Oakland Passes Groundbreaking Construction Innovation Ordinance

Legalizing Tiny Homes In Oakland

For Immediate Release-Nov. 2nd, 2021- Today, the Oakland City Council voted to approve the Construction Innovation Ordinance introduced by Mayor Libby Schaaf, Council President Pro Tempore Sheng Thao, and Councilmember Dan Kalb. This creative legislation will help provide more legal housing options as well as expand tenant protections to them.

Housing Is A Human Right

“With the passage of the Construction Innovation Ordinance (CIO), Oakland continues to lead on bold and creative policies that will help address our housing crisis and recognize a broad range of residential options as tools in addressing housing affordability,” said Oakland Councilmember Sheng Thao. “Housing is a human right and the CIO expands housing options via RVs, mobile homes and manufactured homes. Thank you Mayor Libby Schaaf and Councilmember Dan Kalb for your partnership in this endeavor, and thank you to my colleagues who voted to move this bold legislation forward. Let’s continue to work toward getting everyone housed through multiple creative avenues.”

The Legalization Of RVs And Tiny Homes On Private Property

Mayor Libby Schaaf States: “I’m proud that our City Council unanimously voted to approve a truly historic ordinance that creates more housing affordability and security for Oaklanders. Today’s action means Oakland is a national leader in addressing the housing crisis by updating our zoning and building codes to promote flexibility and innovation, including the legalization of safe RVs and Tiny Homes on private property.

In Oakland, housing construction costs have more than doubled in the last decade, making it more difficult to build new homes that our residents can afford. Today’s approval embraces cost-saving innovative construction practices, updates outdated regulations and redefines what literally makes a “home” which, ultimately, will bring down the cost of housing for our residents.

I want to thank co-authors Councilmembers Dan Kalb and Sheng Thao for their support and partnership on the ordinance.

“It is critical that we provide additional cost-efficient options for creating new homes,” said Oakland Councilmember Dan Kalb, one of the authors of this new ordinance. “I’m thrilled to see that this updating of our planning and building codes has such broad support.”

Construction Innovation and Expanded Housing Options Ordinance

 

Final Action Passed On Nov. 16th, 2021

Subject: Construction Innovation And Expanded Housing Options Ordinance From: Mayor Schaaf, President Pro Temp Thao, And Councilmember Kalb Recommendation: Adopt An Ordinance To Promote Cost-Efficient Construction Innovation And Expanded Housing Options By: (1) Amending The Oakland Planning Code (Oakland Municipal Code (OMC) Title 17) To (A) Allow Residential Occupancy Of Recreational Vehicles (RVS), Mobile Homes, And Manufactured Homes In All Zoning Districts Where Residential Uses Are Permitted, (B) Establish Density And Open Space Regulations For Efficiency Dwelling Units, And (C) Establish Height Regulations For Modular Construction; (2) Amending The Oakland Building Construction Code (OMC Chapter 15.04) To Adopt Voluntary Appendix R To The California Residential Code (Light Straw-Clay Construction); (3) Making Conforming Amendments To The Blight Ordinance (OMC Chapter 8.24), Building Maintenance Code (OMC Chapter 15.08), Affordable Housing Impact Fees Ordinance (OMC Chapte…

City Of Oakland, California

 

Vehicular Residential Facilities: Occupied Recreational Vehicles
(RVs) and Tiny Homes on Wheels

On November 16, 2021, the Oakland City Council adopted the “Construction Innovation and Expanded Housing Options Ordinance” to promote cost-effective construction methods and housing types. Among other things, the Ordinance updated the City’s zoning regulations to authorize residential occupancy of recreational vehicles (RVs) and tiny homes on wheels by creating a new residential facility type in the Oakland Planning Code called “Vehicular Residential Facilities.”

 

What Are "Vehicular Residential Facilities"?

Vehicular Residential Facilities (VRFs) are residential dwelling units constructed on a vehicle chassis and are defined in Oakland Planning Code Section 17.10.700 as RVs under State law (Health and Safety Code Section 18010). VRFs include motorhomes, trailers, and tiny homes on wheels. They contain less than 320 square feet of internal living area and 400 square feet or less of gross horizontal area.

When Is a Permit Required?

VRFs require Zoning approval before they are placed on a site. For projects with 1-4 VRFs, a Design Review Exemption (DRX) is required. Projects with 5 or more VRFs will require regular Design Review (DR).

Building Permits are required to prepare the site (e.g., Grading Permit) and install utilities (e.g., Plumbing Permit, Electrical Permit).

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