Mobile Home Park Residents Get Some Protection In Santa Cruz Co.

SANTA CRUZ, CA — An ordinance designed to protect residents from being suddenly evicted from mobile/manufactured home parks has been approved by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors.

Approved by the board Dec. 10, the new ordinance is consistent with state law and requires mobile/manufactured home park owners to justify park closures. This includes disclosing future plans for the property to ensure they are consistent with local low-income housing preservation policies, according to County Communications Manager Jason Hoppin.

The new ordinance would require park owners to seek approval and demonstrate legitimate reasons for closure. If a closure is approved, the ordinance further protects residents by allowing the county to attach reasonable conditions designed to mitigate the impact of park closure, according to Hoppin.

“Santa Cruz County is an incredibly expensive place to live, and our mobile and manufactured homes are invaluable in offering affordable housing to some of our most vulnerable residents,” Supervisor John Leopold said. “It is incumbent upon us to do all we can to protect and preserve these homes so that people aren’t displaced from our community.”

The ordinance was reviewed by the Mobile and Manufactured Home Commission prior to approval by the County Board of Supervisors.

Numerous residents and members of the Mobile and Manufactured Home Commission attended the board hearing to support the ordinance. It is expected to go into effect in early 2020.