Whereas the use of Recreational Vehicles RVs and Tiny homes as an alternative form of affordable housing has become a matter of national importance in the midst of a housing affordability crisis; and despite previously submitted UBCM Resolutions NR64, RR2, NR71, NR21, and NR22, a satisfactory outcome with respect to this issue has not been achieved; And whereas in March 2017, members from the modular construction council of the Canadian Home Builders Association CHBA drafted and submitted fourteen code change requests CCRs to the National Building Code to address the reality that some components and design features within tiny homes do not comply with all municipal, provincial, and federal codes or industry standards; And whereas the BC Housing Research Centre prepared a research paper titled Tiny Homes An Alternative to Conventional Housing Available online: https:www.bchousing.orgpublicationsTiny-Homes-Alternative-to-Convention… stating currently, it is possible to build a tiny house on a permanent foundation and meet the BCBC andor CSA A277 requirements. However, its restrictive design and smaller footprint requirements are challenged by various conditions that can ultimately lead to increased square footage. Amending the National Building Code is the preferred option to address this issue. As for moveable tiny homes, there are no existing guidelines in place to regulate their design and construction for permanent living. To address this, the construction industry can adopt a new standard specific to tiny houses on wheels via an industry-standard certifying body such as the CSA. This standard would differentiate the unit from recreational vehicles and park models, and ensure the structure is designated as a permitted dwelling unit for full-time living: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM encourage the Province to advocate for and provide incentives to industry groups to revisit industry standards such as CSA, and create a new category specific to moveable tiny homes certified for permanent occupancy that separates tiny homes from motorized vehicles, towable RVs and temporary small trailers; and to create a new category specific to RVs certified for permanent occupancy; And be it further resolved that UBCM encourage the Province that as a matter of national importance to advocate for changes to the National Building Code to recognize and define tiny homes as an allowable dwelling unit and provide specific building requirements; and to follow up any such changes with updates to Part 9 of the BC Building Code.
