Board approves rule letting owner-occupied mobile homes be replaced on damaged lots; renters excluded

The zoning board voted to approve Ordinance Amendment 2026-01 to allow owner-occupied manufactured and mobile homes destroyed by fire, flood or other causes to be replaced at their original lot if the replacement unit is no more than 10 years old and the resident intends to occupy it. Zoning staff said the change responds to concerns that the prior ordinance prevented owners living outside the town's mobile-home district from rebuilding in place.

The zoning administrator described the amendment's core provision: "the replacement shall occur within 12 months of the date of damage or destruction unless extended by the zoning administrator for good cause shown." The change applies only to owner-occupied units; staff and multiple members stressed the exemption does not allow landlords to replace rental units under the same rule.

Board members pressed on details of the existing six-month vacancy rule and how it interacts with rebuilding. One member asked whether a property in the business district that had been vacant for more than six months would now be allowed back as a residence; staff explained exceptions apply during an active replacement or construction process and emphasized the zoning-permit and building-permit sequence that triggers review.

Members also discussed practical obstacles for renters and landlords, noting that insurance, tenant displacement and timing may affect whether a unit is reoccupied during the 12-month replacement period. After debate, members moved, seconded and voted to adopt the amendment; the transcript records seven members saying "in favor" with one opposed.