Chapter 13.32
RENTAL ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES FOR MOBILE HOME PARKS

Sections:

13.32.010    Purpose.

13.32.020    General definitions.

13.32.030    General rent adjustments.

13.32.040    Special rent adjustments.

13.32.050    Restrictions on reduction or elimination of services.

13.32.060    Hearing of disputes.

13.32.070    Parties bound—Sale and other transfers of ownership of mobile homes.

13.32.072    Prior approval of purchaser.

13.32.075    Advisory opinions.

13.32.080    Enforcement.

13.32.085    Appealing emergency water conservation penalties.

13.32.090    Posting of rental adjustment ordinance.

13.32.092    Recommendations by Commission and resolution(s) by Board of Supervisors.

13.32.094    Requirement of long-term rental agreement prohibited.

13.32.100    New spaces constructed after January 1, 1983.

13.32.102    Recreational vehicle/trailer park spaces.

13.32.110    Space fee.

13.32.120    Severability.

13.32.010 Purpose.

The Board of Supervisors finds and determines that:

(A)    There is presently, within the unincorporated area of the County of Santa Cruz and the surrounding areas, a shortage of spaces for the location of mobile homes, resulting in a low vacancy rate and rising space rents.

(B)    Mobile home owners have invested substantial sums in their mobile homes and appurtenances.

(C)    Alternative sites for the relocation of mobile homes are difficult to find, and moving and installation of mobile homes is expensive, with possibilities of damage to the units.

(D)    This Board does, accordingly, find and declare that it is necessary to protect the residents of mobile homes from unreasonable space rent increases and/or assessments, recognizing the need of mobile home park owners to receive a just and reasonable return on their property.

(E)    This chapter shall be known as the “mobile home rent adjustment ordinance.” [Ord. 4404 § 1, 1996; Ord. 4060 § 2, 1990].

13.32.020 General definitions.

For the purposes of this chapter, the following words are defined as follows:

“Anniversary date” means the one day per year designated for the park when each resident’s rent may be adjusted by the owner. The resident shall be informed by the owner at the time of signing the rental agreement of the anniversary date. Each park shall have no more than one anniversary date. For a park that does not currently have a uniform anniversary date for the entire park, there can be no more than one anniversary date in any year, including the year in which such uniform anniversary date is designated for the entire park.

“Base rent” means the monthly rent charge for an existing mobile home space after adjustment on its anniversary date in 1982; or, for a mobile home space constructed on or after January 1, 1983, the initial rent charged; provided, however, that the base rent for a park space within a recreational vehicle/trailer park subject to SCCC 13.32.102 shall be that amount of rent charged as of January 1, 1999; and provided further, that if the level or kind of services provided to residents is reduced or eliminated, then the base rent shall be the net amount of such rent after deduction of an amount equal to the cost savings resulting from such reduction or elimination of services, all as set forth at SCCC 13.32.050.

“Capital improvement” means the construction of a new improvement or replacement of an old improvement in the mobile home park, other than routine maintenance and repair. To be eligible for a pass-through, a capital improvement shall be subject to the limitations pursuant to SCCC 13.32.030(D)(5)(a) through (n).

“Commission” means the Mobile and Manufactured Home Commission established by the Board of Supervisors under Chapter 2.64 SCCC.

“Consumer Price Index (CPI)” means the San Francisco-Oakland Consumer Price Index-All Urban Consumer Category as provided by the United States Department of Labor Statistics or its successor.

“County staff” means the staff for the County of Santa Cruz Mobile Home Commission and the staff for the administration of the Hearing Officer program established by resolution by the Board of Supervisors.

“Hearing Officer” is a person appointed pursuant to this chapter who makes rental adjustment decisions after hearing of disputes thereon.

“Mobile home” is a structure designed for human habitation and for being moved on a street or highway, whether commonly referred to as a “mobile home”; or, where occupied by residents who have continually resided in a recreational vehicle park or mobile home park for nine months or more after January 1, 1980, a residence commonly known as a “travel trailer,” “recreational vehicle,” “camping trailer,” “motor home,” or “slide-in camper” and a “park trailer.”

