Tinyhouses Down The Street is FEASIBLE!!!

 The idea of setting up tiny homes on closed-off streets in wealthier neighborhoods could be a feasible approach, especially if existing infrastructure like electricity, sewer lines, and internet could be shared. Here’s a breakdown of some costs and considerations:

1. Basic Infrastructure Costs

Connection Fees: The cost of connecting a tiny home to electricity, sewer, and water systems varies but could range from $5,000 to $10,000 per home depending on the area, local regulations, and proximity to utility lines. In denser urban areas, there may be additional costs for trenching, permits, or upgrades to handle increased capacity.

Internet and WiFi: Public WiFi networks in cities like Vancouver typically cover outdoor areas but might not reach each tiny home. Adding dedicated routers could cost $100 to $300 per unit, plus any extra charges from internet service providers.

2. Tiny Home Costs

Construction Cost Per Unit: We estimated $50,000 per tiny home, which includes materials, labor, and basic interior setup. This cost assumes a straightforward, standardized design to expedite production and reduce costs.

Installation and Site Preparation: Depending on the neighborhood, site preparation could vary. Basic installation and minimal landscaping or structural work could add an additional $5,000 to $10,000 per unit.

3. Road and Street Closures

Street Conversion Costs: Closing and repurposing streets can involve rerouting traffic, installing barriers, and modifying street layouts. Pilot programs that close streets to create pedestrian-only or mixed-use spaces have shown costs of about $10,000 to $50,000 per block for infrastructure changes, depending on the complexity. This includes adding barriers, redirecting traffic, and signageal Cost per Tiny Home with Infrastructure on Closed Streets Based on these factors, the average cost per tiny home could look something like this:

Tiny home build cost: $50,000

Utility connections (water, sewer, electricity): $7,500

WiFi installation (basic shared or dedicated): $200

Site preparation and landscaping: $7,500

Road closures, signage, and rerouting (amortized per block): $2,500

Total per Tiny Home: Around $67,700.

Potential Capacity and Pilot Site

Example: Point Grey Bike Path Area – By using a mixed-model approach with 10 homes per block (3–4 homes per side), a pilot could demonstrate how tiny homes work in urban areas, potentially housing 30 to 40 people per block in efficient, community-based housing.

Challenges and Considerations

Zoning and Local Regulations: Zoning laws in residential neighborhoods might prohibit high-density housing or non-traditional dwellings. Changing these laws or getting temporary exemptions could require city council approval.

Community Resistance: There could be opposition from residents concerned about property values or increased density, so engaging the community would be key.

Long-term Sustainability and Scaling: If successful, this model could be scaled but would require careful planning to ensure compatibility with city infrastructure and public acceptance.

Conclusion

Implementing tiny homes on closed streets is an innovative solution that could reduce costs, make use of existing infrastructure, and create community spaces. With around $67,700 per home, this approach is relatively cost-effective compared to traditional housing, though political and community support would be crucial to making it a reality.