The "skinny" houses plunked onto narrow lots in north county will have to abide by new rules if the County Council passes a bill it amended on Monday night.

The new provisions would require at least 10 feet between the new homes and existing structures, plus any proposed building would have to be advertised on the property first.

The slim homes, often only 11- or 18-feet wide, have drawn ire from neighbors who would prefer the vacant lots in their communities remain that way. Residents argue the unconventional homes mar the character of the neighborhood and shouldn't be allowed.

But because the county...