Jay Austin's Beautiful, Illegal Tiny House

Demand for housing in Washington, DC is going through the roof. Over a thousand people move to the nation's capital every month, driving up the cost of housing, and turning the city into a construction zone. Tower cranes rising high above the city streets have become so common, they're just part of the background.
But as fast as the cranes can rise, demand for housing has shot up even faster, making DC among the most expensive cities in the United States. With average home prices at $453 per square foot, it's every bit as expensive as New York City. And the struggles of one homebuilder shows just why the city's shortage looks to continue for a long time.
"I got driven down the tiny house road because of affordability, simplicity, sustainability, and then mobility," says Jay Austin, who designed a custom 140-square-foot house in Washington, DC. Despite the miniscule size, his "Matchbox" house is stylish, well-built, and it includes all the necessities (if not the luxuries) of life: a bathroom, a shower, a modest kitchen, office space, and a bedroom loft. There's even a hot tub outside.
Clever design elements make the most of minimalism. The Matchbox's high ceilings, skylight, and wide windows make the small space feel modern, uncluttered, and open.
At a cost that ranges from $10,000 to $50,000, tiny homes like the Matchbox could help to ease the shortage of affordable housing in the capital city. Heating and cooling costs are negligible. Rainwater catchment systems help to make the homes self-sustaining. They're an attractive option to the very sort of residents who the city attracts in abundance: single, young professionals without a lot of stuff, who aren't ready to take on a large mortgage.
But tiny houses come with one enormous catch: they're illegal, in violation of several codes in Washington DC's Zoning Ordinance. Among the many requirements in the 34 chapters and 600 pages of code are mandates defining minimum lot size, room sizes, alleyway widths, and "accessory dwelling units" that prevent tiny houses from being anything more than a part-time residence.
That's why Austin and his tiny house-dwelling neighbors at Boneyard Studios don't actually live in their own homes much of the time. To skirt some of the zoning regulations, they've added wheels to their homes, which reclassifies them as trailers - and subjects them to regulation by the Department of Motor Vehicles. But current law still requires them to either move their homes from time to time, or keep permanent residences elsewhere.
The DC Office of Zoning, the Zoning Commission, the Zoning Administrator, the Board of Zoning Adjustment, and the Office of Planning all declined to comment on the laws that prevent citizens from living in tiny houses. But their website offers a clue:
Outdated terms like telegraph office and tenement house still reside in our regulations. Concepts like parking standards and antenna regulations are based on 1950s technology, and new concepts like sustainable development had not even been envisioned.
Complex as it is, the Zoning Ordinance of the District of Columbia was approved in 1958. That's over five decades of cultural change and building innovations, like tiny houses, that the code wasn't designed to address.
Exemptions and alterations to the code are possible - many are granted every year - but they don't come cheaply. Lisa Sturtevant of the National Housing Conference estimates that typical approvals add up to $50,000 to the cost of a new single-family unit. That's why large, wealthy developers enjoy greater flexibility to build in the city, but tiny house dwellers… not so much.
Fortunately, a comprehensive rewrite of the zoning code has been in the works for much of the last decade. Efforts to allow more affordable housing are underway, although many of these solutions favor large developers. Future plans still forbid tiny houses. Austin estimates that, given the current glacial pace of change among the city's many zoning committees, tiny houses are "many years, if not decades out" from being allowed in the city.
For now, Jay Austin is allowed to build the home of his dreams - he just can't live there. The Matchbox has become a part-time residence and a full-time showpiece. The community of tiny houses at Boneyard Studios are periodically displayed to the public in the hopes of changing a zoning authority that hasn't updated a zoning code in 56 years.
Runs about 10:30
Produced, shot, written, narrated, and edited by Todd Krainin.
Music by Associated Production Music and Lee Rosevere.
Go to reason.com/reas... for downloadable versions and subscribe to ReasonTV's KZbin Channel to receive notifications when new material goes live.”

[@ReasonTV]

Sadly, Jay Austin was killed on Sunday in an attack claimed by ISIS. Full story here: reason.com/blog/2018/08/01/jay-austin-tiny-house-killed

[@LadyPenelope]

Justin and his girlfriend were both killed.

[@Shellshock1918]

RIP

[@nathanthelibertarian1406]

Hopefully he’s in a better place.

[@s_t_e_f]

Rest in peace, Jay. Not all societies value individual freedoms, forever strive for more freedom for more people.

[@joycewong951]

so sad...that's why I heard about this video...

[@daikuone]

And people wonder why lots of Americans want less Government in their lives!

[@billfucksalot5222]

I really don't want no sob telling me what i can do with my money' properties what I eat where I sleep. or shit. when I wake up or if I wanna supper size. my happy meal or smoke a joint if i want kids how many what I teach them what we wear if I want dreads. what I want is my fucking freedom back I want the song by the boss to mean what being American is again I want to respect the flag again Apple. pie hot dogs ball games. not having to worry. how your going. to feed your kids. we need some. one to get the train back on track fine cure for cancer a priority I mean does this seem so difficult to do or do we need new government an if.it does we need New leadership

[@theosaurus]

Wow, nice loghorrea...

[@LittleRainGames]

America has so many stupid people though, if they were all allowed to do what they want the country would be a heap of shit, well, a bigger one...

[@LittleRainGames]

+Bill Fucksalot i know the cure for your cancer, stop eating happy meals and hot dogs....

[@GreenKillafish]

come to germany and think of that again, we have like 1000 times more regulations

[@YOUandMeRealtyDotCom]

"YOU Can Do What YOU Want with YOUR Property" Will Armstrong! WoW, What a Concept... Similar To What Built A Once Great Country.

[@benjaminmann6963]

Exactly. Excellent comment.

[@caitlynryder8639]

Ron Swansons everywhere

[@steveperreira5850]

Dear Walter: I will say it again, as a designer, builder, and engineer, this problem will not be solved until the zoning laws are changed to allow for tiny lots, small properties for people to put their little houses on, so they can have ownership. I have been in this business for sometime and you will not find anyone that does not cherish the opportunity for independence and property ownership. Owning the house is not enough, you need to own the property beneath it. Why cannot the zoning law regulators cannot figure this out? Well I’ll give you my idea. I’ve spent a lot of time with these kinds of people, these government bureaucrats, and they tend to be dull and stupid. They are not the creative class. They cannot think themselves out of a paper bag. And they are unmotivated. The people need to take control of the bureaucracy and we need direct democracy so that we can get these reforms done. When I read through the building codes and the zoning laws, there is just one stupid thing after another that never made any sense that was implemented by a person with no professional training, some bureaucrat 75 years ago, generally an idiot unaware of unintended consequences. You can drive through hundreds of thousands of miles of suburban housing in California and find houses setback from the street 40 feet. The front door is 40 feet from the street! This is required by law, utility easements front yard setback, parking setback for cars, so that 1/3 of the lot is used up by a useless front yard that no one spends any time in other than mowing the lawn. Then you get to build your house on what the remainder is and you end up with a tiny backyard. The fact that zoning laws have not been revised in 50to 100 years tells you all you need to know about bureaucracy, that it is completely sclerotic. Since when do we allow the stupid people to run our lives. It’s been far too long. It’s time for us to take it back!

[@YOUandMeRealtyDotCom]

@@steveperreira5850 I Agree, “Beware Of Small Minded People With a Little Authority”... “They” Are Stacking Them High And Deep With Condos And Townhouses In An Already DENSE Pinellas County Florida. Motorcyclist, Pedestrians, Bicyclists And Motorists Are Killed and Maimed Everyday Here Due To The Frenetic Congestion. We Have 26 Governmental Incorporated Kingdoms 👑 City-States In Our “Small” County.Unfortunately, These Tiny Homes Are Not Given Their Due, Even Though They Would Keep The Area Density Manageable. #MorePeopleMoreGovernment #GoingToTheCountry #GotClusterF*ck?

[@aidenaune7008]

@@steveperreira5850 or just remove zoning laws altogether.

[@bjmartinphotography]

Let's cut to the chase. If government can't make lots money off of what you have, it's illegal.

[@Hachiae]

yes, because weed would make too much money and would make alot of legal drugs unnecessary.

[@LittleRainGames]

+Hachi Roku lol like what legal drug, everyone who thinks weed is a cure all thing is dreaming, all its good for is glaucoma, cancer not so much, i have seen quite a few friends die of cancer trying to heal them selves with oil, did not work

[@LittleRainGames]

+Hachi Roku weed does not curr anxiety, it actually causes it, the relief you feel is actually the relief from craving it, because it is highly addictive, mentally, not physically. I used to smoke for over 10 years and used to think like you, but you have to wake up some day

[@Hachiae]

LittleRainGames did i say it was a miracle cure? also you couldnt be more wrong in almost everything you said. "i have seen quite a few friends die of cancer trying to heal them selves with oil, did not work" so you just had like 5 or 6 "friends" who ALL had the exact same cancer, and everyone one of them tried oil but all of them eventually died? yeah im sorry but no. also, no weed is not addictive, people have addictive personalities regardless of substance. "I used to smoke for over 10 years and used to think like you, but you have to wake up some day" i made one comment about how much more profit the government makes off of pills rather then grass and you assume my entire argument. you dont know how i think. you are the one who needs to wake the fuck up.

[@LittleRainGames]

+Angus Whitehouse well heres a fun fact for ya! Potency has gotten a lot stronger in the last 20 years. Everyone i know fiends for the fucking shit just like i used too, but i would just say its because im stressed from everyday life, alot of people are starting to agree that it actually is highly addictive, still not like cigarettes, but you get my point. Or maybe you are a buddy fool and dont understand. Look i agree weed should be illegal, alcohol is worse, it does have a couple medical uses, but its not this fucking wonder plant that cures all, and has absolutely nothing wrong with it. People that think that need a fucking reality check, or maybe they just need to try not smoking weed for a few days. Balance is everything, for every aspect of life, and stoners just dont have that

[@createwithpete1775]

amazing it's illegal to have these types of homes, but it's o.k to live in a cardboard box.

[@HVACSoldier]

Exactly. In fact, these bureaucrats would rather people live in their cars, or on the streets. The only exception is, if you have a van, with a bed in back, they wouldn’t like that.

[@12speed]

!Affordable condo association... ! Poor people don't need friends..! Pleases watch my videos as my entire compilation is about how poor people don't need friends... And how making a union to create a condo association is ideal..

[@Nowrongdoer]

Or a tent

[@harukasatou1359]

Bureaucrats love having something to complain about to get themselves funding and power, then to pocket the vast majority of the funding and making graphs showing the drops in the homeless population due to deaths from exposure, disease, starvation and violence as a positive because: Bureaucrat: "There are less homeless people in the area then there were, henceforth I should receive more funding" White Liberals and the Democratic Party: "That'll make me feel like I'm making a difference! Giving you money decreases the amount of the homeless in the city! Here's more money then!!"

[@cpuwizard9225]

Technically that's not legal either.

[@hutchdw77]

Call it a portable office space, get a P.O. box. If anyone asks why you're always in your office, simply say "this is my office, and successful people work a lot of hours." We're born as sovereign individuals, the only thing that prevents you from exercising your rights on your property is your belief that someone else knows better than you how to most effectively utilize your own resources. It is a lofty position to hold a genuine leadership position, to know that a group of people trust you to do what's right. There have been mournfully few U.S. politicians in the last hundred years that did not simply sellout to special interest groups of one sort or another. Both political parties are complicit. If you're expecting an attorney, an esquire in a foreign nobility, to protect you "legally", you don't even realize the trouble you're in. Your belief in "law", and the belief that it's ultimately "OK" to kill people for disobeying gives lawyers an incentive and excuse to swindle EVERYBODY, everywhere, forever. You're giving your mind, body and soul over to the preachings and courts of men that through your submission and apathy under the guise of law and banking "own" everything. Any change that anyone wants to see has to happen in your soul first. Stop hoping other men will "fix it", take it upon yourself to "fix it". Stop allowing men with perverse incentives dictate what your good heart thinks you should do with your time, life, and property. Own yourself, the consequences of your actions , and even inactions. It's your fault. You believed that well dressed men would save you, and that they would always put your interests ahead of their own. You've been fooled. You've misunderstood the nature of incentives. Nearly every living man in America has been given a public education that propagandizes the minds of children all over the world with subservient, collective ideology. Children surrendered to control by the state at an early age are nearly defenseless against the misinformation, and manipulation of their identity by the Foundations, and institutions that craft curriculum. Here again we have men with incentives to discourage individuality and personal sovereignty. It's only through the application of basic psychological principles, learned through experimentation including human testing that we are convinced that we can't cooperate with other individuals unless we surrender wholly to a "Social Collective" dictated by people with infinite incentives to truly do us harm as long as there's profit and power for them.

[@PEAKCENTURY]

Dustin Hutchinson "Any change that anyone wants to see has to happen in your soul first." It's rare to come across true wisdom in the comments, but this is some of the deepest truth I've read in a while.

[@hutchdw77]

+Calico Leaf Thanks, your compliment is greatly appreciated.

[@etiquettefiend]

Dustin Hutchinson It's true: the philosophy of liberty means you are responsible for your own life, to deny that means someone has a higher claim on your life.

[@Kaff231]

Well put I totally agree

[@barbarastanley8946]

Dustin Hutchinson Wow...... an incredibly intelligent mind, AND grit! Two very attractive attributes that one would hope were to be found in the white house .... "Dustin Hutchinson for President"! Can I get a second to that motion?? lol

[@karlhs4735]

Way to Go Texas Less Government WORKS BETTER.

[@deadaxecess2699]

Us Texans have common sense and freedom lol

[@dombrovskiy12]

Common sense? Debatable. Freedom? Yes.

[@deadaxecess2699]

Jack North in Houston we have tolls but our roads and highway are taken care very well even tho we always have constructions going on, and yes there is private highways, its better than California in my opinion.

[@TheschwartzB]

No government control WORKS BEST.

[@GoBooYourself]

Karl HS Less Government works for some things, sometimes. zoning/planning bureaucratic kafkaesque messes are one of those things. less is more. but dont get carried away like +TheschwartzB.

[@Redmow51]

That many departments to harass someone just trying to live their life. We've given up so much.

[@libertopaeurekananarch7562]

Alphabet soup agencies need to go!

[@jaydavee]

we've got to quit calling it government and start calling it the extortion industry.

[@rolandhatton2668]

jaydavee agreed, lexicon updated

[@olibrehio1711]

That would make a great bumper sticker.

[@Psycho.NYC.77]

jaydavee or the mob

[@Yoyoyoyoasshole]

I think it goes like this, "The nail that sticks out will get hammered in." Be careful my friend. lol

[@libertopaeurekananarch7562]

More like the mafia! Big Government is worse than all private criminals combined!

[@oliverupload]

Get the government out of our houses! Government is too big!

[@libertopaeurekananarch7562]

Definitely agreed! The government should NOT have say over what we can and can't build and call home!

[@attilaevil]

1. There is no Government. They are corporations pretending to be your government but in true reality they are not genuine government. 2. The size , it is too big, is not the problem. The problem is that they are criminals trespassing on human beings lives.

[@clockguy2]

Building codes are a way to control you and collect money.

[@major600]

Another thing seldom mentioned is that a big reason why living is so expensive in D.C. (and London) is the restriction on the heights of buildings. In D.C. no building can be higher than the dome of the Capitol, and in London there is a "no skyscraper" zone around St. Paul's Cathedral.

[@ReasonTV]

This is a great point, major600. I wanted to include this issue the video but didn't, because of time restraints. Earlier this year, the urban planners depicted in the video fought - and lost - a campaign to ease the restrictions on building height in DC. Needless to say, it would've been an important win for renters in the city. That said, it's a common misperception that no building in DC can be taller than the dome of the Capitol (other say the Washington Monument). The limit, which is unconnected to any building or monument, is a maximum of 130 feet, or the width of the right-of-way of the street or avenue on which a building fronts, whichever is shorter.

[@major600]

That's nuts. I recommend a book called "The Best Laid Plans" by Randal O'Toole. He argues persuasively that urban planning is nothing but socialism light and that it is no more effective or smart than the state planning done in China or Russia. I used to hate sprawl and was a fan or the New Urbanism until I read this book. I don't love it, but at least now I'm not anti-sprawl.

[@justgivemethetruth]

ReasonTV They do the same thing in Paris ... who would want to see the Eiffel Tower in the valley between huge skyscrapers. The height restriction makes a lot of sense in my opinion.

[@kylemacmac2]

Right, because rents in Vancouver, Hong Kong, and New York City are more affordable ? Sorry, building up doesn't necessarily lead to cheaper unit costs....

[@major600]

It depends on how much supply is available to meet demand. Hong Kong, and New York are built mostly on islands. Vancouver and San Francisco are on peninsulas. So, the supply of real estate for all is limited. If demand is greater than even high rises can meet, then prices will go up. I guarantee you that as expensive as those places are, they'd be even more expensive if no building could be taller than five stories.

[@AlexM-vt5pu]

MURICA!!! Land of the free, just make sure you follow all these rules and regulations.

[@christopherjones6915]

Society has to conform to some rules otherwise it's chaos.

[@luckyvet]

I know many male victims of spousal abuse who would love this option too. Just think Lexi, living in a house the size of your bathroom. Great place to raise a family while you collect welfare & believe in invisible boogey men.

[@GenX-Memories]

It wasn't always this way. Thank Democrats.

[@one234569and10]

Well said Lexi

[@GummyDinosaursify]

+Aglarend You realize Republicans were the one who started this? Because the Republican party started off more like Democrats but changed over time to reflect more of the current Republican party. But, to be fair, both 'parties' are so outdated and so forced by a set of obsolete rules, they have no more significance than choosing your favorite sports team.

[@RealGrandDini]

of course cities don't want little mortgage free housing they are losing a lot on taxes fees and various insurances..

[@Sean-ll5cm]

The taxes to um, maintain roads and build schools? To run the sewerage and power plants that maintain first world status? The taxes that pay the wages of police and paramedics? The taxes that, in effect, LOWER the cost of living if done properly?

[@jdixon2278]

You only list the good things that taxes provide (but some you listed are not paid by taxes). But very little of our tax money funds those things. The majority of our tax money is wasted, given away and stolen.

[@GummyDinosaursify]

+Sean State and Property taxes as well as the earnings from the Lottery are meant to pay for those things. Fees and Insurance Cost go to the companies that mortgage or insure the houses.

[@theutopianoutopioan464]

grand dini, Municipal governments, like their state and federal counterparts, want us to be good little slaves who pay taxes, obey even the dumbest of ' laws ' and never ever question the system! The majority of the high property taxes pay for the government indoctrination facilities known as public schools, the police to keep us serfs in line, and the jails that people get caged in if they're caught violating the edicts of the state! The politicians and their thugs see us as human cattle and treat us as such! Because the government wants maximum control, most cities ban alternative housing!

[@nobilesnovushomo58]

Sean i’ve always wondered why you have to tax property... and can only conclude that taxation methodology was meant to persuade people to agree to a dissociatively implemented tax people overwhelmingly thought they would benefit from by taxation of the “valuation of property” which typically refers to neighborhood quality, amount of space, businesses nearby and employment opportunities nearby, as well as various other conveniences such as stores, amounting to a convex “luxury tax” upon the rich... and those that could “afford” such, which if tacked in to other goods to account for three thousand dollars per year, as well as various other taxes and regulations that make it “illegal” for someone to build their own home on a plot of land they purchased, by threat of government repossession, which have to be paid at once when you never kept track of them, for the homeless and many citizens today quite an arduous affair. Fair Tax, Upfront now! Eliminate the property tithe!

[@russell5078084]

The reason there are so many regulations and restrictions for affordable housing, is simply put, if ideas like this man's were to become the norm, building contractors lose business and the government loses tax revenue. There are a lot if innovative affordable housing ideas. Manufactured housing for example, in the state and county I live in is very restrictive. For exactly the reasons I already mentioned.

[@mikewallis2987]

There's a word for that : Slavery.

[@jimmyschmidt14]

"Man is the only species who must pay to simply exist."

[@UltraGamma25]

Yeah =/

[@Tzizenorec]

This is rather a silly complaint, since every other species (that isn't specifically enslaved to mankind) must work very hard to simply exist.

[@BlueAvi8]

@@Tzizenorec i would rather live free in a dangerous world than be a slave in a safe one.

[@sirtheoriginal201]

I mean, you have the government demanding taxes, food, and stuff. Legal permits and whatever for Man (Mankind, not other animals). Even if you get away, you probably have no idea how to survive unless you know the way.

[@harukasatou1359]

Thank The Massive Costly Government and Bureaucracy for that, not Capitalism or Freedom.

[@Cjeska]

I would move into one of those tiny homes in a heartbeat.

[@mentalretodd]

I would, too, Michael. But only if said heart was beating in a city where tiny homes were legal.

[@cnypilot]

Todd Krainin In my view, people seem to believe that 'Tiny Houses' are bending or breaking rules by falling into a loop hole, as opposed to the idea that they , in and of themselves, are 100% legal because laws do not exist to forbade them. The only law that applies is the permanent residence. That is to say, you can 100% legally reside in one for 6 months out of the year as you can any RV, Travel trailer, etc. Civil disobedience can be the interesting part where you end up purchasing two joining lots. Half year the house in on one lot, half the other. All perfectly legal. :) Sometimes, laws that are unethical/unjust simply have to be pushed in civil disobedience to effect change.

[@haydenjacobson4033]

I'm 17, and I think I'm the only person I know who is a registered Libertarian. When people think Libertarian-ism they think "Liberals" which people associate with left-ists. But, Libertarians actually have the belief that people can (for the most part) govern themselves and still live harmoniously with one another. People don't need to be told how they should live their lives all the time. Zoning and tiny homes, I see now, is a great example of how our government, and the vastly growing amount of redtape associated with making decisions, steps on creativity and problem-solving because of some strange extrinsic desire to uphold laws written for very different places in very different times.

[@taylor0367]

Wait, how can you be a registered libertarian if you're only 17?

[@popgoestheweasel95]

Run for office ASAP

[@TheWaggishAmerican]

I think that a lot more people our age agree with the ideals of Libertarianism, but see the Libertarian Party as a joke.

[@scottfranco1962]

Libertarian is training wheels for republicans. When you get tired of throwing your vote away to pot smoking lunatics, join us.

[@Alex-mn5rs]

Hayden Jacobson I’m a registered 17-year-old libertarian like you, but I won’t be renewing my membership. My faith in the libertarian philosophy is stronger than ever, but I’ve found that the Party itself is very disappointing.

[@hightension01]

This short 10 and half minute video literally just convinced me to move to houston or another city within texas without Zoning laws, I've lived in the Phoenix AZ area pretty much my whole life and have had to deal with HOAs and other authorities dictating what we can and cant do with our home. We cant even have company over parked in front of our house for more than two hours on weekdays!

[@Sosa-gs3rz]

Completely agree. I live in Glendale AZ and they tried telling us we can’t park a car in our DRIVEWAY.

[@krl52]

He seemed like a very kind,simple human being. RIP Jay

[@Clint_the_Audio-Photo_Guy]

I think everywhere should be like Victoria. I've always had no understanding why you can't do what you want to do, on your own property. If you own it, nobody should be able to say shit about what you do with it. If I want to put a storage shed in my backyard, I've got to call a city inspector, who's gonna tell me how to build it, and if I built it to his spec, he'll charge me a fee to do so even, then he's going to add value to my property on his official record and they're going to tax me more because I built a shed for myself. What a back-assward society we live in. It's my land, stay the hell off it.

[@rjwalker6677]

+Photo314159 Agreed. Some basic zoning is ok (so as not to allow a skyscraper to be built right next to peoples homes etc) but most cities have gone overboard with it, and taken away freedoms to do what we want with our property. And not just zoning, but city codes have gotten ridiculous too. Houses that passed all codes 20 years ago as problem free, are now being called on dozens of newer code violations . The city claims they do it for safety, while conveniently ignoring the real safety problem in the cities, crime !

[@metekavruk_Alanya]

Complete freedom of building is not that much nice as it sounds. In my country regulations are not respected and general view of the cities is mostly like disordered concrete jungle of each building to break the record for weirdness. Roads are like a piece of labyrinth and underground works never end for water and electricity lines.

[@sandytaylor2377]

I agree. I was in the market to buy a storage building and a lady had one advertised at a reasonable price, but when I went to see it, the building was only about 5 1/2 feet tall at the tallest point. I couldn't even stand up in it, at 5'8". I asked why it was so short and she told me that the neighborhood (HOA) that they had previously lived in, required that any storage building be shorter than the 6' privacy fences around the back yards. Needless to say, I didn't buy the building!

[@Sean-ll5cm]

What if someone erected a tall structure in their backyard that completely blocked your sunlight? Do you want the power to fight for what's fair or do you want that person to say "fuck you, I'm going to do whatever the fuck I want even if it impacts your home" and get away with it?

[@Clint_the_Audio-Photo_Guy]

Have you seen the church in lower Manhattan? They wouldn't sell and there's skyscrapers tucked all around it, lol. I don't like sunlight anyways, so they'd be doing me a favor. If there was a big building next to my land, I could probably generate wind power off of it instead of solar. I just want to be able to build an earthbag home on my land if I want, or build a stone fort with a moat, or an Ewok village in the trees. I want to be able to do whatever I want to with the rain water that lands on my property, or build an underground bunker if I want to. I'm not saying I would do any of those things, but I don't want someone telling me I can't. I also don't want someone coming to inspect how I do it, and then charge me a bunch of extra money every year because I did it.

[@OllieTakeCover]

The dirty little secret: we don't need the government bureaucrats. They are the problem, not, the solution. Great video.

[@yensabi]

It's the same all over the world , there are too many bureaucrats and too many rules stopping the small guy living his / her life......!!!

[@suthinanahkist2521]

Yep, the government is way way too big!

[@Aelisha_Cade]

Gets sad about zoning laws killing tiny house dream; Realizes the city their highlighting for lack of zoning is YOUR city, Rejoices...

[@dewaynestafford5507]

They want all of us on a 30 year mortgage hamster wheel.

[@PugilistCactus]

Welcome to what the 1920's looked like before the great crash.

[@savgal1211]

Of COURSE they are Illegal!! Why, how would those wonderful Bankers make millions off those 30 and 50 yr mortgages if U buy and build a smaller home!!

[@_sawbonz_]

That's why I love Warsaw. No zoning, everyone builds what they wants. It might sound like a mess, but I love the fact that in a neighborhood all houses look different. No suburbs which all look the same, but some expressions to houses. Most people build their own houses or live in apartments and that gives the city some shine.

[@TReeves80013]

A government focused on maximizing individual liberties (as Texas was depicted in the video) is far superior to a government hell-bent on limiting options by bureaucratic fiat (like Washington D.C.). The state - constricted by outdated zoning ordinances - cannot react to the changing supply and demand for housing the way a free market can. Zoning restrictions create transportation nightmares as more and more people are forced to live farther away from their jobs, further exacerbating the economic pressures artificially imposed by state restrictions. While Washington D.C. ranks 5th in population growth, Houston ranks first, expanding by more than 50,000 people more last year than D.C. Houston's expansion is due to business growth which adds to the economy, while D.C. hires more bureaucrats, lobbyists, and Federal laborers, subtracting from the economy by imposing unnecessary overhead. And while both cities experience growing pains, my money is on Houston to be far more responsive to greater housing demand. The contrasts are stark, and by almost every measure, Houston wins.

[@ohevshalomel]

I wonder if "urban sprawl" is at least in part caused by zoning?

[@whydoyouask8549]

***** more so, i believe, by the construction of americas freeways which was also a government operation.

[@chrisanderson2485]

SweetLiberty01, please move to my town and let me help you run for public office!

[@TReeves80013]

Chris Anderson Okay, I'll tell you my platform and you tell me if you can sell it to the masses. 1) Is the public office I'm running for really necessary? If not, I quit. 2) I plan to do very little in office. You must PROVE to me that you've investigated every conceivable free market solution before I'll even consider getting involved. 3) I want free chocolate malts on Tuesdays. Those are my conditions. If you're still interested, let me know and we can begin the campaign immediately.

[@virginiastanley4053]

The FREE MKt doesnt want that shacky tiny House next to their 500K house. It isnt a matter of liberty,.Its a matter of reality.If they have trailer parks in DC,he should go there.They are Houselet trailers after all.. Sorry they cant park their camper in a prime area like they want to.Seems they would live in an area that allows that kind of thing.Instead of trying to change the world to suit their wants.

[@philipmurray9796]

And yet many viewers ticked off at such heavy handed government regulation still vote for big government politicians who will continue to add to the burden. lol.

[@undeadwill5912]

What? I'm

[@TRINITYADAMS69]

+Philip Murray That is exactly why Trump is popular with a lot of americans. Most politicians tell you what you want to hear so they will be elected or reelected, but once they get in office they forget what they told people, the same people who put them in office in the first place and they only do what the big money lobbyist want done. Trump tells it like it is and won't be controlled by the big lobbying industry. And the reason the career politicians keep getting reelected, is because most americans have a short, selective memory and don't hold their elected so called leaders accountable for their actions. Hell Mark Sanford was the governor of South Carolina, had an affair while governor, used taxpayer money to go to argentina to see his mistress, made up a story saying he was hiking in the mountains; the story broke in the national news; he gets divorced, resigns his governorship; then a few years later he runs for congress and WINS perfect example of what I'm talking about. He's a piece of crap, but yet he got elected to congress; doesn't say much about the voting public.

[@hapiestar7164]

>Some politicians only tell you what you want to hear >Trump doesn't top kek

[@undeadwill5912]

Hapie Star Nor does Rand.

[@haydenjacobson4033]

+Undead Will Hell fucking yeah. So sad Rand performed so poorly and suspended his campaign. I don't know who I'm voting for anymore..

[@alexandermccabe556]

America land of the free as long as you don't do anything we don't like

[@seapearltoo1]

I am currently employed in an organization that runs this way...upper Management instructs you to report abusive behavior (as mandated by the State)...but if it makes them look "bad", it is YOU who will be punished and put back "in line". Pure EVIL!!!

[@ronswagson3167]

The guy who filmed the shots of Victoria should just travel around filming amazing cities!!!

[@ReasonTV]

Ron Swagson I guess I'm in the right business, then. Thanks.

[@communistjesus]

ReasonTV Beautiful, Illegal Tiny House

[@communistjesus]

ReasonTV In all seriousness, where did you learn your amazing camera skills?? .. School??..

[@Forbidaxe]

Ron Swagson Agreed, those shots are the kind I'd like as desktop wallpapers on rotate for my PC, good old early morning and late evening foggy dusky shots.

[@Forbidaxe]

communistjesus Seriously, where you on crack when you posted this, I just need to know.

[@1973Washu]

If the tiny house on wheels is effectively a caravan for legal reasons then you could get your land rezoned to be a caravan park and take advantage of the laws that allow people to live full time in a caravan park.

[@zakmclaughlin8450]

1973Washu a mind like yours might get out of the rat race. do what you wanna do for a change huh

[@nlb137]

Yeah, but the NIMBYs aren't going to let you rezone any land within a mile of real houses or business into a caravan park, because then "riffraff" in caravans would "stink the place up" and drive down property values.

[@rhondalees4]

Rollo Larson I think they've got that loophole covered with a bylaw that says its an unregistered vehicle, or that you cant live in a mobile home full time or a building code complaint.

[@farmersgrip]

No big city would allow Caravan Park

[@lovemind8466]

The right to be the Architect of your own life, Best line ever..Give me my own land & I will build there.. Goals..

[@deadmanstoolbox]

Zoning laws are absolutely insane, I didn't even know they existed until I graduated and started traveling the country. -Texan

[@stonewall97]

Who in their right mind would want to move to D.C. The capitol of Evil. Texas has the right idea on property rights. I want to build a shed on my property without having to ask permission from the zoning jerks.

[@jennym007]

There are RV parks, caravan parks; they just need to zone land for tinyhome parks...simple. And most urban planners I've met are such self righteous people with a power complex. Too much power.

[@KipperTheArt]

I love the idea of tiny houses. It's only a matter of time until the government is going to have to concede to the idea of them and accommodate them in the system properly. It's the mountain of paperwork and amendments to the current policies that's making government officials so reluctant to acknowledge tiny houses.

[@BadMouseProductions]

I wouldn't mind living in a tiny house, in fact here in England I'm trying to find an apartment that is perhaps 200sqft and its nearly impossible, they all seem to be at least 500+ and are expensive. All I want is a place to rest my legs! :(

[@spika5872]

This kind of bs is happening in the US, the UK, and many Asian countries. I used to live in Hong Kong and no matter how much education I have, how many hours I've worked, it still seems to me that I and most of my friends are either living with their parents, live in tiny apartments or in rooms with other housemates. If I was born in the 60s or 70s, with my education and my work hours, I could own a mansion with housekeepers and several cars. There are many things wrong with the entire economy these days and it seems things are only going to get worse. Most of us in our 20s to 30s nowadays will probably be homeless in our 60s no matter how much money are have saved. There is no way to buy a house and the rent is only getting more expensive.

[@drew3186]

@Reality Programmer well you get what you pay for so....

[@drew3186]

@C caymer I referring to western New York state being shit in general soooooooo any way

[@johnathonmingle7937]

Smashinbedrock For a while he actually was a libertarian or a “voluntarist”, Kind or shows how much of a bipolar spazz he is tbh

[@aaronchristensen8333]

I would totally live in a tiny house. At least as long as i am single.

[@kamma44]

I did not know this about Houston, TX. How very interesting!

[@ESSER68NJ]

they have made it so complicated. i understand we dont need shacks (tiny houses built with solid construction principals arent) but this needs to change. it would be great for people in this country to downsize and understand less is more.

[@lyndza1989]

+esser but then who would pay the bank a 40yr mortgage lol

[@ESSER68NJ]

Lyn za ah yes the bankers.... f'em!

[@BrotherWells]

+esser well, this is why those who want to can live in a huge home and those who want to live in a tiny home, can

[@Patchuchan]

+esser Some of these tiny houses are much nicer then a 2 to 3K a month apartment in San Fransisco and probably safer too as the wiring and plumbing are probably better.

[@i.liberty7162]

+esser These laws serve the purpose of ejecting persons from shelter out into the cold. Pushing them out of shelter that you or I may not choose. It is no different than a politician kicking a homeless mothers box apart in the dead of winter because he doesn't like it or it's not lawful. It's evil and immoral that we as citizens accept such vile behavior from our so-called leaders. The worst among us see it as their right to command our "leaders" to do it. The problem is not homelessness or poor choices, the problem is control. The problem is always the existence of subjugation over Liberty. How ugly is it to hire (or elect) heavies to use violence and force against another human being who is incapable or unable to attain the standard of our own personal choices? For more on Liberty- I.Liberty

[@MsSoozy]

"Being the architect of your own life", well put.

[@Lilapurple111]

That's why I live in Houston :)

[@jedrorm]

Houston actually has pretty strict zoning codes. Although some bits have been relaxed lately. However, once you have a look at all the private/HOA agreements, Houston has some of the strictest planning controls in the nation (thus why it's a pancake).

[@TheJumpingJake]

But i like pancakes

[@cowswirl]

bbqroast, I'm confused. Didn't the video say that Houston has little zoning regulations?

[@toxic1698]

That's not why you live in Houston that's the very last reason on the short list of reasons to move there, more than likely you either moved there for work or were born there and are too lazy to get out.

[@markbirchette8740]

Houston and Victoria are why I served my Country. The right to dictate and build your own Life !! Very SAD that there's only two cities in 50 State's that this can be done. Call to revolution my fellow Americans !!! Let's take back our Country !! to By the People and For the People !!!

[@1991RubenV]

Thank God I live in Houston. This city is awesome and I love the vibe over here among the wealth that is easy to access if you desire so.

[@TheAceTroubleshooter]

"Bureaucracy is the stranglehold on creativity." A wise man once said these words. And the words ring on throughout the entire world.

[@techguy651]

Places without zoning “are not the full flower of urbanism.” 🤣😂 I haven’t laughed so hard all week! Thanks for that.

[@Heritagepostfarms]

That house looks awesome! Love the high ceilings. Makes the house look a lot bigger

[@darkspire91]

Here in Texas, my local shooting range is next to a bank, which is next to a dialysis center, which is next to an adult erotica store, which is next to a Subway. I wouldn't want it any other way.

[@alanheadrick7997]

I think our economic collapse will push these homes to the main stream. Otherwise most people will have to live in the woods in tents.

[@TRINITYADAMS69]

+alan headrick When the SHTF I'm going to get as far away from other people as I can; if I don't, I probably won't be able to live very long. Just some friendly advice.

[@johnalexander4940]

finally somdone who sees reality for what it is" this countries past record is based upon controlling areas where the rich have access to all the best areas at little or nothing while the poor remain marginalized.

[@klouden6172]

+john alexander if you do not like being poor, do something about it...i could not afford college...there is no known document, by man nor God, which promises an easy life.

[@johnalexander4940]

K Louden thanks for the reply K. But I haven't implied in anyway that being poor is a situation to boo woo over, sorry if you took it that way. But matter of fact not only have I looked into economic alternatives such as the one the gentleman seems to have made work for himself. Also I go out when and wherever work is available, work to survive which has become a real challenge these days depending especially on where one comes from. This country has made itself a slow but sure down payment on its economic death. And those difficulties you elude to are all but too real to ignore no matter what end of the scale your on. THAT includes many like this guy who spoke of the same difficulties of affording traditional housing, all while paying off tuition costs etc. If their weren't any struggles in this life then there wouldn't be any need to develop this type of alternative housing and other creative means to make it in this world. Peace

[@klouden6172]

sorry if i came off as disagreeable...and kudos to your reply...you get 100 internet points for your diplomacy...and i wish you health and happiness.

[@tiggergolah]

Thinking of all those pioneers who built our country, one log cabin or sod house at a time. ( I can just see some Housing Authority bureaucrat coming out and slapping them with court papers.) Once they worked their way up enough, they could afford to build better houses. Everyone needs a place to start. That's what's forbidden today. Its illegal to be poor and independent. You can be one or the other, but not both. Its absurd.

[@sanniepstein1007]

+tiggergolah Very important comment.

[@libertopaeurekananarch7562]

The pioneer way of life would simply not fly today with millions of laws and regulations, dozen taxes, etc!

[@kevintom7034]

I think it's great that we have one city with such a free zoning like Houston. It's a great contrast to the over regulating cities like NYC and San Fran.

[@zombiesingularity]

Tiny Houses like that would be very beneficial for low-income folks as well. You could make small payments over time, and pay off your home in 1-3 years easily, even if you were very low-income. Not to mention it's incredibly eco-friendly.

[@CSquared360]

This is fantastic. There is not enough reasoning to have all this zoning. It is purely political and a money grab for the government to take more from us. Tiny houses are awesome! Why can't we have them? Oh taxes, permitting, government, government, too much fucking government. I was looking into a 5th Wheel and this seems like an even better idea!

[@blackcat5159]

Jay RIP from a British handy man and cyclist that appreciates the skill and legacy that you have left. Hopefully others will carry this on.

[@hughtub]

Come on, Reason, I caught that suspenseful "every city except for 1...........................................................................................................Houston". The point of this video is to inform. Unnecessary dramatic suspense doesn't inform as fast as simply stating the fact, THEN showing the pan of the entire city.

[@ReasonTV]

You secretly enjoyed the suspense. Admit it.

[@valkalin2]

lol

[@barbarastanley8946]

ReasonTV OK! Yes! YES! I admit it! I confess!! Oh, wait a minute. (wasn't talking to me.... I will quietly slink away somewhere.... to watch the video again.....Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh...) lol

[@Maxwell-bt9hp]

hughtub Yeah, totally. That four second clip really ruined the entirety of the video for me.

[@gskaloyan]

+ReasonTV As a Texan and native of the gulf coast area I called it as soon as your suspenseful moment started XD Houston's a gorgeous city, especially at night.

[@akabiscuitwaffle]

I love how the comment section is a mix of hipsters and Merica people XD

[@SaltyNationalist]

MURICA!! :)

[@psygnale]

For some reason (coughSOROScough), people seem to forget that both the Tea Party and Occupy started with the EXACT SAME PREMISE.

[@ursofakingdummb]

It's your property. You should be able to do what you want with it. The government has become a monster...

[@libertopaeurekananarch7562]

Right! People should be able to do pretty much anything they want on their land as long as it doesn't agress against others! Under this system, you can't own property outright!

[@CheekyMonkey888]

this doc was so well produced, filmed, edited that it should be used as teaching material well done

[@knowthingman]

The inconvenience of dealing with other people's freedom is far less onerous than dealing with the loss of ones own.

[@Jacked153]

I thought Houston having no zoning was a myth? Guess its just super complicated and nobody can really agree.

[@ReasonTV]

Houston's lack of zoning is no myth, Jack! If it was too complicated to understand, the city wouldn't be such a population magnet. Here's a recent, highly readable summary of how H-Town regulates land use without zoning: marketurbanism.com/2016/09/19/how-houston-regulates-land-use/

[@ElJayTxTn]

Jack nope. we really don't. and in some areas around e.g.Victoria. There are non where I currently live, on Galveston Island.

[@EvanDerickson]

There's a fair amount of stuff under that second section that I would count as zoning.

[@kentbrochman4150]

Try to get a meeting set up, and then show "Uncle Sam" how he can make money allowing these micro home to be lived in where they are at. Like having owner pay a monthly/yearly permit (tax). I don't know how much food would be stored in a micro house, but point out the fact that this type of living causes people to eat out more often. Which, will also increase restaurant tax revenue as well. I was told that if you you want to start something new, and "Uncle Sam" says "no", just show him where the money is. "Uncle Sam" doesn't really care what we do, he only cares about if he will lose money some how. Once you point out how he can get his unfair cut all is well. Remember: To us, government is a necessary evil. (Here to "protect us") To government we are necessary evil. (Here to give them all are money if we would allow it."

[@williwonti]

+Kent brochman Worked for weed.

[@VideoMenu]

1000 people a week? Is that adjusted for those of us who migrated back out? DC is what is called a "transient" city. People come but they also go.

[@ReasonTV]

Yes, that statistic includes those who migrate out. Perhaps the more telling figure, which I didn't mention in the video, is D.C.'s 96% residential occupancy rate.

[@ReasonTV]

Correction: It's 1k people a *month* not week, adjusted for outmigration.

[@gen81465]

Here's a thought for Washington DC (not sure if legal, but worth checking out): * Buy a property (or several properties) on the outskirts of the city, so the purchase price is reasonable, or at least as reasonable as can be expected in DC. * Let people sub-let 1 square foot (or 1 square inch) at a reasonable rental rate; this is their "living space", complete with it's own "address" (ex. 1 2nd St, Unit 1234). * Use the micro houses as "storage space" (as part of their lease). I don't believe it's illegal to have electricity, running water, toilet facilities, etc. in a storage space. All constructive criticism welcomed; all negative criticism ignored.

[@indianabill5740]

Unless you go to a crime ridden area, land is going to run you roughly $250,000 per quarter acre. Even the bad parts of DC will probably be at least $100,000. There is also very little land without structures left. Maryland might be a slightly better option. Northern Virginia will be more expensive. Either way, you will have difficulty finding land for sale. There are laws dictating how many tenants can live in a structure based on size. This is unrelated to your specific questions but homes in Maryland have to be a minimum 500 sq ft. Trailers, (mobile homes) can only be used in licensed mobile home parks.

[@gen81465]

indianabill Thanks for the info. I wasn't sure about the laws, but figured it couldn't hurt to make a suggestion. It looks like D.C. is going to have a lot of real estate turn over, now that the election is over.

[@sdrfz]

The mountains are calling, and I must go.

[@GingerbreadFetus]

Let's not forget that a complete lack of Urban Planning in Houston has led to a full on Traffic crisis in the greater city area.

[@GingerbreadFetus]

Most cities don't have mountains of articles written about it though. www.houstonpress.com/news/houstons-biggest-blunders-identity-crisis-6725643

[@sandytaylor2377]

Try driving through Baton Rouge at rush hour or almost any other time. I've driven through Houston many, many times, since we used to drive a big rig from Louisiana, Alabama or Florida every week going to and coming back from California for about 10 years.

[@PrivateEyeYiYi]

He's got wheels on his house. Solution - move to Houston!

[@chrisripplinger]

Ah, the old "if you don't like it here, then leave" adage. Sounds like something Trump would say. If he owns the property, why not let him do what he wants?

[@sakkel.7357]

I'd go a step further. Owning a property means you got to pay for it. To whom and why? who gave somebody the right to say We own all land and you got to pay for us if you want a piece of it. I never signed any contract where i gave up my right to the earth.

[@Hako2004]

I am surprised, and amazed, that Houston and Victoria don't have zoning. We don't need a "regulatory board" or commission, paid for by our tax dollars, making arbitrary decisions about what is "best". Smaller government=more human freedom.

[@addagwenlyn9662]

Self Responsibility = Human Freedom If we'd .all monitored ourselves then, we wouldn't need the police,

[@Borderose]

Condolences to his family. Wish he realized that some people are just evil. We turned war into an art for a reason.

[@BitcoinMotorist]

Hakuraita Never leave your house and nothing bad will ever happen to you

[@jeasantovasco8218]

@@BitcoinMotorist Never leave your house and nothing good will ever happen either!

[@roxyrebel15]

These are such great ideas. Especially for college students or couples with a low income budget. So many people in Oklahoma rent or living in apartments and I know people personally that never have owed their own home! Great idea and great inspiration.

[@DanHaug]

This is an intellectually dishonest report. Just because DC zoning laws have not been modified in 56 years doesn't mean that NO zoning is the solution. That's a straw man argument. In addition, the characterization of Houston is heavily biased to push the agenda of deregulation. Cost of living in Houston is low because it's not seen as a desirable place to live. Part of the reason that it seen as undesirable is it's urban sprawl. You don't have to throw out the baby with the bathwater. Zoning laws can be beneficial to everyone if they are well -crafted and maintained. Like any other structure, they can be detrimental if they are poorly thought-out and don't adapt to societal change.

[@AvalonMorley]

***** Ah! the soothing breath of common sense and moderation! Thank you.

[@DanHaug]

Straw man. :)

[@nillyk5671]

Rest in peace kind soul :'( Too impulsive, somewhat naive, too unlucky... I hope you get to be born again in a better world.

[@Pinhead101]

Nah fam. He is dust

[@jeasantovasco8218]

Not impulsive but rather well thought out. Yes, somewhat naive in thinking most are good. Unlucky .. in the wrong place at the wrong time is exactly what it comes down to. Thanks for wishing Jay eternal peace 💙

[@Phantom8589]

Less governments, cost less money and regulation are less.... Make the government smaller and work for the people. Texas has it right.

[@jonkopp6499]

I clicked to watch a fun tour but this is pretty political

[@mescalinemonkey8183]

85% of my income goes to housing in Portland.

[@NatureShy]

Portland is amazing. Love it here; was born and raised here, and would never consider leaving the PNW.

[@sixbrigands]

If you build a big decadent , wasteful mansion, the mayor will shake your hand. Build a sensible tiny house and you get this treatment.

[@MarinelliBrosPodcast]

Washington: Government Power>People Power Texas: Government Power

[@ArticBeatle]

God bless Texas.

[@iAmTheSquidThing]

How are tiny houses better than apartments though? They're only one story high, so they use more land to provide less living space.

[@moboooop6919]

Ever heard of neighbors

[@iAmTheSquidThing]

Moboooop Oh they're certainly more luxurious. But I don't see how they're being presented as some sort of solution to housing shortages.

[@moboooop6919]

Andy Brice i guess its like a temporary solution

[@mattgreene8706]

It depends how you define "better". Apartments are more efficient, to an extent, but tiny houses are better for the individual. To the individual, he or she owns his or her property. There is no threat of eviction and you can modify your environment as you please. After you are done paying off your tiny house, you then only pay property tax. So it's better in the sense that the individual has more freedom and better access to areas that have undergone and are undergoing excessive gentrification.

[@iAmTheSquidThing]

Matt Greene Yes. Definitely better for the occupier. Though people are presenting them as a solution to housing shortages. Which I don't think adds up.

[@jaketran]

these videos are soooooo good

[@moonhorse100]

so basically i can live in a cardboard box in the streets all season and nobody can say shit to me but i cant go in the woods and build me a 200sq cabin . I see what your doing Mr government . your trying to make me end up in the streets so i will become a criminal so i can end up in jail and create money for the private companies that own the prisons while the tax payers "support" me when in fact the companies take the money . I see where this is going.

[@samikalastaja]

4:28 this somehow makes me want to say "Fuck yeah!"

[@one234569and10]

I remember being there during a gathering when they had the Tumble weed on property. Nice to see it gone, and the Minim on site. It is a very nice tiny home.

[@Siegetower]

Great video Reason. And it goes to show there is more to talk about than the D word.

[@mentalretodd]

Thanks. And I have yet to produce a video about the D-word. But I'm working on it!

[@Siegetower]

valcaron No, Drainpipes.

[@MrJoshuaAtwood]

RIP Jay, my good man.

[@rhondasmith6913]

It is the way that is should be. Who needs someone telling you what to do with your own property? Just because people put up with it in most places doesn't make it right. Texas, the American dream is still alive there.😊

[@rarecharisma]

I like that. You can do what you want to do with your property.

[@rwbimbie5854]

Liberals disagree. You have to obey what the city government decided is best for everyone. Well, unless you move to TEXAS and leave that yankee city big government crud behind. Texas still has freedom, but liberals are trying hard to change that. If somebody doesnt make a lot of money, they should move to Texas where you dont need a lot of money to own a home

[@BooooClips]

+RWbimbie LoL i think you got things the other way round, republicans are closed minded who want planning to make sure any free expression and squatters are kept away from their neighhood. you honestly think any republican would want a house made from tin cans next to theirs... i think not... you got it all twisted mate

[@PaliAha]

Well, what do you know. The MOST LiBERAL city is in the SOUTH, red state.

[@sandytaylor2377]

There is a difference between liberal and libertarian.

[@magissemperdeficiet4259]

there is a difference, but it is a difference without much distinction.

[@EdwardBerryy]

Libertarian is pretty much the opposite of a liberal. Libertarians consider things that even remotely represent socialism as of being pure evil. Liberals embrace socialism or things similar to it. Merriam webster definitions: Libertarian: a person who believes that people should be allowed to do and say what they want without any interference from the government liberal: believing that government should be active in supporting social and political change : relating to or supporting political liberalism

[@martialman.4563]

liberal= one who belives in liberty

[@EdwardBerryy]

Martialman.45 nice. here this makes it really easy to understand, check out keith hughes:

[@AniMeFREaK34]

When the map came up, around 4:28 I was looking at my city thinking why isn't it up there? And then, when it zoomed in on Houston I was pretty surprised, but also happy to know that my city stood out in such a way.

[@PugilistCactus]

Only reason they don't like it, is because there is no effective way to tax it.

[@gregoryeverson741]

they cant get the taxes they want

[@Chewy427]

I do strive to be a libertarian, but what prevents someone from building a toxic paint factory next to your house?

[@Chewy427]

Ogreng Buddha Economics doesn't stop people from murdering each other. 2/3 of businesses go bust, people aren't perfect beings. If I wanted to spite you I could just go and build a toxic paint factory next to you.

[@ogrengbuddha5373]

wtf does people killing each other have anything to do with a factory building a plant in a housing subdivision god you make no sense

[@Chewy427]

Ogreng Buddha The point is that economics alone doesn't stop people from actions that can harm you. Just because it isn't viable doesn't mean it won't or can't happen. It's not cheap for me to plan and murder you, but that doesn't mean it never happens, just as it's not viable to build a factory in a residential area but that doesn't mean it won't or can't happen.

[@Chewy427]

Ogreng Buddha this is your argument: insult opponent, state that it has never happened because people have brains, insult opponent again I have already refuted this argument, people do retarded shit that isn't worth it all the time like going to jail or making a bad business deal, just because something shouldn't happen doesn't mean it won't or can't If you still don't understand then I'm not even angry, just sad for you.

[@ogrengbuddha5373]

when you put forth an actually valid argument i might treat you as a human inst4ead of some brain dead shit you are Desidium

[@mycoffee2654]

I've lived in houston my whole life. I had no idea that it's the only big city without zoning laws. It looks just as beautiful as any other big city i've been to and for much cheaper! I gotta check out that beer can house. If i'm not mistaken, zone d erotica has since closed down, but i havent been in that area for a while

[@LeahSelman]

this video justifies why Tiny Houses are discouraged, the upper-crusts want poor people holed up together in old Lead-Piped buildings, that keeps more space avialable for commercial property. Keep building houses only foreigners can afford, while Americans live in cardboard boxes & drive tuna cans w/wheels. Kudos on portraying Tiny Home Owners as seedy anti-social hermits.

[@LeahSelman]

make sure your children drink plenty of that tap water, once they graduate & dont have the scruples to find a job the Military can allow them the only way to contribute to society: get shot

[@leoerickson7554]

Do you think that living on the streets is a better option than living in less-than-optimal housing? If an "old, lead-piped building" is all that they can afford, how do you think they could afford something better?

[@jedrorm]

The point is that zoning regulations require certain luxuries (eg minimum space), but that means you have to sacrifice many other things (eg heating, privacy (living with others), food, etc) to afford those legally required minimums.

[@Run.Ran.Run1]

So you have to tolerate living next to a constantly clinking wind-chime beer-can house or whatever other noisy whimsy your neighbor decides to be self expression. No thanks.

[@MrJest2]

So, I have to tolerate your evil totalitarian lusts? No thanks.

[@SamGarcia]

In a free society, you can choose your neighbors, too. Just find a place where people have agreed to put themselves in some sort of code, which is what a Home Owner's Association is.

[@veegaanmyooon44]

A small down payment? Sounds like interesting contrast and sparks of chaos; the spice of life.

[@hakeemulajuwan]

is this the land of Free. you gott 2 be kidding. every African country is Møre Free then America. you are Free to Choice mc donalds or burger King or fanta or coke but that is it.

[@age_of_reason]

People who sit on rooftops drinking wine irk me.

[@KayciazWorld]

lol

[@chooseymomschoose]

Settle down; drink wine in your garage then. Freedom, baby!

[@dominickstewart433]

But it’s kinda romantic.

[@wordswritteninred7171]

wojtek0000 people who can't enjoy sitting on a roof with a good glass of wine, don't know how to enjoy life.

[@treuskinssworldwide]

We as a nation need more of these affordable tiny homes.

[@CommonCentrist82]

I'm moving to Houston and opening a strip club next to a daycare. So all the stay at home dads will have something to do when their toddlers are playing. I'll even have a day for mommys. Anyone want to invest in a great business opportunity?

[@ogrengbuddha5373]

lol go for it and you can recruit new talent early from the daycare just have to wait til the get out of high school

[@franksalterego]

The do-gooders will be the death of us all. Frank

[@knowthingman]

paving the road to hell, one tax dollar at a time.

[@rhondalees4]

Awesome video! We want to play it at a YIMBY (Yes in my back yard) meeting to talk about the very same thing in Ontario, Canada

[@KizoneKaprow]

*"Beautiful, Illegal"* One of these words is wrong.

[@Reathety]

Take your government always knows best ideology somewhere else "comrade".

[@KizoneKaprow]

Reathety OK, I'll bite. You think that square box is "beautiful"? ReasonTV says, "Dance, puppet!" and you say, "How fast?"

[@Reathety]

Kizone Kaprow Cheap affordable housing that doesn't require a debilitating amount of debt is beautiful. But then again, I'm sure a pro-government type like yourself finds large amounts of debt and destructive government policies that drives housing costs up is what people of your ilk are all about. Your hatred of this channel has you missing the point, as usual.

[@KizoneKaprow]

Reathety I was speaking of esthetics (look it up) but my alleged "pro-government" biases begin and end with the definition of the proper role of government: 1) Police 2) Courts 3) Military That's about it. Anarcho-libertarians would: 1) Replace the police with private vigilante gangs 2) Replace the courts with private, subjective star chambers 3) Replace the national military force with private, competing armies Anyway, in keeping with the spirit of focused debate (a concept alien to libertarians), a tiny square box is anything but "beautiful." Feel free to continue with your ADHD-inspired rage. I'll just ignore you.

[@Reathety]

Kizone Kaprow Few things. I like how you plus one all your comments. I like how you defended the police officers that violated a guys ass. I also like how you assume words such as esthetics are beyond my abilities as an English reader. Sarcasm (look it up). Finally, one of the points of this video, that you have failed to realize, is that government has driven up the cost of living in DC forcing cost conscious into tiny boxes they call homes. It's beautiful not because it's large or impressive but because it's shows people using creativity and resourcefulness to live a life they choose. Keep up the good fight... defending cops that analy violate citizens and other such nonsensical causes that your hatred of libertarians inspires.