HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2167

As Amended by the Senate

BYRepresentatives Leonard, Winsley, Schoon, Nutley, Rector and Todd

Regarding mobile home parks.

House Committe on Housing

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (9)

      Signed by Representatives Nutley, Chair; Leonard, Vice Chair; Winsley, Ranking Republican Member; Anderson, Ballard, Inslee, Padden, Rector and Todd.

House Staff:Charlie Gavigan (786-7340)

AS PASSED HOUSE MARCH 15, 1989

BACKGROUND:

In Washington State, growth planning and zoning are traditionally done by local governments.  Cities and counties have statutory authority, and arguably inherent power, to regulate land use and otherwise manage growth in their jurisdictions.

Planning and zoning are optional for local governments, except for the requirements of the Shoreline Management Act.  Some local governments do not engage in formal planning or zoning.

Local governments that do growth planning and management normally do so by establishing zones of allowable land use.  The zones are generally based on a local comprehensive plan.  Examples of land use zones include residential, commercial, industrial, and multi-use.

In some local jurisdictions in the state, mobile home parks are closing because of private land use changes.  There also appears to be a shortage of mobile home park space in some of these areas.

SUMMARY:

Each county, city and town is required to conduct a review of the need and demand for mobile home parks if the county, city or town does not provide for the siting of mobile home parks in areas zoned for other residential use or for residential and commercial uses.  The review must be completed by November 30, 1990, and a copy of the review must be sent to the Department of Community Development by December 31, 1990.

The Department of Community Development is to report the results of the local reviews to appropriate committees of the Legislature by January 31, 1991.  In consultation with various associations, the Department of Community Development shall develop a model ordinance by June 1, 1990, for the siting of mobile home parks.

EFFECT OF SENATE AMENDMENTS:  The Senate striking amendment changed the due dates for the local government reviews of land use regulations regarding mobile home parks.  The review of the local government must be completed by May 31, 1990, rather than November 30, 1990; the report by the Department of Community Development must be done by July 31, 1990, rather than January 1, 1991.  The model ordinance must be completed by January 1, 1990, rather than June 1, 1990.

The striking amendment also requires the Office of Mobile Home Affairs to develop recommendations and report to the legislature on:  (1) increasing the availability of mobile home park spaces; (2) stabilizing rent levels through traditional market forces of supply and demand; and (3) assisting senior citizens on fixed incomes to stay in the mobile home park, including possible subsidies.  The recommendations shall balance the park-owners legitimate costs of doing business and receiving a reasonable rate of return on his or her investment with the tenants limited ability to absorb increases in the amount of rent.

Appropriation:    $4,000 is appropriated to the Department of Community Development for the study.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    None Presented.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.

VOTE ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Yeas 98