ICYMI: 'Big Ideas in Small Packages': Natick Committee Releases Tiny Homes Study Results

NATICK, MA — Within the past decade, the tiny house movement has gained significant momentum across the country.

On the heels of this movement, Natick in 2015 approved at Town Meeting a committee to study the viability of smaller housing. Called the Tiny House Committee, this seven-member group explored alternative options for affordable housing in Natick by examining zoning options, studying smaller homes and collecting data on homelessness in the town.

Today, the committee has four active members including representatives from Planning Board, Veterans Services, Affordable Housing Trust Fund and one member at large.

The report recently released by the committee covers homelessness numbers, significance of smaller homes, building codes, design approaches, pocket neighborhoods and more.

"Smaller homes reduce the resources needed to build and maintain housing," reads the report, "but they are also about preserving and sustaining our rapidly changing communities. They are about leveraging the power of design and regulations to provide alternative choices for those who consume less and those that have less to spend. In facilitating smaller homes with smart regulations, we have an opportunity to set a new precedent for community development and housing across greater Boston."

Find the results of the entire report here.

Photo via town of Natick