Chapter 25.46 — MH MOBILEHOME ZONE

The city recognizes that existing mobilehome parks provide a viable housing alternative for the community, especially for low- and moderate-income households. As such, the preservation of mobilehomes also assists the city in meeting low- and moderate-income housing allocation figures established by the state. However, with the number of mobilehome parks declining in the Orange County area, residents of existing parks are experiencing increased economic impact. This decrease in mobilehome spaces not only reduces affordable housing alternatives, but encourages higher rents due to the increased demand and limited mobility of these tenants. Therefore, the primary intent of this chapter is to allow existing mobile-homes and associated improvements to be maintained by establishing a zoning district that encourages mobilehome park use. This chapter is further supported by existing state law which requires the submittal of a relocation impact report for city approval, setting forth the necessary mitigation measures for any tenants who may be displaced by a mobilehome park owner.

(Ord. 1187 § 2(1), 1989)

Buildings, structures and land in MH zones shall be used and buildings and structures shall hereafter be erected, designed, structurally altered or enlarged only for the following purposes:

• (A) Mobilehome parks, including related accessory buildings and uses in existence at the time the ordinance codified in this chapter becomes effective;

• (B) Parks, playgrounds, community pools and other recreational facilities which are incidental to the mobilehome park, subject to design review board approval as set forth in Section 25.05.040 ;

• (C) Administration, maintenance or other community service buildings used in the operation of the mobilehome park, subject to design review board approval as set forth in Section 25.05.040 ;

(D) Child care subject to the standards in Chapter 25.08 . (Ord. 1187 § 2(1), 1989; Ord. 1712, 3/11/2025)

The following uses may be permitted in the MH zone subject to the granting of a conditional use permit as set forth in Section 25.05.030 :

• (A) Any proposed mobilehome park;

• (B) Any request to modify the physical conditions of an existing mobilehome park including, but not limited to, the following:

  • (1) A net increase in the overall density of a given park,

  • (2) An increase in the total number of established mobilehome spaces,

  • (3) Any modification to the dimensions of an established mobilehome space which results in a change of more than ten percent in the total square footage of the space,

  • (4) Revisions to the park's circulation design which impact any public street system or reduce the number of existing designated parking spaces,

  • (5) The closure of the park or the cessation of use of the land as a mobilehome park, with no intended new or replacement use of the land,

• (C) Such other uses as the planning commission may deem, after a public hearing, to be similar to and no more obnoxious or detrimental to the welfare of the neighborhood in which it is located than any conditionally permitted use listed above.

• (Ord. 1187 § 2(1), 1989; Ord. 1211 § 2, 1991)

In MH zones:

• (A) Existing Mobilehomes. Any proposed improvements, additions or modifications to an existing mobilehome space, including the placement of a new mobilehome on an existing space, shall be subject to the provisions established by the department of housing and community development.

• (B) New Mobilehome Spaces. In addition to the following provisions, all development standards and requirements as established by the department of housing and community development shall apply to any proposal involving the addition of a new mobilehome space to an existing park or the establishment of a new mobilehome park:

  • (1) Density. There shall be a minimum of four thousand square feet of gross land area for each mobilehome unit.

  • (2) Parking. A minimum of two parking spaces per unit shall be provided, at least one of which is covered. No required parking shall be located in any setback area.

  • (3) Bluff Setback. All structures, buildings and improvements involving new mobilehome spaces shall maintain at least a twenty-five-foot setback from the top of an oceanfront bluff, whose slope is forty-five degrees or greater from horizontal, and whose top is ten or more feet above mean sea level.

• (4) Signage. Signage shall be limited to identification of the mobilehome park, incidental signage identifying community buildings, and other necessary informational and directional signs. All signs are subject to review and approval procedures set forth by the city.

• (Ord. 1187 § 2(1), 1989)