Panel approves rezoning for tiny homes

ROGERS — A neighborhood of 50 tiny homes may soon pop up on the city’s east side, a few months after the city wrote rules allowing such developments.

The Planning Commission on Tuesday voted to rezone about 5.3 acres off of South Monte Ne Road from residential single-family to neighborhood residential to allow the homes. The rezoning needs City Council approval before it can go into effect.

Dave and Chris Gallo own about 20 manufactured homes, most of which are about 400 square feet, off of West Olive Street. The tiny home park is only for residents who are 55 and older. They said Tuesday the homes they are looking to develop off of West Monte Ne Road would be a similar neighborhood with 400-square-foot, one-bedroom, one-bathroom homes. The neighborhood wouldn’t be restricted to any age group, they said.

The commission in September approved rules for land zoning to allow new types of housing, including tiny homes. Planning staff proposed the city begin allowing cottage court and “cluster housing” in some residential areas. Cottage court and cluster housing is grouping three or more detached units on one lot typically closer together than usual with the intent of retaining an open

space area. Houses usually share a yard or common outdoor space in cottage courtstyle housing.

The changes came after the commission could find no way to approve a previous request by the Gallos and abide by the city’s rules.

The city prohibits rezoning land for mobile homes, and the tiny homes fell under its definition of “mobile homes” because they’re manufactured and then moved onto land instead of built from the ground. The tiny home park was built in 2016 on land already zoned for mobile homes.

The city requires manufactured homes have a porch or awning; have pitched roofs and roofing material of a type customarily used on site-constructed houses; have wheels, axles and hitch mechanisms removed; be placed on a concrete slab or brick skirting; and be compatible and similar in appearance with surrounding site-constructed buildings.

Dave Gallo told the commission Tuesday tiny homes generally appeal to people who have a minimalist mindset, meaning they would rather spend money on experiences than purchasing and keeping up a large home. Residents could include younger people and retirees, he said.

The commission also approved plans for an after-school facility, Mobius Learning Academy. Katie Bartelt, a developer on the project, said Mobius is planned to take up to 200 students in kindergarten through sixthgrade for after-school activities, such as art and soccer. She would like to open Mobius in fall 2020, she said.

The 8,400-square-foot building is to be on about 5 acres on West Pleasant Grove Road.