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Frequently Asked Questions

The Alternative Housing Solutions event took place on October 26-28, 2017. Hundreds of people came out to tour the tiny homes and learn more about how these inovative housing options can be part of the solution to ending San Diego's homelessness and affordable housing crisis. Below are some Frequently Asked Questions by attendees.

  1. What are tiny homes/ADU's/modular housing?

  2. Where can I place a tiny home in San Diego County?

  3. Where can I find more information about the tiny homes that were on display at the event?

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         .......There's more to come, please check back!

1. What are tiny homes/ADU's/modular housing? 

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tiny home: n. Used interchangeably with “tiny house.” A permanent self-contained housing unit between 100 and 400 square feet that uses smart design to include a kitchen, bathroom, living room and sleeping space. Can be on a foundation or wheels.​

 

ADU: abbr. “accessory dwelling unit.” An attached or detached residential dwelling unit which provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons. It includes permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the single-family dwelling is situated. Sometimes called a “secondary apartment,” “granny flat,” and “mother-in-law unit.”

 

Modular home: n. A residence built at least partially in a factory and then completed and assembled on-site on a fixed foundation.

 

Manufactured home: n. A residence built completely in a factory and delivered already fully assembled.

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2.  Where can I place a tiny home in San Diego County?

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The simple answer: You can't. 

 

However, thanks to new legislation in California, you can add an additional home in your back yard called an Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU). The ADU can be a tiny home as long as you follow the requirements of your local building department; meaning get a permit, build it right, pass an inspection with a building inspector (initially we were told there was a minimum square footage requirement of 400 or 450 sq/ft, which we now know is not correct. Based on information presented at the 2017 San Diego County ADU Status Conference the only square footage requirement is that you have at least one room with 72 square feet plus a bathroom, kitchen, and sleeping space).

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3.  Where can I find more info about the tiny homes on display at the event?

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Company Name: City Design Inc. 

Model shown: The "Mini"

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Company Name: Tiny Treasure Homes

Model shown: The “Freedom TM

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Company Name: Crown Pacific Homes

Model shown: The “Park” Model

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Company Name: C & N Universe

Model shown: Steel Framed Modular Home

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Company Name: Residence for Patriots

Model shown: The “Park” Model

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