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Hartselle council defeats ordinance that would have barred replacement of some mobile homes
Summary
The City Council rejected Ordinance 1643, which would have prohibited replacement of certain nonconforming mobile homes inside Hartselle; a resident warned the measure could block longtime homeowners from replacing older units. The motion failed 3–2.
The Hartselle City Council voted down Ordinance 1643, a proposed revision to the city zoning code that would have prohibited replacement of nonconforming mobile homes within city limits except in grandfathered mobile home parks.
Mr. Griffith introduced the ordinance during the Feb. 24 meeting, saying the proposal would bar re-establishing mobile homes removed from property or replacing units damaged beyond 50% of their ad valorem tax value. A public hearing followed.
Resident Billy Engel said he has lived in a mobile home in Hartselle for more than 20 years and said he was only now financially able to replace his existing unit, asking whether the ordinance would prevent him from doing so. City Attorney Larry Madison reminded the council of the ordinance’s history and explained that, as written, it would prohibit the kinds of replacements Engel described.
After closing the hearing, Council Member Mike Swafford moved to adopt Ordinance 1643; Council Member Virginia Alexander seconded. The motion failed by a voice vote of three opposed and two in favor.
The ordinance was introduced by planning staff after a Planning Commission recommendation (noted in meeting materials). Council members did not adopt the change; no alternate zoning language or referral for further study was recorded at the meeting.
With the vote, existing rules and grandfathering provisions remain in place. The council took no further action on this ordinance at the Feb. 24 meeting.
