2025 R27 – Tiny Homes and RVs

Whereas the use of Recreational Vehicles (RV’s) and Tiny homes as an alternative form of affordable housing has become a matter of national importance in the midst of a housing affordability crisis; and despite previously submitted UBCM resolutions addressing tiny homes a satisfactory outcome with respect to this issue has not been achieved;

And whereas in March 2017, members from the modular construction council of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) drafted and submitted fourteen code change requests (CCRs) to the National Building Code to address the reality that some components and design features within tiny homes do not comply with all municipal, provincial, and federal codes or industry standards;

And whereas the BC Housing Research Centre prepared a research paper titled “Tiny Homes – An Alternative to Conventional Housing” that offers solutions for construction standards specific to tiny homes on wheels so they may be used as permitted dwelling units for full-time living:

Therefore be it resolved that UBCM encourage the Province to advocate for and provide incentives to industry groups to revisit industry standards such as CSA (Canadian Standards Association), and create a new category specific to moveable tiny homes certified for permanent occupancy that separates tiny homes from motorized vehicles, towable RVs and temporary small trailers; and to create a new category specific to RV’s certified for permanent occupancy;

And be it further resolved that UBCM encourage the Province that as a matter of national importance to advocate for changes to the National Building Code to recognize and define tiny homes as an allowable dwelling unit and provide specific building requirements; and to follow up any such changes with updates to Part 9 of the BC Building Code.