg2 View Post
There are 2 separate issues. One is a tiny house by itself, one is a tiny house in the backyard of a "regular" house.

The latter is permitted, subject to it not being larger than 35% of the square footage of the main house, with a max of 800 square feet. There are setback requirements as well.

I don't know about the former. The biggest obstacle may be fining a lot that isn't subject to a subdivision minimum house size. You should probably call the Planning Department at (704) 336-2205 and ask if their are any restrictions on minimum house size.
Interesting. Thanks.
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Old 11-02-2015, 11:04 AM
 
416 posts, read 928,280 times
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A lot of times wheels are put on them to get around zoning laws.
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Old 11-02-2015, 12:23 PM
 
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Tiny houses with wheels = hipster trailers.
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Old 11-02-2015, 03:56 PM
 
4,139 posts, read 11,492,423 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Essequamvideri View Post
Tiny houses with wheels = hipster trailers.
Yeah, the difference is the materials used and the resale value being much higher.
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Old 11-03-2015, 08:48 AM
 
Location: Mooresville, NC
2,348 posts, read 3,465,860 times
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Originally Posted by DawnW View Post
Yeah, the difference is the materials used and the resale value being much higher.
Yes, that's the hipster part of it. haha
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Old 11-03-2015, 09:38 AM
 
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Originally Posted by DawnW View Post
Yeah, the difference is the materials used and the resale value being much higher.
What shows resale value higher? Are you saying tiny houses mature in value or don't lose value as quickly as manufactured trailers?

Many manufactured trailers are actually very energy efficient and made with high quality materials. In fact, many city planning experts think the ability to use mass produced trailers in the future could be helpful for communities dealing with future energy crises and/or overpopulation strains.

I support anyone's right to do whatever they want, but think many of the houses are impractical and more of an art project than a home solution. Most tiny house enthusiasts are more interested in decorating a small space than building an efficient home. They love the idea of living in a small space, but don't consider or prioritize the realistic limitations and necessities of doing so. It would be better for the environment and their wallet to just buy a trailer if they really want to live in a small space, but they won't do that because trailers don't appeal to their eye. The large majority of tiny house builders do not live in them full time, but treat them more like adult playhouses for their backyards.
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Old 11-03-2015, 11:35 AM
 
Location: Mooresville, NC
2,348 posts, read 3,465,860 times
Reputation: 2081
Quote:
Originally Posted by Essequamvideri View Post
What shows resale value higher? Are you saying tiny houses mature in value or don't lose value as quickly as manufactured trailers?

Many manufactured trailers are actually very energy efficient and made with high quality materials. In fact, many city planning experts think the ability to use mass produced trailers in the future could be helpful for communities dealing with future energy crises and/or overpopulation strains.

I support anyone's right to do whatever they want, but think many of the houses are impractical and more of an art project than a home solution. Most tiny house enthusiasts are more interested in decorating a small space than building an efficient home. They love the idea of living in a small space, but don't consider or prioritize the realistic limitations and necessities of doing so. It would be better for the environment and their wallet to just buy a trailer if they really want to live in a small space, but they won't do that because trailers don't appeal to their eye. The large majority of tiny house builders do not live in them full time, but treat them more like adult playhouses for their backyards.
I will say I'm intrigued by "tiny houses" just from being a lover of all things efficient. As you mentioned though in your post, many are doing it because it's cool or the new "in" thing to do versus wanting to really maximize every inch and leave a smaller footprint on the world. Not saying that's the case with the OP's family at all, just to be clear.

I personally could never live in a tiny house full time but certainly would consider one as an option if I ever bought some vacation land on a lake or mountain at some point.
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Old 11-03-2015, 01:55 PM
 
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I love the idea of having a really tiny mountain cabin with an awesome view.
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