Professionals in the housing sector often find that regulatory language presents the most significant barrier to alternative housing.

A recent episode of the Less House, More Resilience podcast explores this landscape in detail. Host Laura Lynch speaks with architect Macy Miller regarding an upcoming adjustment to the International Residential Code (IRC).

The conversation focuses primarily on the IRC’s Appendix Q. This appendix currently omits language addressing the wheels and chassis of tiny homes. This omission historically places owner-builders in an uncertain legal position.

Macy details the current effort to introduce performance-based and prescriptive proposals to address this specific gap. These proposals aim to provide a clear regulatory framework for local jurisdictions.

The upcoming April code vote represents a concrete opening for the industry. Passing this language provides a practical pathway for municipalities seeking to expand housing options.

The National Association of Home Builders has signaled support for the measure. If the vote is delayed, the next opportunity to adopt the language falls in the 2030 code cycle.

Signing the Change.org petition is one way to support the measure before the April vote.

Image: Tiny House Design by Michael Janzen with SketchUp Pro and rendered by Gemini Pro 3.1.