“Mobile home park” (also referred to as “park”) means an area of land where two or more mobile home sites are rented, or held out for rent, to accommodate a mobile home used for human habitation.

“Mobile home space” (also referred to as “space”) means an area bounded, numbered and designated as required by 25 California Administrative Code Section 1104 and occupied by one (and only one) residence deemed to be a mobile home; or a trailer, or a recreational vehicle, pursuant to the California Civil Code; or any area commonly known to be used as a space for a mobile home in a park.

“Owner” means the owner, lessor or sublessor or any other person entitled to receive rent for the use and occupancy of a mobile home and/or a mobile home space in any mobile home park subject to this chapter, or successor in interest to the foregoing; or representative authorized to act on the owner’s behalf in connection with matters relating to a tenancy in the park.

“Rent” means all periodic payments and all nonmonetary consideration including, but not limited to, the fair market value of goods or services rendered to or for the benefit of the owner under an agreement concerning the use or occupancy of a mobile home and/or a mobile home space, including all payment and consideration demanded or paid for parking, pets, furniture, or subletting. Rent includes charges made by the park owner for utility services in excess of the actual net costs of the park owner of providing such utility services as provided by SCCC 13.32.030(D)(9).

“Resident” means any person or persons entitled to occupy a mobile home dwelling unit and/or a mobile home space pursuant to ownership thereof or by a rent or lease agreement. [Ord. 4548 § 1, 1999; Ord. 4404 § 2, 1996; Ord. 4060 § 2, 1990].

13.32.030 General rent adjustments.

(A)    General rent adjustments may be made once each calendar year by the owner without notice to the County. A general rent adjustment notice, in the form specified in subsection (F) of this section, shall be mailed to the residents prior to the making of such a general rent adjustment.

(B)    This annual general rent adjustment may only be made on or after the anniversary date of the resident.

(C)    The maximum allowable monthly rent increase under this section shall be limited to the amount by which the base rent together with the adjustments hereafter provided varies from the current monthly rent.

(D)    The following criteria shall determine the maximum increases allowed the owner in connection with general rent adjustments permitted by this chapter:

(1)    Reduction or Elimination of Services. An owner shall not reduce or eliminate the level or kind of services provided to residents unless such reduction or elimination of services is otherwise lawful and is accompanied by a reduction of rent equal to the cost savings resulting from such reduction or elimination of services. The amount determined to be the cost savings shall be subtracted from the base rent.

(2)    Changes in Property Taxes. The difference between the amount of property taxes payable for the 1981 calendar year and the amount of property taxes payable for the calendar year preceding the current anniversary date may be prorated to each resident on a per space basis.

(3)    Changes to the Consumer Price Index. An amount equal to or less than 50 percent of the percentage change in the price index level for the San Francisco-Oakland Consumer Price Index-All Urban Consumer Category CPI between July 1, 1981, and the July 1st prior to the year in which the rental increase is to go into effect multiplied by the base rent, may be added to the rent of each unit.

(4)    Return on Capital Improvements. A reasonable return on capital improvements not financed by pass- throughs to residents or by insurance coverage at a rate determined annually as of July 1st, by resolution of the Board of Supervisors may be allowed on capital improvements made at the park prior to the anniversary date and prorated to residents on a per space basis. Entitlement to a reasonable rate of return commences at the time when the capital improvement is operational and available for use by the park residents and terminates at the conclusion of the amortization period set forth in subsection (D)(5)(g) of this section.

(5)    Costs of Capital Improvements. Fifty percent of capital improvement costs to the park owner for construction of capital improvements to the park may be passed through to the residents prorated on a per space basis. Such costs shall be charged to a capital account to be depreciated over the useful life of the asset in a manner similar to an item charged to an expense account under Internal Revenue Service rules and regulations; provided, however, that at the end of the amortization period for the capital improvement, the maximum allowable monthly rent shall be decreased by such amount as it was increased pursuant to this provision. Pass-throughs of capital improvement costs shall be subject to the following limitations:

(a)    The improvement shall primarily benefit the majority of park residents rather than the park owner(s) and be a functional improvement serving primarily the park residents.

