Incredible breaking news! This took almost four years! We are so grateful for the Institute For Justice that is working on behalf of the tiny house industry!
Victory! Court Rules in Favor of Georgia Nonprofit’s Challenge Against Calhoun’s Ban on Building Small Homes
CALHOUN, Georgia—Today, Tiny House Hand Up (THHU) won an important legal victory in their challenge to the city of Calhoun’s ban on building homes smaller than 1,150 square feet. THHU is a Calhoun nonprofit that wants to use donated land to fill a niche for smaller, less costly homes After the Institute for Justice (IJ) argued on their behalf, the judge ruled from the bench, granting a motion in THHU’s favor. A written order will be coming in the next few weeks.
“This is not just a win for our clients, it’s a win for the people of Calhoun,” said IJ Attorney Joe Gay. “The city spent years telling Tiny House Hand Up that they can’t build modest cottages on their property. We are thrilled to finally have their constitutional rights vindicated in court.”
“Small homes offer flexibility for people who might not be able to afford larger homes or who just prefer to downsize,” said IJ Senior Attorney Dan Alban. “Imposing arbitrary limits on home size makes no sense and violates the Georgia Constitution.”
Affordable housing is one of most pressing economic issues facing Americans today, with soaring prices keeping people from obtaining the American dream of housing independence. Even some people with a steady job but modest income are unable to afford housing in today’s economy. Between 2020 and 2024 the media house price in Georgia rose from $248,900 to $381,100 according to Houzeo.
This is such an important landmark case, especially with the timing of the ICC 1215 Small Residential Unit takeover of tiny houses.
Janet Thome President
Tiny House Alliance USA
janet@tinyhouseallianceusa.org