Would a tiny home concept work better on lots like this?

Question

I’ve had a few conversations lately around whether smaller or irregular lots might work better with tiny home concepts or more creative site planning.

Curious what others think.

Would you consider alternative development concepts on tighter lots, or stick with traditional builds only?

Here’s the property that sparked the conversation: https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-listings/malb-vacant-lot-opportunity

Brooke Adams · Answer

I think you’re right, most of these ideas run into zoning and minimum square footage requirements long before design becomes the limiting factor. The “creative concept” really only matters once it actually fits within the rules.

Brandi Williams · Answer

Tiny homes sound creative until you hit the permitting wall. Most municipalities haven't updated their codes to accommodate them cleanly. You're often fighting minimum square footage requirements, foundation type restrictions, and utility hookup standards written for conventional stick-built construction.

The irregular lot problem is usually a setback and building envelope issue, not a size issue. A good site plan can maximize a tight lot for a traditional build more reliably than chasing an alternative concept that may not even be permittable under the applicable zoning.

What's the zoning classification, and does the jurisdiction have a minimum square footage requirement? That's where this conversation really starts.

Brooke Adams · Answer

I like your idea about maximizing the lot with townhomes, especially working with that L-shape on the right side. I’m a bit mixed on tiny homes, I see the affordability angle, but I do think resale and financing could be tricky unless they’re more like small traditional builds on proper foundations. The commercial idea is interesting too, like storage or a car wash could really change the numbers depending on zoning. Personally, I think it really comes down to what the city allows on that parcel, that’s what’s going to drive whether any of these concepts are actually realistic.

Bryce Jamison · Answer

I love the creative thinking!

I'm personally not into tiny homes because I don't think there's as much appreciation as with a traditional build, but I suppose as long as you have them built on foundations and to normal codes it could work. Can you build tiny townhomes to fit a ton in?

How many traditionally built homes / townhomes could you build now? Even if it's 2 or 3, the numbers could make sense. I'd try to fit as many townhomes into an L on the right angle side of the property. I'd also look into commercial options. Can you put a gas station, car wash, or storage unit on the property?

What do you think about tiny homes? Are they a trend that will pass, or are they where housing is heading with an ever changing economy?

Would a tiny home concept work better on lots like this?

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