Willamette Valley / Lane County Region
Whiteaker · Eugene
Emerald Village Tiny Home Co-op
Tucked on a vibrant 1.1-acre plot in Eugene's historic Whiteaker neighborhood, Emerald Village Eugene (EVE) is a globally recognized landmark for permanent, affordable micro-housing. Developed by SquareOne Villages, this leasehold co-op serves as a stable springboard for individuals transitioning out of housing insecurity—residents are democratically participating co-op members cultivating equity, agency, and pride through cooperative ownership.
Placement intelligence
Park specs & operating terms
Structured pass/fail data for THOW and modular siting—sourced from operator materials and independent research. Fields marked [TBD - Research Component Required] are queued for verification.
Quick-glance park specs
| Technical Parameter | Requirement / Status |
|---|---|
| Power Infrastructure | Fully integrated underground city municipal infrastructure with separate code-compliant hardwired electrical drops to every individual unit panel. |
| Waste & Sewer System | Connected directly to the City of Eugene municipal sewer and water sanitation grids. |
| Build Certifications | Precision-engineered permanent micro-cabins on fixed foundations—crafted via collaboration of 13 local design-build teams with structural insulated panels (SIPs), full custom framing, and durable structural shells. RVs, travel trailers, and transient vehicles prohibited. |
| Pet Constraints | Supportive of domestic companion pets; residents adhere to co-op-governed guidelines regarding pet care and common area safety. |
Financials & leasing terms
Monthly benchmarks and lease mechanics—confirm current rates with the operator before applying.
Lot rent & monthly fees
Monthly rate
$200–$300/mo
flat-rate all-inclusive operating payments.
Co-op ground-lease agreements with
$50/mo
share membership fee enabling modest equity cashed out on move
$200 $300/mo flat rate all inclusive operating payments.
Utility inclusions
Covers secure tiny house occupancy, city water, sewer, trash, campus-wide internet, shared tool sheds, community garden plots, and full entry to the central community common house. Includes long-term capital reserve allocations.
Lease mechanics
No traditional commercial lease or security deposit. Co-op ground-lease agreements with share membership fee enabling modest equity cashed out on move. Eligible occupants must earn 50% AMI or below. Not available for private market purchase—assets held in perpetuity by SquareOne Villages.
Home specifications & placement rules
Dimensional thresholds
Co-op footprints from 160 sq ft up to 288 sq ft maximum—single-level studios and shed-roof lofts across 22 units at 20 units/acre density on 1.1 acres.
Aesthetic controls & covenants
13 distinct custom architectural plans including the Shed House prototype by Aligned Architecture, plus ADA-accessible floor plans. Built-in sleeping zones, private bath, kitchenette, and external locked storage. External envelope alterations prohibited.
Sustainability & permaculture allowances
EarthNest-aligned buyers should confirm closed-loop systems against recorded park rules—not just municipal code.
Alternative waste systems
Composting and greywater prohibited—all sanitation routes directly into city wastewater system for urban code compliance.
Off-grid adaptations
Rooflines engineered for optimized solar PV and solar hot water integration; high-performance insulation envelopes throughout.
Site edibles & gardens
Active centralized community garden plots and organic composting managed directly by the resident collective.
Media & site documentation
OpenStreetMap tiles · scroll zoom disabled to keep page navigation smooth
Planning land you own in Lane County?
Emerald Village is a permanently affordable leasehold co-op—not the same as owning a Lane County parcel with a permitted backyard ADU. Route into pathway tools if you are comparing both models.
Pads & tenancy snapshot
High-density urban layout—22 standalone architecturally unique micro-homes clustered around a shared central courtyard on fixed foundations. Co-op members hold long-term ground-lease agreements; structures are community-built permanent assets of the non-profit land trust, not private THOW parking.
Highly stable, permanently affordable community operating at 100% occupancy. Vacancies are exceptionally rare; application pools open selectively based on SquareOne Villages housing waitlist queues. STR and commercial sub-leases entirely prohibited.
Ownership models surfaced
Key amenities
Boolean flags summarize what directories can filter on; they are directional only—operators change pet rules, dock limits, or fitness bundles without notice.
- Pet-friendly
- Ownership path
- Community garden
- Clubhouse
- Cowork / shared workspace
- Laundry
Stewardship disclosures
Approved under specialized City of Eugene land-use approvals and affordable multi-unit high-density infill code exceptions. Democratic resident-led co-op bylaws with SquareOne Villages as mission steward and land trust holder—members must earn 50% AMI or below. Standard Willamette Valley weather; high-performance insulation and ventilation throughout.
Operators evolve rules—triple-check recorded covenants, county interpretations, HOA restrictions, occupancy certificates, and insurance binders aligned to your exact structure classification.