Tiny Houses Stranded On The Road Again Spinning Its Wheels 

Yesterday, proponents for an I-Code change to Appendix BB Tiny Houses presented comments that would have added chassis provisions to the tiny house code at the International Code Council  PCH in Connecticut yesterday.

The new code was earmarked for the 2027 IRC, but once again, it was turned down. Proponents have tried unsuccessfully for 3 code cycles ( 10 years) to add provisions for movable tiny homes, otherwise known as tiny houses on wheels, or relocatable tiny houses. In two weeks, I will post the video of the hearing. 

I also received a reply from ICC to a second preemption inquiry yesterday as well that is ignoring my complaints regarding the ICC 1215 standard and their disregard for preemption. 

The Testimonies Were Solid

The proponents were solid in their testimonies and they even overturned the disapproval at the previous hearing, so their comments could be heard, which is an accomplishment in itself.

Opponents spoke in favor of the ICC 1215 standard being developed and want that be completed instead. The standard will NOT progress the industry forward because of the Small Residential hijacking of the standard.

The Irony

The irony is that the opponents against their public comments were arguing that a relocatable tiny house is a vehicle and should not be regulated by building officials or inclusive in the IRC, while the ICC 1215 committee is denying the motor vehicle path and they are trying to find a work around federal law and preemption. Avoiding motor vehicle law is fully supported by the ICC board. 

Uniting The Motor Vehicle Path With The Structure Path Is The Road To Legal Dwellings

For almost two years I have tried to get the ICC 1215 committee to recognize motor vehicle law.  The duo nature of tiny houses on wheels must be recognized to create a legal dwelling to obtain a mortgage and to be accepted in jurisdictions.

The path to compliance for tiny houses on wheels is to integrate the motor vehicle compliance path with requirements of a structure, so it meets both the requirements of the road, and for legal placement and for the structure to be recognized as real property. We also need to create provisions that allow tiny houses on wheels to be legally placed on leased land where the unit remains personal property. 

The ICC 1215 committee is blocking the very steps needed.

Learn More 

I will continue my opposition to the Small Residential Unit takeover of tiny houses by ICC. 

Thank you for signing and sharing the petition. 

Janet Thome President 
Tiny House Alliance USA 
janet@tinyhouseallianceusa.org