Mayor clarifies meaning behind tiny house ordinance

WALNUT RIDGE, AR (KAIT) - A new ordinance has some people in a Region 8 community confused and the mayor wants to clear it up.

The Tiny Homes Ordinance in Walnut Ridge has seen some backlash, but the mayor said there is reasoning and logic behind it.

The Tiny Homes Ordinance is something the city council drafted a few months ago that defines a minimum square footage for all residences built in the city.

The ordinance states residential homes must be 600 square feet or larger. Anything smaller than that is considered a "mini" house and will require a Conditional Use Permit.

Those wanting to build a tiny house must go before the city to present their plans to make sure they are up to code.

This presentation before the city also gives community members an opportunity to voice concerns about having a tiny house in their neighborhood.

The ordinance goes into detail regarding mobile homes and sheds and allows for existing dwellings under 600 square feet to be exempt from the ordinance.

Mayor Charles Snapp said this ordinance allows for consistency.

Snapp said there is a lot down from his home where he wouldn't mind seeing a tiny home.

"I welcome it, but my neighborhood isn't like every other neighborhood," Snapp said. "And different neighborhoods have different needs and different requirements. That's why people have a right to see what comes in next to their house."

Snapp said he supports the ordinance because people should have a choice.

He also supports those who want to build tiny homes, but he wants those homes to be fitting for the Walnut Ridge community by meet regulations.

There are penalties in the ordinance if home owners don't get a permit and Snapp said this ordinance makes it fair for everyone who lives in Walnut Ridge.

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