Council approves modification of tiny homes code

SIKESTON— The Sikeston City Council approved modifying the city’s residential code to prohibit tiny homes during its regular meeting Monday, Feb. 26 at City Hall.

Tiny homes are those that are fewer than 400 square feet or smaller. 

“When we adopted the 2018 international billing codes for the city of Sikeston, there was an appendix that came into play that year, which was the Tiny Home Appendix,” said Barry Blevins, community development director for the City of Sikeston. 

According to Blevins, the bill eliminates the word “adopt” from the current language and replaces it with Delete Appendix Q, Tiny Homes. 

“With the review of the adoption into our code, our department feels this is not a plausible solution to meet the original intention of the use,” Blevins said. “We are asking for the removal of Appendix Q to be replaced at a later date, and wish to replace it with a better standard.” 

Blevins said the challenges presented by the current code on tiny homes will include the following:

Inspection of structures that are not subject to Missouri Public Service Commission regulations. They would inspect and approve manufactured homes. These homes are scheduled to be built or placed in R-3 manufactured housing. The quality of structures constructed and placed. Inspections of prebuilt structures to ensure compliance with code guidelines. There are no restrictions regarding heat, air, or other equipment requirements.

Instead of approving the tiny homes as specified in the ordinance, Blevins claimed that he and his staff wanted to take a step back and come up with a better solution.

Blevins said they intend to introduce something a little more refined.

Blevins went on to say that they want to work on a new code that will still enable affordable living in smaller homes, but only if they meet certain standards.

According to Blevins, the goal of the tiny homes is to provide an affordable solution for the city of Sikeston. 

Blevins said given the current cost of a home right now, most people cannot afford to buy one. According to Blevins, a single parent with a family could more easily afford a 600 square foot house that they could build for $45,000 to $60,000.

“We need to find a solution that’s better for everyone,” Belvins said. “We have several homes, even used homes, here in Sikeston that are $150,000 to $200,000 or $300,000 dollars and most citizens in Sikeston can’t go out and buy a $225,000 home. But if we can start on a solution, even with a tiny home, and work on the solution in some of these poverty neighborhoods, it could help.

Blevins continued: “Maybe a single mom buys that, in five years, let’s say she’s worked on her credit and now she can buy a plot of land and build a bigger home that has a garage. We have got to start somewhere; we can’t just keep allowing these subpar buildings to appear and call that a good solution.”

The city council also approved Robert and Betty Mitchell’s request for a conditional variance to operate an in-home daycare known as “New Adventure Childcare Academy.”

According to Blevins, the planning and zoning committee met on Feb. 6 and made a favorable recommendation to approve the rezoning request.

Blevins said the hours for the daycare will be from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

“They are applied for that because they will be at home full time,” Blevins said. “But they will have to file for a permit with the state to be able to have the children for that long.”

In other action by the council:

The City Council heard the first reading of a bill that, if passed at the next meeting, will amend city code to address fences and businesses located in heavy industrial zones.

City Council heard the first reading of a bill, if passed at the next meeting, would address fencing issues such as type and size restrictions in heavy industrial zones. The new rules call for a tight board or block fence to restrict visibility of property and contents, as well as fencing that is at least eight feet tall.

Council approved the surplus property or disposal of their copy and big format machines. Staff recently gained approval to enter into leasing agreements for new machines.

Council authorized the award of a bid for the Airport AWOS System (Automated Weather Observing System) on Feb. 14. Mesotech International, Inc of Rancho Cordova, CA submitted one offer for $129,697.