HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAP 2016-10-10 Item 2B - Discussion - Human Services: Relocation Resources for Mobile Home ResidentsCity f Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
TO:
Community Affairs and Parks Committee
FROM:
EvieBoykan° Human Services Manager
Stacy Hansen, Human Services Coordinator
CC:
Mayor Ekberg
DATE:
October 10,201G
SUBJECT:
Relocation Resources for Mobile Home residents
Based onthe experience Vf neighboring cities, there ia growing awareness and concern
regarding relocation assistance for residents living in mobile home parks that might be displaced
due to a range of reasons, such as the park being sold for redevelopment purposes.
Our mobile home parks have a variety of ages and styles of'mobile'type housing. Some of
these homes are owned, some have an informal lease to purchase option (residents make
monthly payments along with space payments), some are rented units (includes unit and space
coot per month). Most models are too old and physically unstable to be moved, so in the event
of a sale, tenants must leave their unit (or potentially be charged for its removal if the unit is
OxxOed\ with limited OUtiC8 and must shoulder an uDeXp8Cted, overwhelming financial burden.
According to Brigid Henderson, the Manager of the Washington State Mobile Home Relocation
Assistance Program, there is a reimbursement model of only up to $7500 for a single wide and
upto$12.00O for omu|d-eection. Reimbursement ie available for both demolition and removal
toa landfill and/or purchase ofahome built after 6V15/76 that meets HUD standards.
Reimbursement cannot exceed the limits as identified, and applicants must show documented
proof of the funds spent. These funds are only available for owner-occupied units. VVe are not
aware of any other resources that would be available for displaced renters or owners.
Attached please find information from the Washington State Department of Commerce
Relocation specialist. Per state |axv, mobile home park owners must give a year's notice when
redeveloping the property.
The City does have a relocation Ordinance (2122) that relates to healthy, safe rental housing as
defined by Code Enforcement's adopted policies. Hoxvevar, that ordinance only relates to
inhabitable housing and does not include circumstances that relate to the changes in land use
for mobile home parks.
Property development in Tukwila ie very desirable. |t may be beneficial to have more policy
guidelines in place specifically around mobile home parks and relocation assistance.
Ma. Henderson suggested that staff review the City of Seattle's requirements of owners
regarding closure or redevelopment of mobile home parks. Seattle's ordinance ie focused on
placing some of the responsibility of relocation assistance on the property ovvner, including
identifying other potential housing options that may be available to tenants. This iSdone
through @ comprehensive Ne|OC8tiOn Report that must be filed with the City prior to eviction
notices being sent to park residents.
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 2
A few ideas on potential relocation assistance include: financial assistance for each household,
establishment of property that could accommodate displaced units if they were nnovab|e, and
extension of the move-out deadline beyond the traditional notice. |n addition, depending unthe
number ufdisplaced residents, the City could require property owners to develop o relocation
nepurt, hire a relocation firm to assist residents with |OC8Ung new housing, manage the
administration of relocation funds and providing advocacy support for tenants. Policy
exploration could also include requiring first right of refusal should the tenants wish to have
assistance in purchasing the mobile home park. All of these potential requirements would need
tobe reviewed by the City Attorney in order to ensure the City has jurisdiction over such
matters, given the unique nature of mobile home parka in State law.
We appreciate theopportunhv0mdiscuooconcennethoCoun[j|rnayhmvean)undne|onation
maaietonoe relating to re-development ofmobile home parks. Our parks include some of most
vulnerable residents in the community.
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