Sonoma residents, mobile-home groups push city to update park closure, conversion rules; council to consider item in November

Representatives of Sonoma’s three mobile-home parks and countywide homeowner organizations asked the City Council on Sept. 17 to update Sonoma’s closure-and-conversion ordinance, saying the city’s 2004 rules are outdated and leave homeowners vulnerable to park closure threats.

The Tri Park Committee, representing residents of Pueblo Sereno, De Anza Moon Valley and Sonoma Oaks, told the council the three parks house more than 1,000 residents — including seniors, working families and veterans — and urged the city to adopt stronger protections. John Kyle, president of the Sonoma County Mobile Homeowners Association, said the current ordinance leaves homeowners exposed to “extortion” by park owners seeking large rent increases through closure threats.

City staff confirmed a draft revision has been prepared and that the matter will return to the council for consideration in November. City Manager David Guin told the council the item will be scheduled and posted online in advance of that meeting so the public can review materials.

Why it matters: Mobile-home parks supply a significant share of affordable housing in Sonoma Valley. Residents and organized homeowner groups told the council they want local rules updated to reflect state law changes and to protect homeowners who invest in park lots.

What speakers said: Lynn Marie de Vincent, speaking for the Tri Park Committee, described the three parks and noted they fall within the city’s rent‑stabilization rules and under the city’s closure-and-conversion ordinance. Ann Kolechitis, president of the Golden State Manufactured Homeowners League, said AB 2782 (a 2020 state law) expanded local authority to respond to conversion and closure threats and urged Sonoma to update its local ordinance to match that authority. John Kyle said a revision had been drafted and submitted to the Community Development Department and that the planning commission review occurred in June; he said the council should adopt the update to preserve affordable housing.

Background and next steps: The city’s current closure-and-conversion ordinance dates to February 2004, speakers said. According to testimony, a draft revision reflecting state law changes has been prepared and provided to city staff; the city manager confirmed staff will return with the item to the council in November for direction and a formal hearing or agenda item.

Community reaction and context: Members of Sonoma Valley Collaborative and the Sonoma County Mobile Homeowners Association attended and signaled ongoing coalition support. Speakers asked council members to meet with proponents before the November item and to adopt the update when it returns.

What the council did: No formal vote was taken on Sept. 17; staff committed to schedule the item for the November meeting and to circulate materials beforehand.