S1474 — An Act allowing moveable tiny houses as permanent residential dwellings and accessory dwelling units

Summary

An Act allowing moveable tiny houses as permanent residential dwellings and accessory dwelling units

Bill Text

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The bill defines and regulates movable tiny houses, establishing guidelines for their use and titling in Massachusetts.

• Chapter 40A, Section 1A

  “Movable tiny house", is a transportable dwelling unit built on a frame or chassis with not more than 400 square feet, excluding lofts, projections from bay windows, open decks, porches, or exterior utility and storage compartments, intended for residential use on an individual house lot where single-family dwellings are allowed or as an accessory dwelling unit.

  This addition creates a formal definition for movable tiny houses.

• Chapter 40A, Section 1A

  A “movable tiny house” shall be permanently affixed to a chassis approved by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation capable of carrying the total weight of the structure and the exterior width shall not exceed any dimension prohibited by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for movement on a public way or highway; provided further, that a “movable tiny house” shall be built in conformance with the regulations and standards of the state building code but shall not be required to have insulation in walls, floors and ceiling exceeding R13, R19 and R25 respectively.

  This specifies requirements for the construction and transportation of movable tiny houses.

• Chapter 40A, Section 3

  The Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the Registry of Motor Vehicles, and the secretary of the commonwealth shall establish a new category for movable tiny houses.

  This mandates the creation of a new category specifically for movable tiny houses.

• Chapter 40A, Section 3

  The Registry of Motor Vehicles shall establish a process to apply for, issue, and cancel certificates of title for movable tiny houses that meet all additional safety and equipment requirements established by the Registry of Motor Vehicles; provided, however, that the registration fee for said certificates of titles for movable tiny houses and manufactured movable tiny houses shall be $100.

  This creates a registration process and fee structure for movable tiny houses.

• Chapter 40A, Section 3

  A movable tiny house may be placed on a lot as defined in section 1A of chapter 40A of the General Laws and lived in for not less than 180 days before an on-site inspection; provided, however, that after 180 days, a movable tiny house shall be required to have an established address, energy and water source and wastewater system; provided further, that after 180 days, the authority having jurisdiction of said lot shall provide for the inspection of the moveable tiny house by either the local authority having jurisdiction or a certified member of a third party inspection agency and if the moveable tiny house meets the standards of the inspection a certificate of occupancy shall be issued.

  This establishes occupancy rules and inspection requirements for movable tiny houses after a specified duration.

• Chapter 40A, Section 3

  Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, a city or town may establish less restrictive rules and regulations than are permitted by this section; provided, however, that a city or town shall not establish design criteria having the effect of excluding movable tiny houses. A city or town may incentivize hosted parking of movable tiny houses with tax abatements or other tax incentives.

  This allows local governments to create more flexible regulations regarding movable tiny houses.

Sponsors

• Bruce E. Tarr · Primary

Subjects