(b)    The improvement shall have a life expectancy of five years or more and must be treated as a capital improvement for Federal and State income tax purposes and may not be deducted for such tax purposes as expenses.

(c)    Normal, routine maintenance and repair do not constitute a capital improvement.

(d)    The owner has the responsibility to provide and maintain physical improvements in the common facilities in good working order and condition pursuant to California Civil Code Section 798.15. Costs of maintenance and repair (as opposed to replacement) of such improvements shall not be passed through to residents, nor shall costs of replacement be passed through if the replacement was necessary because of owner’s failure to carry out said maintenance responsibility.

(e)    Insured repairs and replacements do not constitute a capital improvement.

(f)    The improvement shall be permanently fixed in place or relatively immobile.

(g)    Subject to the vote requirements and the capital improvement limitations herein described, 50 percent of the actual net costs of a capital improvement may be passed through to the park residents upon 60 days’ written notice upon the following formula: 50 percent of the principal amount actually paid by the park owner for the capital improvement, divided by the total number of mobile home spaces in the park affected by the improvement divided by 120 months (the amortization period for the capital improvement), equals the monthly sum for the capital improvement to be passed through to the park residents at their first anniversary date after the capital improvement becomes operational and available for use by the park residents. The 120-month period represents the amount of time required for fully amortizing the cost of capital improvements. If so agreed in writing between the park owner and all current park residents, an alternative amortization period may be used.

(h)    At no time shall the aggregate capital improvement pass-through of costs exceed 10 percent of the monthly rent (excluding any portion of the rent attributable to capital improvement pass-throughs) unless approved by the residents of 50 percent plus one of the mobile home spaces of the park. Pass-through of the cost of any single capital improvement which would exceed five percent of the current monthly rent (excluding capital improvement pass-throughs) shall only be allowed if approved by residents of 50 percent plus one of the mobile home spaces of the park. No more than one capital improvement which would result in a pass-through exceeding five percent of the monthly rent may have its costs passed through in any 12-month period. Fifty percent of the cost of capital improvement projects mandated by governmental authority shall be included in the calculation of the 10 percent of monthly rent limitation described in this section.

(i)    For the purpose of obtaining the approvals required by subsection (D)(5)(h) of this section, elections shall be conducted by the park owner on whether to approve or reject a proposed capital improvement cost pass-through prior to the time the capital improvement becomes operational and available for use by the park residents. Residents shall be entitled to one written ballot vote per affected mobile home space in said park. Each ballot shall specify the proposed capital improvement to be voted upon and the amount and dates of commencement and expiration of the monthly pass-through resulting from said capital improvement. Each ballot shall be delivered by first class mail to the park residents and the deadline and park location for casting such ballot shall be set forth clearly thereon. Such deadline shall be no less than 20 days from the postmark date of ballot mailing to the resident.

(j)    Capital improvements included shall meet all of the eligibility criteria contained in subsection (D)(5) of this section, and may include (without limitation) construction, installation, or replacement of a clubhouse, laundry facility or other common area facility, swimming pools, sauna or hot tub, or other recreational amenity, street and driveway, security gate, outdoor or common area lighting, retaining wall, sewer, electrical, plumbing, unless associated with a noneligible capital improvement, water, or television reception system, sprinkler system, or any similar improvement which represents an addition to or an upgrading of existing improvements which primarily benefit the park residents. Routine maintenance or repair, including, but not limited to, routine maintenance or repair of a street or driveway by means of patching, a seal coat or slurry seal, shall not quality as a capital improvement.

(k)    An owner shall separately bill the cost pass-through for each capital improvement only during the period the park owner amortizes such capital improvement.

(l)    Capital improvement costs otherwise eligible for pass-through are not eligible to the extent that the park owner recovers such costs through charges of a use fee such as where the park resident must deposit coins to use a park-owned washer and dryer.

