North Texas City Approves Plan for Tiny House Development

The popularity of tiny houses is on the rise, thanks in part to TV shows that are dedicated to them.

Now, a North Texas city could get its own tiny park development — the first of its kind in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Lake Dallas City Council approved a local developer's plan to build 13 tiny houses on an acre of land there.

"Lake Dallas is kind of an area that's been passed up by progress and prosperity," said developer Terry Lantrip, who hopes to turn that around.

His plan is to think out of the box — a very small box of a house.

Lantrip plans to build 13 tiny houses on property he's owned for 15 years on Gotcher Avenue, a quiet residential street.

"This is an option for people," Lantrip said. "It's not an inexpensive option. These are custom built high quality homes."

Lantrip says tiny homes in his development could range from $40,000 to $100,000 each, depending on size and features. He expects his property to be ready for construction in about six months.

The developer also realized tiny houses are not for everyone. Would he live in one?

"I don't think so," he said. "I like the concept, but I don't think I'm quite ready for it."

He is, however, confident that there are enough folks who think a tiny house would be a perfect fit.

"I have no worry that this is going to be filled very quickly," he said.