EASC Discussing Temporary Use Permits for Tiny Homes

Roy L Hales/ Cortes Currents - At their June 11 meeting, the Electoral Areas Service Committee (EASC) heard a staff report on tiny home initiatives in the Regional District of Nanaimo. This followed an ongoing discussion that began with a motion from Regional Director Robyn Mawhinney of Area C last November. Director Mawhinney: “I noticed that in other regional districts, temporary use permits are being used for a variety of purposes—potentially to permit tiny homes as long-term temporary accommodation, if you want to call it that. “I couldn’t find a policy, or even an application form, for a temporary use permit at the SRD. I’m wondering if we could have a report on our current policy on temporary use permits, and also how they’re used in other regional districts.” John Rice (Regional Director of Area D):“I’m curious about the use of temporary use permits. My understanding is that the province is already moving toward new legislation for small-footprint homes. I believe that the Cowichan Valley is accepting them, so I’m not sure why we want to explore temporary use permits if the province is moving to make this more legal anyway. I could be wrong.” Director Mawhinney: “Well, I haven’t heard that—that’s great news. The reason I was interested in temporary use permits as a potential solution for housing is because I’ve witnessed in my community that someone is willing to offer a place for a tiny home to be used as a home temporarily, and then they have to tell the tiny home owner they can’t live there because their home insurance won’t permit it on their property. “I’ve been wondering whether a temporary use permit—typically available for up to three years, with the possibility of renewal—could provide more legal assurance for insurance companies. That, in turn, might expand the possibility of providing non-traditional housing options in our electoral areas.” Gerald Whalley (Regional Director of Area A): “So, just to confirm—are these smaller than a typical mobile home?” Director Mawhinney: “I think they often fall under the RV category because they’re on wheels. They aren’t always on wheels, but they often are. Mobile homes are on wheels—that’s why they’re mobile. But I think mobile homes are often moved and then the wheels are removed and the unit is anchored to the ground. It just seems like there are a lot of questions that staff could answer.”