Everett staff propose protecting 8 of 10 manufactured-home communities; commission asks for owner outreach and incentives

Planning staff briefed the commission Jan. 6 on proposed code changes to protect manufactured-home (mobile home) communities and reported residents largely favor an underlying zone that reserves sites for manufactured homes rather than an overlay.

Staff said it had sent letters to residents, park managers and owners and is recommending designating 8 of the city's 10 manufactured-home communities for protection; staff named Broadway Park and Holly Road Park as the two not included because of ownership/occupancy profiles. "We are, at this point, recommending designating 8 of the 10 manufactured home mobile home communities for development," the presenter said.

Why it matters: Commissioners pressed staff to ensure owners were contacted and to quantify whether lots are owned by occupants or by park operators. Commissioners warned that capping redevelopment potential could reduce owners' incentives to maintain parks and that tax-valuation or utility-rate levers might be considered as compensating incentives. Commissioners also noted prior litigation in other cities (Kenmore) where similar protections were challenged; staff said they had consulted counsel (David Hall) and believed the proposal could be defended but urged robust owner outreach to reduce legal risk.

Key details and debate: Staff described a potential local approach that would require property owners seeking to change use to proceed through a standard rezone process and demonstrate lack of viable economic return if they claim redevelopment impossibility. Commissioners asked staff to restore a data column showing units owned by occupants versus units leased by park owners and requested more detail on who had responded to outreach (staff said they heard from two owners). Several commissioners suggested incentive options such as deed-restricted tax or utility concessions tied to long-term protections; the presenter said the city would research what incentives are legally and practically available.

Next steps: Staff said the proposal is being finalized for February and additional data (ownership vs. leased units) will be returned to the commission. No formal vote was taken on Jan. 6.