SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2167

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

Regarding mobile home parks.

House Committe on Housing

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 30, 1989; March 31, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Lee, Chairman; McMullen, Murray, Saling, Smitherman, Warnke, Williams.

Senate Staff:Charles A. Woods (786-7452)

                  March 31, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & LABOR, MARCH 31, 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.

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

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested March 21, 1989

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE STRIKING AMENDMENT:

All counties, cities and towns are required to assess mobile home need and availability regardless of whether siting is allowed by zoning or not.  Counties, cities and towns must complete their reviews by May 31, 1990 and report by June 30, 1990.  The Department of Community Development must develop a model ordinance for the siting of mobile homes by January 31, 1990.

The appropriation is also removed.

Senate Committee - Testified: Kurt Creager, King County; Arnold Livingston, Senior Citizens Lobby and Mobile Home Owners Association; John Jensen, MHOA; Shirley McCullough; Fred Brume and Morton Clarke, WMPOA