Huntington planning commission hears public concerns over proposed mobile‑home standards

HUNTINGTON — At its planning and zoning meeting that opened around 5:30 p.m., Huntington commissioners held a public hearing on proposed changes to rules for mobile homes and mobile‑home parks, including possible age limits on replacement units and requirements that units be immediately ready for occupancy.

Unidentified staff described the intent of the changes as easing the shortage of housing by allowing replacement or new units that can be hooked to utilities and occupied without lengthy rehabilitation. Staff said possible options include a calendar-year cutoff or a rolling age limit and that all utility connections should be permitted and operational before occupancy.

Randy Earl, who identified himself as a park owner, urged caution and reviewed state and federal controls that he said limit municipal authority. “Those homes, even if they are older, you know, seventies, they can be remodeled, brought up to code, and and a municipality cannot limit or restrict those homes from being brought up to code,” Earl said, citing recent state legislation, Utah code provisions on manufactured‑home installation standards and HUD definitions that distinguish manufactured homes (built on or after 06/15/1976) from older mobile homes.

Earl also described practical, cross‑jurisdictional steps required to move and place units: county pull permits (forms referenced as TC138/TC661), VIN and title checks, BIN inspections and the need for a business license or proper zoning at the receiving site before a full county permit is issued. He told commissioners that utilities are not typically run until a home is already on site, which affects timelines for making units habitable.

Some residents warned the commission that stricter standards could reduce the supply of low‑cost housing. One public commenter said limits on age or requiring newer units would push rents upward: “You can bring in a newer trailer, but you're gonna have to charge $2,000 for rent,” the commenter said, arguing that tighter rules would make housing unaffordable for lower‑income residents.

Michelle Ward, who said she owns RV spaces, described renovating older units: interior gutting, new flooring and electrical work can make units livable and attractive without large rent increases in every case. She said she had kept rent affordable on at least one renovated unit that provided long‑term occupancy.

Commissioners took the public input and directed staff to draft a formal proposal for the city council. Patrick Philberg moved to close the public hearing; Stacy McElprene seconded, and commissioners voted to exit the hearing. Commissioners agreed the proposal would be posted before the next meeting and that staff would follow the notice and legal requirements when preparing language for the council.

The commission also handled routine business at the start and end of the meeting: accepting the November minutes and adjourning after the hearing.

Next steps: staff will draft proposed ordinance language reflecting the options discussed — age cutoffs versus performance/readiness standards — and post that proposal for the public and council review at future meetings.