The Regional District of Nanaimo recently approved a resolution to be sent to the Union of B.C. Municipalities meeting this year, for the province to create a code to pave the way to build tiny homes and allow for long-term RV living. (Dreamscape)

By Jordan Davidson

tiny homes and RV living

RDN approves UBCM resolution to create future for tiny home and RV living

Aug 1, 2024 | 5:33 AM

NANAIMO — The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) wants the province to make a plan to allow residents to build and live in moveable tiny homes and recreational vehicles (RVs) amidst the ongoing housing and affordability crisis.

During their July 23 regular board meeting, the RDN heard from delegate Zoe Todd who spoke in favour of Director Leanne Salter’s motion of creating a future for tiny homes and RV living in B.C. and sending the resolution to this year’s Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) convention for debate and consideration.

During her presentation, Todd said they “don’t have to reinvent the wheel” when it comes to policy changes, referencing a 2014 RDN decision recognizing not all existing secondary suites meet the BC Building Code.

“This is really exciting because that means there’s already a precedent in the RDN to take a similar approach with RVs and tiny homes while prioritizing issues that are addressed in the International Residential Code…this will help us acknowledge that lack of affordable housing in the region is itself a major community-wide environment and safety emergency.”

Todd spoke about how RVs are already highly regulated, as well as provincial tiny home builders already being certified by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).

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A 2021 research paper prepared by the BC Housing Research Centre regarding tiny homes found components and design features did not comply with all municipal, provincial, and federal codes or industry standards for use as a permanent dwelling.

The paper recommended changes to provincial and national building codes to ensure tiny homes can be built safely and up to standard, while also staying true to its initial purpose of a reduced footprint and mobile nature.

“Manufacturers here are also building as close to the BC and National building codes as they can, and the RDN can really be a provincial leader and that’s what we’re lacking right now,” said Todd. “We need someone who’s really willing to take this one and push the province to catch up to the stringent safety codes the industry is already using to protect consumers.”

The motion was approved without opposition.

This is not the first time the RDN has tried to advocate for a tiny home building code, as a similar motion was passed in 2022, but was not admitted for debate at the UBCM.

Similar resolutions have been endorsed by the UBCM in the past, including one from the community of Oliver in 2022, requesting a review of the BC Building Code to address structural barriers to building tiny homes, such as required window and door sizes.

The 2024 UBCM runs from Sept. 16-20 in Vancouver.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow