New York City has granted waivers to its building codes on some projects to foster the development of micro apartments.
An impetus for this action was to create more housing in a city that has a shortage of affordable units, but the first projects to construct tiny apartments have been oriented to a higher-income clientele. One such building comes with custom-made furniture, a weekly cleaning service, and an app-based “butler” that can arrange dry cleaning and grocery pick up services.
Such high-end developments may lay the ground work for affordable micro-apartment projects by alleviating the stigma associated with tiny living units, some housing experts point out. Some New Yorkers associate micro-apartments with the cramped tenements of the past. But successful luxury projects could provide proof-of-concept for affordable micro-apartments, boosters say.
Critics point out that that a 300 sf unit may be fine for single people, but many of those in need of affordable housing are families that need more space. New York’s City Council is considering a measure to allow micro-apartments to be constructed within affordable housing complexes with conventionally sized units.
Related Stories
Green Specifications | Jul 26, 2016
New Miami Beach law requires LEED certification on projects larger than 7,000 sf
LEED Silver the prescribed standard on buildings larger than 50,000 sf.
Energy | Jul 25, 2016
Michigan law provides local governments with flexible energy conservation financing
Allows cities to fund projects without adding debt.
Contractors | Jul 15, 2016
Trade unions, contractors call for maximum penalty in construction worker death case
‘Sick and tired’ of lawbreaking contractors defining public perception.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 14, 2016
Portland, Ore., City Council approves construction excise tax for affordable housing
Expected to raise $8 million annually on commercial and residential projects.
Drones | Jul 13, 2016
FAA issues final rule on commercial use of drones
The rule covers commercial uses for drones that weigh less than 55 pounds, and it takes effect Aug. 29.
Codes and Standards | Jul 12, 2016
OSHA raises maximum civil penalties by 78%
Applies to infractions that occurred after Nov. 2, 2015.
School Construction | Jul 11, 2016
Fight over school funding in Arizona headed to court
Legislature accused of ignoring 1994 ruling ordering state to pick up some of the costs.
Green Specifications | Jul 8, 2016
World Green Building Council sets goal of 100% net-zero buildings by 2050
All new buildings and major renovations to be net-zero by 2030.
Market Data | Jul 7, 2016
Airbnb alleged to worsen housing crunch in New York City
Allegedly removing thousands of housing units from market, driving up rents.
Urban Planning | Jul 7, 2016
Y Combinator project would build new city using new technology, urban policies
Zoning, property rights, building codes all could be re-imagined.