County commissioners approve zoning recommendations for tiny homes in Morgan County – The Fort Morgan Times

A public hearing on tiny home zoning regulations was held at the Aug. 6 Morgan County Commission meeting.

The state of Colorado recently introduced regulations regarding tiny homes and tiny houses. Due to an increase in inquiries, the Morgan County Building Department requested changes to the zoning regulations to clarify whether they should be allowed. Morgan County has seen a large number of applications, about 4-5 per week, for tiny homes in the county and outside of Jackson Lake.

It was recommended that the current use structure in each zoning district take into account the proposed changes. These changes include definitions of lofts, tiny homes and small houses, and changes to recreational vehicles. A tiny house will have specific requirements. The difference between a tiny house and a small home is the foundation and compliance with code. If the owners want to place a tiny house on a permanent foundation, it will be subject to the same requirements as a prefabricated home. If the tiny house remains on wheels, it will be considered a recreational vehicle. Colorado tiny houses will receive a metal nameplate installed under the sink by the State Division of Housing after an inspection. Once placed on a permanent foundation, the tiny house will also receive an installation nameplate.

Tiny homes that are less than 400 square feet and are built on a permanent foundation will require a building permit. If the tiny home is removed from its foundation and placed on the ground, the Department of Local Government Affairs (DOLA) states that Morgan County property appraisers will be responsible. Land-based financing will be acceptable to property appraisers, following a process similar to that for mobile homes. If the tiny home is installed in Morgan County, the inspection must go through DOLA, unless Morgan County has someone who has completed a state-mandated inspection training program.

Regardless of the year the home was built, the Division of Local Affairs (DOLA) ensures that these homes are approved by the state to receive the insignia. DOLA will inspect the home and issue the insignia, conducting the process exactly as it does for HUD manufactured homes. Inspections must be passed and the homes must be habitable. There are training programs for inspections and it has been determined that it is best to have the state conduct the process at this point.

With no one to speak publicly, whether in favor or against, the Morgan County Commission approved changes to the zoning code that would allow for the construction of tiny homes.