Posted: | February 6, 2023 09:55 AM |
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From: | Representative Darisha K. Parker |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Tiny House Legislation |
Tiny houses are a huge trend in the housing market and Pennsylvania is no stranger to them. However, a lack of clear guidance and building standards makes it difficult for local governments to establish parameters by which tiny houses are permissible as permanent single-family dwellings. Given the housing affordability problems we are experiencing, I plan on introducing legislation to make it easier for local governments to include tiny houses in their communities and ensure there is a common and safe building standard. My legislation amends Act 45 of 1999 to require the Department of Labor and Industry to promulgate regulations adopting Appendix Q “Tiny Houses” of the 2018 International Residential Code. My bill will only apply in a municipality that elects to adopt Appendix Q by ordinance. Adopting Appendix Q allows a tiny house under 400 square feet to be installed on a foundation (usually a concrete pad) as a permanent residence. Attention is specifically paid to safety features such as handrails and headroom for compact stairs, ladders, reduced ceiling heights in lofts, and emergency escape and rescue opening requirements. I hope you will consider joining me in co-sponsoring this legislation to expand housing options for Pennsylvanians in municipalities that want to provide residents with an affordable, safe, and environmentally sustainable home. If you are curious about the tiny house trend, here are some links to explore. www.tinysociety.co/articles/tiny-house-laws-united-states/ www.tinyhomeindustryassociation.org/ |
Introduced as HB2052