Sacramento considers allowing tiny homes on wheels to tackle housing crisis

A new type of home may soon be rolling into Sacramento. City leaders are considering allowing people to live in cottages mounted on wheels.

It could be a small solution to a big problem.

"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."

Arora said that allowing people to live in tiny homes on wheels can help prevent homelessness.

"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.

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.

"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.

Cottages on wheels are actually licensed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

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.

Last week, Sacramento's planning commission took the first steps towards revising regulations to allow them in backyards or vacant land.

"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.

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.

"This was an affordable option for me and hopefully for others," Davis said.

Some people might have concerns about allowing homes on wheels in their neighborhoods, but supporters say they are designed to blend in.

"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."

Placer and Nevada counties also allow movable tiny homes. The Sacramento City Council is scheduled to vote on approving these cottages later this summer.