Low income housing

[txlucky1]

I volunteer for an organization the mostly rehabs older homes for low-income families, but they are interested in building low-income housing for singles or couples, particularly over 65 housing. I have reviewed the Dome Living website and think the IO-20 domes would be perfect but worry that they will be poorly received. Also, what kind of zoning do you need with these dome rental complexes? Are they residentially zoned, commercial, multi-family, or is their specific zoning for motel-like properties? I want to present the idea to the board when I gather enough data. I worry about the extra hassle involved with zoning in the city, Dallas. They own a few acres out in the country that is unzoned that might work but is over 30 miles out of the metroplex. Would there be enough people willing to rent the units? I am accustomed to dealing with city properties that are already in place and just need fixing up. I appreciate any help or advice you can give me. Julie

[Zelma]

Have you read these articles:

http://www.domeliving.com/

http://www.domeliving.com/lenders/index.html

[txlucky1]

Thank you for the links. I couldn't find information regarding zoning. They appear to have been built outside the city limits which would lessen the zoning issue. They appear to stay rented with a waiting list even with Italy being a little away from a major city. Interesting. Thanks again, Julie

[Alyfe]

Julie,

While it does vary from place to place, zoning is usually more about things like set-backs and use (commercial, residential, etc) than construction method or materials. Presuming that there is one however, the planning board, is almost certainly going to be interested in reviewing and approving anything as unusual as a dome. I would start at city hall and simply ask the question: "What is the process of getting a new building or development project approved?"

[Okiedomes]

In Oklahoma I can build io20's in areas zoned hotel/motel and operate as a extended stay property or I can build in areas zoned for aplexes and operate as single family rental units. The hotel/motel seems to be better for septic and local building codes.

[Missouri Dome Builder]

When thinking about where to build comparing different possibilities, you might want to check the local tax code. You may find if you are building on commercial zoned land the local taxes may be higher than on residential zoned property. In fact, it may be a percentage of the rental income.

[DBS]

To all: The rental units are there to help people. They are for the 1 or 2 that are locked out by the costs of rentals in the conventional market. We place them in zoning for motels, or cabin camps, or commercial that allows these. They are primarily for the single and the couples and the mom with a kid or two and the retiree, and disabled, and, and.

We presently have 120. Some are in small towns, most are out of town. But they will work. We keep them close together. We have two parking places for each. In on place we have room for truck drivers to park their big rigs. The rent is from $80 per week to $150 per week with all bills paid. We require 3 weeks up front. If they stay less than 30 days they have to pay hotel tax. The units are furnished except for towels, bedding, dishes, tv, etc. The furniture is bed, fridge, stove, microwave, table and chairs. These are simple units but they are very safe, quiet, and comfortable.

And they are there for the 2/3 of the population that needs them. See www.domeliving.com.

I convinced a man in Mississippi to build a few. He is 30 miles from the nearest town and 7 miles from a service station on the freeway. After he had the first one built he posted a 3x5 card on the BB of the service station. He said within and hour they had it rented and 3 more calls. He now has 4 units and is building 6 more.

The need is astronomical.

[DMD]

I have found the Community Redevelopment Agency to be most helpful. Even in areas where homes are to have a similar 'look', key west, mission, etc...there were ways to make the dome acceptable without changing the dome, ie, landscaping, small hard scape wall, etc.

[eric]

I have found the Community Redevelopment Agency to be most helpful. .

Hello DMD, I had to look them up.


Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Redevelopment Agency

What is a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)?
A Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is a dependent taxing district established by City government for the purpose of carrying out redevelopment activities that include reducing or eliminating blight, improving the tax base, and encouraging public and private investments in the CRA. The City Commission is the official Community Redevelopment Agency for Lakeland.

Why create a CRA?
CRAs are created to assist local municipalities in pursuing redevelopment in targeted areas that are characterized by blight and disinvestment. By establishing a CRA, local governments are given a financial and planning mechanism by which to redevelop areas where private market forces aren’t working.

Thanks for the tip.

[joemccleery]

Hi everyone. Eric, I believe we're at a point in our economy right now that there's a need everywhere for this type of Development. It may have been harder in 2006 to get these approved "anywhere" but with so many commercial properties sitting empty or struggling to stay open, every municipality would welcome change like can be found with a small dome home community. Generally, at least here in Columbus, Ohio, the temporary housing market serves so many different types of people and will continue to do so. IMO when the general public sees how diverse these building can be, and talk with other communities that have adapted them for schools and such, they'll be more widely accepted everywhere.

[ebauer]

Joe,
I think a community somewhere around Newark, Ohio was building a monolithic community center. That was a few years back. I don't know if they finished it or not. I live down here on the Ohio River near Gallipolis, Ohio. If you find out if they did and it is finished post it here. I like to drive up and see it.
ebauer