Plan Commission Discusses Tiny Homes

Any fan of HGTV knows about "tiny homes", the small structures in which people live throughout the nation.

Effingham currently doesn't have regulations in place regarding stick-built "tiny homes", although the regulations in place concerning mobile homes would suffice regarding "tiny homes" on wheels.

Jack Cruikshank, who is interning with the City in the public works department, has researched the issue. Cruikshank said Mattoon and Charleston have guidelines in place regulating "tiny homes". 

There was much discussion about how "tiny homes" should be regulated. One suggestion was establishing a minimum square footage for a stick built home, and another was limiting in which zones "tiny homes" could be located. Another possibility was developing a whole new zoning district just for "tiny homes".

City Building Official Michelle Wilkins said an individual is interested in developing a "tiny home", so the City needs to have guidelines in place.

In other business, the Plan Commission recommended the City Council approve an amended plan for Prairie Ace Estates, involving 51 acres of property north of Effingham Country Club. Developer Scott Conant said the plan includes single family and multi family development featuring close to 60 dwelling units. 

The Plan Commission also recommended the Council approve an amendment to allow brew pubs in the Central Business District. That change would allow a brew pub to be located in the former Il Forno location at Banker and Jefferson. Tom Henderson and Brian Wick are the developers of the property, while Colby Patterson will operate the brew pub. Patterson said, "there's nothing like it in the area, a 60-mile radius". He said his brew crew has done well in regional competitions. The plan is for a brew pub menu at the establishment and a full service bar.