Under a new manufactured housing ordinance being drawn up by the city of Washington, Indiana, as washtimesherald tells MHProNews, incoming Building Commissioner Bryan Sergesketter states there are three types of manufactured housing, as Lindsay Owens writes: “Type I, which is set on a permanent foundation; Type II, which is brought to its location in two sections and made to look like it is on a foundation, and Type III, what is typically found in mobile home parks.”

The new ordinance sets out guidelines for siting type III and Type II manufactured homes (MH), requiring that neighbors give written approval of the placement. If an adjoining neighbor refuses to sign, the applicant can appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals. There will also be age guidelines for the home.

If an MH becomes damaged or deteriorated, the replacement home must be no more than ten years old or pass inspection by the building commissioner.

Owens writes, “The amendments to the ordinance would mean Type III manufactured housing will be permitted in mobile home parks, and owner-occupied units will be permitted in residentially-zoned districts after getting approval letters from the abutting landowners and a conditional or special use permit from the Board of Zoning Appeals.”

“All Type III homes can remain,” said Sergesketter. “But if they are replaced, the replacement structure must be newer than 10 years old. They also have to be declared safe and cosmetically appropriate for the neighborhood.”

Noting replacement homes should be of equal or higher type, he added that a type III home can be replaced by a type I, II or III home, but a type II home must be replaced by a type II or I home, and a type I home can only be replaced by a type I. ##

(Photo credit:gfhomesandland–manufactured home)

Article submitted by Matthew J. Silver to Daily Business News-MHProNews.