Kelsey Perks told the Helotes City Council on Oct. 23 she seeks permission to replace an aging mobile home on her parents’ property at 13010 FM 1560 with a HUD-code manufactured home set on a permanent foundation.

Perks said the current structure is “outdated, unsafe and frankly an eyesore” and described the planned replacement as a permanently sited HUD-manufactured house with skirting and front and back decks. She told the council she is working with a licensed housing professional and that the home will meet HUD standards for safety and energy efficiency.

Perks cited Texas Occupations Code 1201.008, saying the statute requires municipalities to permit a HUD-code manufactured home to replace an existing mobile home being used as a dwelling. She told the council an exception of this type had already been granted for another Helotes property and asked for comparable consideration. Perks also said the modular option would cost about $50,000 more than the HUD-manufactured home she proposes and that she cannot afford the modular option as a single mother raising two children.

Perks asked to submit photographs showing the present structure and the planned replacement; she told the council she would distribute them to staff. The council did not act on the request during the Oct. 23 meeting; the item was presented during the open “citizens to be heard” section rather than as a permit application on the agenda.

Next steps: Perks requested that the city consider the permit under the cited state statute. City staff did not announce a formal decision during the meeting.