Tiny House Viability (Prineville: how much, construction, camping)

[whirnot]

Originally Posted by creativekristy

I've done some extensive research over the last couple days and it looks like Bend has a lot more rules about maximum home sizes, but not minimums, which bodes well! Thanks whirnot, I will try that. One thing I love about Oregon is that real people answer the phones at each department/office, even at the DMV. It's wonderful!

I have found the folks at Deschutes County to be some of the best I have dealt with, an I have built all over the country. In person the whole office is just extremely nice.

[Steve Pickering]

Tiny Houses are legal, but I can't seem to find the ordinance right now. Tiny Houses are not Park Models.

[Mr Beco]

I was just about to check into the same thing!

[kapetrich]

Don't quote me on this, but I'm fairly sure there is a minimum required square footage for a primary home that hooks up to municipal (and some none-municipal) utilities. Any dwelling after the primary on the same property is different. To my understanding, this is why people pay to live in their tiny house on someone else's property and/or live on their own land "illegally", or at least, not up to code. This should change as downsizing becomes even more trendy.

While I think it's funny to even say, I think most tiny house people would believe a 500 sq. ft. home to be less 'tiny house' and more minimal and/or small. That said, to me, "it" really depends on the ratio of people to the sq. ft.

Originally Posted by whirnot

I have found the folks at Deschutes County to be some of the best I have dealt with, an I have built all over the country. In person the whole office is just extremely nice.

I deal with the City of Bend often and have the same experience. They're much more busy now then they were 2 years ago, but they are still very helpful. I'm surprised every time I pick up the phone, write them an email or stop by.

[Mr Beco]

Originally Posted by kapetrich

Don't quote me on this, but I'm fairly sure there is a minimum required square footage for a primary home that hooks up to municipal (and some none-municipal) utilities. Any dwelling after the primary on the same property is different. To my understanding, this is why people pay to live in their tiny house on someone else's property and/or live on their own land "illegally", or at least, not up to code. This should change as downsizing becomes even more trendy.

While I think it's funny to even say, I think most tiny house people would believe a 500 sq. ft. home to be less 'tiny house' and more minimal and/or small. That said, to me, "it" really depends on the ratio of people to the sq. ft.



I deal with the City of Bend often and have the same experience. They're much more busy now then they were 2 years ago, but they are still very helpful. I'm surprised every time I pick up the phone, write them an email or stop by.

downsizing might become more trendy, but it doesnt mean the govt will let people do it.

[kapetrich]

Originally Posted by Barry Rock

downsizing might become more trendy, but it doesnt mean the govt will let people do it.

THE government of Portland was 'lobbied' and made a new code, of sorts, for a Tiny House Hotel in Portland: Caravan - The Tiny House Hotel in Portland OR

It's possible, just difficult, but if theres a will....

(Hey, we're from the same state!)

[Mr Beco]

Originally Posted by kapetrich

THE government of Portland was 'lobbied' and made a new code, of sorts, for a Tiny House Hotel in Portland: Caravan - The Tiny House Hotel in Portland OR

It's possible, just difficult, but if theres a will....

(Hey, we're from the same state!)

Some of these people plop down these tiny houses in remote areas. I would think Bend has some of those kinds of sites, off the beaten path, but not too far from town. When I get out there later this year I intend to look around. For me, its either there or some of the Oregon beach towns like Bandon, Astoria, Depoe Bay or Cannon Beach. Any suggestions....feel free.

Personally, I would need to live in a place bigger than 200 sf. But the movement is about leaving a smaller footprint, getting rid of your unnessary possessions, etc. I'm into it, just a big adjustment....

[tidwe255]

creativekristy- did you ever find an answer with your research? My wife and I are contemplating buying land in bend and placing a tiny/small house on the lot. Any information on minimum size would help. thanks.

[Nell Plotts]

Ask the planning department.

[creativekristy]

tidwe255 - anything on a trailer seems to be no problem. However, if it's a permanent house, even if it's tiny, it needs to be approved for any services you're hooking it up to, like sewer, water, utilities, etc. But Deschutes County is really flexible with trailers as they're considered RVs. You can pretty much buy property anywhere and live on it...but you'll need to be ready to show it is moveable if necessary.