ROAD BLOCK
I built my dream tiny home on my own property for my daughter – then I was threatened with costs of $1,500 a day
A MAN who built a tiny home on wheels has been threatened with a daily charge of $1,500 despite the house being situated on his own property.
Mack Carlson constructed the tiny home last year in Bend, Oregon, to house individuals, including his own family, who were desperate to find affordable housing in the city.
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A traveling nurse lived on the property for three months, followed by his daughter.
Neighbors complained that the small home breached city code.
Just weeks after his daughter moved in, Mack was contacted by the city with a notice duct taped to the front door of the tiny home.
The letter warned Mack and the tenants of the 300-square-foot home that they would each be fined $1,500 per day.
The living space was constructed on the flatbed of a trailer which makes the space portable.
Code enforcement officer Julie Craig said in the letter: "It has been brought to my attention that a garage and/or shed or basement, a tiny home is being used as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) without first obtaining the required building or planning approvals and that the tiny home is being rented.
"You will have 30 days from the date of this letter to discontinue using the illegal ADU.
"On or after March 2, 2023, the illegal ADU will be posted as unsafe to occupy. If it is still occupied the property owner and any person occupying the illegal ADU may be issued a citation with the minimum daily penalty of $1,500."
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Mack was told that the home does not constitute a safe ADU as it does not meet the required room dimensions.
The city added that it violates the code as it does not have a foundation.
It also needs a temporary-use permit before people can move in.
Mack told local NBC affiliate : "My kids and granddaughter have bounced from city to city here in Central Oregon, looking for housing these past two years.
"This was really a viable option for them to live in."
Following extensive talks with the city about getting the dwelling approved, Mack said that he was met with a number of "roadblocks."
He is now hoping to sell the portable home as he cannot afford to comply with city code.
In February, the city hosted an open house that encouraged residents to consider adding ADUs to their property with full details about the official process.
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