I’m glad this post caught your attention because I believe it’s really important in regards to tiny houses and the future.
Right now the United States requires homes in most areas to be 1,000 square feet or larger. We feel that this attempts to standardize bigger homes and that it forces Americans into more debt.
Larger homes lead to bigger loans, more furniture, higher taxes, and overall- more debt. I’m not saying that normal or “big” houses are bad, I’m just saying we shouldn’t be forced into them and we deserve better options.
It’s important for citizens to have access to affordable, manageable homes so that they can get ahead and flourish in our country.
In addition, with everything we have been learning about the environment, our economy, and advances in technology, now more than ever- we need a better perspective of what the “American Dream” really is.
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In an effort to bring this petition to the desk of the President for review, I’m asking for your help and support to gather 25,000 signatures by April 27, 2012 so that the White House will review and respond.
Below is a copy of what the Petition reads:
WE PETITION THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION TO:
Require States to Reform Zoning Codes to Allow Tiny Home Structures under 1000 square feet
The 1000+ sq foot zoning requirements currently in place in most states, were initiated by lenders/municipalities, in an attempt to force Americans to build bigger homes, thus incurring larger debt (so lenders could make more$) and municipalities could charge higher taxes.This practice limits the ability of Americans to achieve the “American Dream” of home ownership in a structure size that suits their needs.There is a growing trend to build smaller homes but it is difficult because of these restrictions. Laws requiring homes to be1000+ sq feet are unconstitutional and should be abolished. States should be required to remove these laws so that more families can live within their financial means, in a structure that suits their needs, and supports their environmentally held beliefs.
Created: Mar 28, 2012
Issues: Civil Rights and Liberties, Environment, Housing
Sign the petition right now over at the White House / Obama Administration Website. Thank you so much for your support.
Sources
- www.youtube.com/embed/omX_d7MfUdw?rel=0
After you “Like” below and use the buttons to spread the word, go sign the petition and talk about it in the comments below. Thank you!
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Alex
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Just to let you know, I signed the Petition, Alex! I hope more people go and sign up, many more signatures are needed…
Best,
Gloria
Thanks, Gloria!
done and passed along!
Thanks!
Why are you going to the President first? Why not start with the state governors? Or even more local authorities? I’m thinking what works for one state isn’t what might work for another since there are issues of climate, natural disaster possibilities which a federal law couldn’t possibly handle w/o making the codes so complex. Please consider this thoughtfully. I’m thinking starting local and also involving my state legislature along with the governor. Thanks for the info. I’m gathering my materials now for a start later.
Dee
Thanks, Dee, good point.
Hi Alex,
I just created the account required on their website, but I get an “under construction” message when I click the button:(
If you try again it might work. I was able to do it, just had to create an account real quick. You were probably on the site when they were doing maintenance I’m guessing.
Thanks Alex,
I just tried again and was denied access from my server?!?
I’ll just keep plugging away for small houses here in Vermont at the local level as suggested by the other poster Dee…
Thanks for all you’re doing for small houses!
That’s weird, the White House site makes it pretty hard to sign the petition.. Have to create an account, etc. Plus I’ve heard so many of you having issues doing it. I bet we’d have A LOT more signatures if it were EASIER. Frustrating..
Tiny houses should not only be legal they need to be encouraged. Not only governments but neighborhood associations need to be forced to admit tiny homes.
One issue will be wind safety in my zone and the other is taxes raised on homes. here they really want only very expensive housing and they sort of like it if there are no kids as schooling is a public expense.
Jim, I totally agree, we have to change our priorities slightly as a country. Tiny houses help with two big issues: 1) affordable housing and 2) our environment.
Hey to all who might be interested. I am an Arkansas resident and there are several areas in NC Arkansas that homes under 1000 sq ft are available. Taxes are nothing to speak of and most all amenities are available…JUST and FYI…
Graham, where in the world are you talking about, I live in Hot Springs & according to their regulations, sadly you can’t even live in a tiny house, or my plan was to get a portable building to live in but was told that was a no no, I agree that we should be allowed to have whatever size we choose to build, I am sure Graham there may be homes under 1000 sq. ft but are they livable, just sayin..
I started the petition up again, please help me reach 25,000 signatures this time
Although I already signed the petition, I clicked on the link today to see current progress and was met with a message saying that the petition had expired “because it failed to meet the signature threshold”.
Darn.
I don’t know the rules of “We the People” website, but I sure would like to have another chance at getting enough votes to require a response.
Could you, would you, be willing to resubmit the petition?
Love the site, some really great ideas. I am contemplating a tiny home but on a foundation. I was surprised to find a lot of the plans not using tankless water heaters. would save a lot of space. Thanks.
That was my thought to start a TinyTown Community; Somewhat off the grid type living, gardening, solar power, gray water, wind power, that sort of thing. Currently I’ve got a lead on a piece of property SE of Phily, and it is already approved for “trailer park” living by the town. Only problem that I ran into is money., $90G’s for 4acres.
Any takers interested in becoming investers???
Nancy