Post Falls adds tiny homes as new dwelling option

POST FALLS — The City Council on Tuesday voted to add tiny homes as a possible accessory dwelling unit option within the city. 

Bob Seale, community development director, said he doesn't believe the city is in danger of massive developments restricted to tiny homes, but the ordinance gives residents another option. 

Similar cottage home standards were presented to the city and adopted early last year. Tiny homes measure less than 800 square feet while cottage homes are 800 to 1,400 square feet in size.  

“They’re kind of meant to work together,” Seale said. “An opportunity to provide them is really important as long as the community is looking good.” 

The proposal requires permanent foundations for tiny homes, a shift from places where they're allowed to be built on trailers.

Per the city ordinance, tiny home developments can be no larger than five contiguous acres, and small porches and garages or carports are allowed if desired. Green space requirements were also part of the ordinance. 

Porter said the goal is to avoid the same tiny home replicated row after row and instead require a diverse look with distinct features. 

Councilwoman Samantha Steigleder expressed concerns about zones where the tiny homes would be permitted and opposed the ordinance.  

“My thought is we should allow cottage homes more freely in some of these places before we allow tiny homes more freely, because the cottage home is more of a multi-family structure,” Steigleder said.  

Several city officials drew attention to the smaller lot size, potentially saving tiny home dwellers money.   

“It does help out with the niche if people want to transition out of an apartment and start some homeownership, they can upgrade, essentially, to a tiny home,” Porter said. 

Joe Malloy made the motion to approve the ordinance, which passed 4-1. Steigleder voted in opposition. Councilman Randy Westlund wasn’t present at the council meeting.