Commission adopts definitions for modular and tiny homes, schedules stakeholder briefing on housing types

The Benton Planning & Zoning Commission voted to adopt new code language that clarifies definitions for modular homes, tiny homes (including tiny homes on wheels), tiny home communities and a definition for truck‑stop plaza.

Staff told the commission the definitions are intended to prevent confusion between manufactured/mobile homes and modular or containerized housing assembled on site. Jason said modular homes are built on foundations and meet building codes, while tiny homes on wheels are classified as RVs and would typically be limited to RV parks or similarly zoned locations. The mayor arranged a stakeholder briefing with James Walden from Garver Engineering and the municipal league for July 17 to discuss housing type standards.

Commissioner Emily Gibson moved to approve the definitions and the commission voted 6–0. Staff said the commission’s action will be prepared as a code amendment and forwarded to City Council for final adoption. Jason noted that container homes may be treated similarly to modular homes and that additional safeguards will be considered at the stakeholder briefing.

The commission also discussed the limited contexts where truck‑stop plazas would be permitted (typically in heavy industrial or major corridor areas) and reiterated that existing facilities such as the local BIES site were not being reclassified as truck stops.

Next steps: staff will prepare the code amendment for the City Council packet and hold the July 17 stakeholder session to seek broader input before council action.