City prevents replacing Mobile Homes?

[Steven Vitrella]

Hello BP! I'm trying to put a 30 lot MHP under contract, but the apparently the city will not allow new mobile homes to be placed in the park. This includes replacing an old/ugly homes with new/newer ones.  I have the contact name and # for the city but haven't reached out yet.  Is this possible?  Can the city prevent new homes if it's zoned and permitted for 30 lots?  Maybe by rezoning it?  Thanks!

[Jack Martin]

@Steven Vitrella it is not uncommon for a city to have a new zoning overlay that does not allow for MHPs, may years after a park was built. Typically, any existing park is grandfathered in with a conditional use permit that will allow the operation of a park as long as the property's use as a MHP continues uninterrupted. With that background, the interpretation of the conditional use is what often causes confusion. In your case, the city is likely interpreting the interrupted use of a single site, not the entire park. The best way to solve this is to find an experienced MHP attorney to write a letter to the city on your behalf.  If you don't have one, contact your state's MHCA and they can point you to the best one. Always use the best and most experienced MHP attorney you can find in a case like this because their experience and affiliation with the MHP community will carry weight with the city. 

All the best, 

Jack