Bill > H1493

This bill aims to establish a legal framework for movable tiny houses as permanent residential dwellings in Massachusetts. It defines a "movable tiny house" as a transportable dwelling unit no larger than 400 square feet, excluding certain exterior features, that can be placed on individual house lots or used as accessory dwelling units. The bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, registry of motor vehicles, and Secretary of the Commonwealth to create a new category for these structures and establish a certification process, with a $100 registration fee. Movable tiny houses must be permanently affixed to an approved chassis, meet state building code regulations with slightly relaxed insulation requirements, and can be placed on a lot and lived in for at least 180 days before undergoing an inspection. After 180 days, the dwelling must have an established address, energy and water sources, and a wastewater system, and must obtain a certificate of occupancy after passing inspection. The bill also allows cities and towns to create less restrictive rules for movable tiny houses and potentially offer tax incentives for their placement, while preventing local jurisdictions from implementing design criteria that would effectively prohibit these dwellings.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1493