Court Hears First Reading on Manufactured-home Compatibility Rules After State Law Change

Spencer County officials presented a first reading of proposed zoning-code revisions intended to implement state changes that classify certain manufactured homes as 'qualified manufactured homes' and therefore single-family dwellings.

Planning staff explained that House Bill 160, effective July 1, requires qualified manufactured homes to be treated as single-family dwellings. To preserve neighborhood compatibility, the draft local standards include a minimum roof pitch (5:12), a minimum living area (900 square feet in some districts), exterior cladding similar to homes within a one‑eighth‑mile radius, and minimum lot-size adjustments where on‑site sewage systems are used. Staff emphasized this was a first reading and that the court and planners would need to advertise and time a second reading to follow statutory notice requirements.

Several members asked staff for more information on septic-system failures and the commission's rationale for proposed two-acre minimums where on-site sewage is used. Staff said they could compile failure counts and bring documentation before the second reading. The court did not adopt the ordinance on first reading; staff said the next steps are to circulate the draft and schedule formal notice and a second reading.