Bill > S1474

This bill aims to establish a legal framework for movable tiny houses (MTHs) as legitimate permanent residential dwellings and accessory dwelling units in Massachusetts. The legislation defines a movable tiny house as a transportable dwelling unit of 400 square feet or less, built on a chassis and intended for residential use, with specific requirements such as being built to state building code standards and having a width compliant with transportation regulations. The bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Registry of Motor Vehicles, and Secretary of the Commonwealth to create a new category for these houses, with a $100 registration fee for certificates of title. Municipalities will be required to allow movable tiny houses on residential lots, with a 180-day grace period for placement before requiring an established address, energy and water source, and wastewater system. After this period, the house must pass an inspection to receive a certificate of occupancy. The bill prohibits cities and towns from establishing design criteria that would effectively exclude movable tiny houses and even encourages municipalities to incentivize their adoption through tax abatements. The underlying motivation is to address the affordable housing crisis by providing a flexible, code-compliant housing option, especially for workers and small households.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1474