A new type of home may soon be rolling into Sacramento. City leaders are considering allowing people to live in cottages mounted on wheels.<\/p>\n
It could be a small solution to a big problem.<\/p>\n
“We have a housing crisis,” said Varun Arora, a board member of the advocacy group House Sacramento. “We’re really struggling with building enough housing.”<\/p>\n
Arora said that allowing people to live in tiny homes on wheels can help prevent homelessness.<\/p>\n
“It’s going to make a massive dent to people who are struggling right at the edge of being able to afford a place or end up homeless,” Arora said.<\/p>\n
On the inside, they look like a cozy cottage with a bed, bathroom and kitchen. But the difference is on the outside, where these small dwellings are mounted on a trailer with wheels instead of a foundation, making them much more affordable.<\/p>\n
“You really could be talking about a starter home in Sacramento for less than $200,000, which is absolutely insane,” said Ben Raderstorf, House Sacramento board member.<\/p>\n
Cottages on wheels are actually licensed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.<\/p>\n
The City of Sacramento currently prohibits people from living in them unless they’re kept in a mobile home park, but that may soon change.<\/p>\n
Last week, Sacramento’s planning commission took the first steps towards revising regulations to allow them in backyards or vacant land.<\/p>\n
“This can be a really good opportunity for someone to access housing in an affordable housing option,” said Julio Lamas, the city’s planning and design commissioner.<\/p>\n
The City of West Sacramento started allowing tiny homes on wheels last May, and Robyn Davis was one of the first to get a permit.<\/p>\n
“This was an affordable option for me and hopefully for others,” Davis said.<\/p>\n
Some people might have concerns about allowing homes on wheels in their neighborhoods, but supporters say they are designed to blend in.<\/p>\n
“We’re not talking about Home Depot sheds,” Arora said. “We’re talking about structures that look almost identical. They’re just smaller and they’re cuter.”<\/p>\n
Placer and Nevada counties also allow movable tiny homes. The Sacramento City Council is scheduled to vote on approving these cottages later this summer.<\/p>\n
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