AN ACT Relating to sites for mobile home parks; adding a new section to chapter 35.63 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 35.22 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 35A.63 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 36.32 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 36.70 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 43.63A RCW; creating a new section; making an appropriation; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature finds that mobile home parks are an important part of housing in Washington state. Mobile homes allow many citizens to own a home who otherwise would not. Mobile home parks provide a place to locate mobile homes, and therefore, can be a source of affordable housing. Mobile home parks also provide community living opportunities which can enable senior citizens to live independently for as long as possible.

(2) The legislature also finds that local siting and zoning regulations for mobile home parks are inconsistent throughout the state. Land use decisions by some local jurisdictions prohibit or hinder the establishment or expansion of mobile home parks. In areas where mobile home parks are closing, such decisions increase the problem for tenants due to a lack of available spaces on which to move a mobile home.

(3) The purpose of this act is to encourage local jurisdictions to reconsider their land use regulations and permit procedures pertaining to mobile home parks and to encourage the establishment or expansion of mobile home parks.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 35.63 RCW to read as follows:

Each municipality that does not provide for the siting of mobile home parks in zones or areas designated for residential uses or designated for any residential or commercial uses shall conduct a review of the need and demand for mobile home parks. The review shall be completed by November 30, 1990. A copy of the findings, conclusions, and recommendations resulting from the review shall be sent to the department of community development by December 31, 1990.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. A new section is added to chapter 35A.63 RCW to read as follows:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. A new section is added to chapter 36.70 RCW to read as follows:

Each county that does not provide for the siting of mobile home parks in zones or areas designated for residential uses or designated for any residential or commercial uses shall conduct a review of the need and demand for mobile home parks. The review shall be completed by November 30, 1990. A copy of the findings, conclusions, and recommendations resulting from the review shall be sent to the department of community development by December 31, 1990.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. A new section is added to chapter 35.22 RCW to read as follows:

If a first class city zones under its inherent charter authority and not under chapter 35.63 RCW, then each first class city that does not provide for the siting of mobile home parks in zones or areas designated for residential uses or designated for any residential or commercial uses shall conduct a review of the need and demand for mobile home parks. The review shall be completed by November 30, 1990. A copy of the findings, conclusions, and recommendations resulting from the review shall be sent to the department of community development by December 31, 1990.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. A new section is added to chapter 36.32 RCW to read as follows:

If a county operating under home rule charter zones under its inherent charter authority and not under chapter 35.63 RCW, nor chapter 36.70 RCW, and the county does not provide for the siting of mobile home parks in zones or areas designated for residential uses or designated for any residential or commercial uses shall conduct a review of the need and demand for mobile home parks. The review shall be completed by November 30, 1990. A copy of the findings, conclusions, and recommendations resulting from the review shall be sent to the department of community development by December 31, 1990.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. A new section is added to chapter 43.63A RCW to read as follows:

The department of community development shall: (1) Report to the housing committee in the house of representatives and the economic development and labor committee in the senate the results of the local reviews provided for in sections 2 through 6 of this act by January 31, 1991; and (2) develop, in consultation with the Washington association of county officials, the association of Washington cities, the Washington mobile park owners association, and the mobile home owners association of Washington, a model ordinance for the siting of mobile home parks. The model ordinance shall be completed by June 1, 1990.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 8. The sum of four thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated from the general fund for the biennium ending June 30, 1991, to the department of community development to carry out the purposes of section 7 of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 9. If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 10. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately.