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Council directs city staff to begin zoning changes that would restrict mobile and HUD-manufactured homes
Summary
City planning staff won council approval to notify property owners and move a draft ordinance that would remove mobile and HUD-manufactured homes as permitted uses in most zoning districts; existing homes would be grandfathered and rebuild rules clarified for partial destruction.
The Odessa City Council on Feb. 25 voted to direct the city development department to prepare public notifications and pursue a zoning ordinance change that would remove mobile and HUD-manufactured homes as permitted uses in most zoning districts across the city.
Planning staff presented the proposal, saying the change would remove mobile and manufactured homes from eight of the 10 zoning districts where they are currently allowed and preserve them only in specific mobile-home districts and larger estate lots. Jeffrey (planning staff) told the council the move is intended to reduce incompatibility — such as a mobile home next to an auto shop — and to protect neighborhood character going forward.
"Every expenditure must directly promote and enhance tourism and the hotel and convention industry," the presenter said during another agenda item; for zoning he explained that existing mobile homes would be allowed to remain and could be rebuilt or enlarged with approvals. The staff memo clarified that a manufactured home is the HUD-defined type built after 1976 and that the change would not force current homeowners to move.
The plan includes a two-step process: staff will mail notice to affected property owners, hold Planning & Zoning hearings, then bring recommendations back to the council. Planning staff said the process would be similar to other ordinance changes with a likely 2–2.5 month timeline from notification to final council action.
Council members pressed staff on exceptions. John Landgraf, speaking for a nearby university area, asked that a small area used for student housing be considered for an exemption; staff said existing homes would remain and that options such as plan development districts, special permits or targeted overlays could be used to address unique campus housing situations.
Councilman Mitchell made the motion to permit the development department to proceed with notifications and the zone-change process; the motion passed with council approval.
The council's direction authorizes staff to begin formal notification and an amendment process; no final ordinance was adopted on Feb. 25, and affected property owners will receive official notice when the city files the next steps.
