Kalamazoo's first 'official' tiny home has an open house tomorrow, May 24, from 4:30pm - 7:00pm. The house, built by the local Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity Chapter, is located at 1835 Charles Avenue. It is around 230 SF, Zero Energy Ready, and was built for a single occupant.
This property is the first of its kind to be legally recognized and permitted by the city. More info on the project can be found on Habitat's
website.
Image Source:
KVHH Facebook Page
I was surprised to learn that the City is making conscious efforts to encourage more tiny homes, and more surprised to read that the current minimum size for a single dwelling in Kalamazoo is specified at just 120 SF by local zoning. It sounds like the current hindrance to a greater proliferation of tiny houses in the City is related to other zoning limitations like minimum lot size and rules that limit the type of accessory structures on residential properties; things that the city is working on changing.
I think Habitat likes the tiny house option for a variety of reasons: it is affordable to construct, easy to maintain, it encourages sustainable lifestyles, and ultimately it is easier for the inhabitants to obtain full ownership.