Nelsonville City Council approves an ordinance allowing tiny homes
By: Haley Richardson
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) – Nelsonville residents will now be allowed to build tiny homes in designated areas.
The commission originally recommended the council regulate tiny homes in October 2021, citing its potential beneficial impact on the tourism industry and the city’s development.
The commission defined tiny homes as structures ranging from 400 to 1,000 square feet and would only be allowed in certain areas in residential zones. Only one house would be allowed per lot.
The commission also clarified tiny homes on wheels would be categorized as recreational vehicles, and inhabitants would need to register them as such and figure out a place to park them.
During the meeting, several residents expressed concerns about the potential of tiny homes being used as Airbnb’s and rental properties.
John Minks said he was concerned allowing tiny homes would make the city prioritize tourists over permanent residents.
“We keep talking about (how) we want people to own their homes, have pride, be here, but we’re a city of … almost 80% rentals. Let’s take that 80 and flip it down to 50,” Minks said. “I don’t think residents want Airbnb’s popping up in their new neighborhoods.”
Minks also asked why the city needed a new ordinance to address tiny homes instead of requiring people who want to build them to apply for a variance, which would give them an exception to local zoning code.
City Law Director Jonathan Robe said without the ordinance, Nelsonville would be opening itself up to spot zoning, which is illegal.
“You cannot rely on the variance procedure as a substitute for it without increasing the long-term litigation exposure to the city,” Robe said.
Councilmember Cory Taylor said boosting tourism could be beneficial for Nelsonville in the long run.
“We’re a destination now,” Taylor said. “We’re not putting in any manufacturing … we’re not doing mining. … Tourism is probably our best bet at this point.”