(m)    Where a park owner receives a discount or rate differential (including, but not limited to, a “readiness to serve charge”) that is intended to subsidize or offset the cost of owning, operating, maintaining and replacing the park’s utility distribution system, the repair, maintenance, or replacement of such utility distribution system shall not qualify as a capital improvement.

(n)    The park owner’s responsibility for the cost of owning, operating, maintaining or replacing a utility distribution system as established by subsection (D)(5)(m) of this section shall transfer to and become the responsibility of any subsequent purchaser of the park, or successor in interest to the park owner.

(6)    Government Required Service Charges. Government required service charges are those charges which are legally levied and actually billed to a park owner by a governmental agency, such as fees, bonds, and assessments. Such charges shall be passed through to residents. The difference between the amount of government required service charges payable for the 1981 calendar year, if any, and the amount payable for the calendar year preceding the current anniversary date may be prorated to each resident on a per space basis. Such fees do not include predictable expenses for operation of said park such as common area utility expenses. The park owner shall pass through to the residents only those costs for government required service charges which are not reimbursed by insurance or other sources.

(7)    Space Fee. The owner may pass through to the residents of each mobile home space the space fee established pursuant to this chapter.

(8)    No debt service costs or interest expenses as a result of the park owner’s borrowing or refinancing for any purpose shall be passed through to the residents.

(9)    Utility Readiness-to-Serve Charge. No utility readiness-to-serve charge shall be charged by a park owner nor in any manner be passed through to the residents of a mobile home park except where the charge is set at the same rate established by the utility provider for a similar class of customer, and park residents receive any lifeline rate discount for which they would be eligible if they were direct customers of the utility provider.

(E)    The following examples illustrate how the maximum allowable general rent adjustment shall be calculated. The notice of general rent adjustment shall include dollar figures and calculations used to arrive at the final computation of rent. The sample computation of rent provided below shall serve as an example of the proper form.

NOTICE OF GENERAL RENT ADJUSTMENT:

In accordance with the provisions of the County of Santa Cruz Mobilehome Rent Adjustment Ordinance, we are providing you with the following information. The General Rent Adjustment allowed is itemized as follows:

Assume the following facts:

(1)    The park has 150 mobile home spaces.

(2)    The 1982 base rent is $175.00 per month. (See SCCC 13.32.020 for definition of “base rent.”)

(3)    The park owner eliminates the recreation room of the park (upon agreement by written consent by 50 percent plus one of the residents) bringing cost savings to the owner of $9,000. The cost savings resulting from such elimination amounts to $5.00 per space which is subtracted from the base rent.

(4)    Property taxes of the park payable for the calendar year preceding the current anniversary date have increased by $3,600 over the taxes payable for the 1981 calendar year.

(5)    The Consumer Price Index has increased 29 percent between the level in existence on July 1, 1981, and the level in existence on July 1st preceding the current anniversary date. (50 percent of CPI increase = 14.5 percent.)

(6)    The park owner has installed additional recreational facilities at a cost to the park owner of $30,000 for 150 spaces with the reasonable rate of return assumed to be established at 12 percent by resolution of the Board of Supervisors and such addition meets all pass-through criteria for a capital improvement under this chapter.

(7)    Government required service charges payable for the calendar year preceding the current anniversary date have increased by $180.00 over the fees payable for the 1981 calendar year.

(8)    The newly enacted space fee is $0.84 per space per month.

(9)    Current rent is $190.00 per month prior to adjustment.

The maximum allowable monthly rental adjustment would be computed as shown below and would amount to $9.42 for each mobile home space:

Sample Computation:
(1)	THE 1982 BASE MONTHLY RENT		$175.00
(2)	ADJUSTMENTS TO BASE MONTHLY RENT
(a)	Elimination of recreation room resulting in a cost savings per space to the owner subtracted from the base monthly rent $9,000 in savings divided by 150 spaces divided by 12 months = $5.00 ($175.00 - $5.00 = $170.00)		- $5.00
	ADJUSTED BASE MONTHLY RENT		$170.00
(b)	Property Tax Adjustment
	1987/88 taxes	$4,800
	Minutes 1981/82 taxes	$1,200
		$3,600
	($3,600 ÷ 150 spaces ÷ 12 months)		$2.00
(c)	Consumer Price Index Adjustment
	7/1/87 CPI for use in 1988	$353.50
	Minus 7/1/81 CPI for use in 1982	$274.00
	equals	$79.50
	$79.50 is an increase of 29% over the 1981 CPI and 50% of this percentage CPI increase = 14.5%
	14.5% times $170.00 =		$24.65
(d)	Capital Improvements
	Return:
	($30,000 X 50% X 12% ÷ 150 units ÷ 12 months)		$1.00
	Cost Pass-Through:
	($30,000 X 50% ÷ 150 units ÷ 120 months)		$0.83
(e)	Government Required Service Charge Adjustment ($180.00 ÷ 150 ÷ 12)		$0.10
(f)	Space Fee		$0.84
(3)	NEW TOTAL MONTHLY RENT		$199.42
(4)	CURRENT MONTHLY RENT PRIOR TO ADJUSTMENT		-$190.00
(5)	AMOUNT OF MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE GENERAL MONTHLY RENT ADJUSTMENT		$9.42

OTHER EXAMPLES

÷

EXAMPLES OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING: Constructing a new swimming pool where none existed before; installing air conditioning in the clubhouse where none existed before; replacing the old roof on the existing clubhouse; replacing pump and filter for the swimming pool.

EXAMPLES OF NORMAL ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR WHICH ARE EXCLUDED FROM PASS-THROUGH: patch repair of the clubhouse roof; repairing the pool pump and filter; maintaining landscaping; maintenance of septic systems; routine maintenance or repair of a street or driveway by means of patching, a seal coat or slurry seal; and other activities which may be deducted in accordance with IRS rules and regulations. These examples are not included by way of limitation.

(F)    The owner shall give residents of each mobile home space a written notice 90 days before the general rent adjustment is due to go into effect. The form notice set forth below shall be used by the owner when notifying residents of the general rent adjustment. A rent adjustment notice not on this form shall be invalid.

NOTICE OF GENERAL RENT ADJUSTMENT FORM

Name of Park: _______________ Date: __________

Dear Resident of Space Number _______:

California Civil Code Section 798.30 provides for a 90-day notice of any rent increases. Effective _________, your rent will be adjusted as follows:

(1)	1982 BASE MONTHLY RENT $__________
(2)	ADJUSTMENTS TO BASE MONTHLY RENT:
(a)	Elimination or Reduction of Services (list effected services): ______________
	Cost savings to owner $_____________ subtracted from base monthly rent ÷ _____________ ÷ 12 months = $________
	(# of spaces)
ADJUSTED BASE RENT
(b)	Property Tax Adjustment:
	Previous Year’s Taxes $________
	Minus 1981/82 Taxes $________
	Difference of $_______ ÷
	__________ ÷ 12 months = $____________
	(# of spaces)
(c)	Consumer Price Index Adjustment CPI as of July 1st of previous year for use in current year = _____________
	7/1/81 CPI = _________
	Difference is an increase over the 1981 CPI of _______
	50% of this percentage CPI increase = _______%
	x ____ adjusted base rent = $___________
(d)	Capital Improvements (list individually for each capital improvement):
1)	Type of Improvement: _________________
	Beginning date: ______________
	Ending date: ______________
	Cost: $___________
	Return Calculation:
	$______ (cost) x 50% x ____% (current rate of return as set by Board of Supervisors)
	÷ ______ ÷ 12 months = $__________
	(# of spaces)
	Pass-Through Calculation:
	$_________ (cost) x 50%
	÷ ________ ÷ 120 months = $__________
	(# of spaces)
(e)	Government Required Service Charge Adjustment (list individually for each government required service):
1)	Type of Charge: ______________
	Previous year’s service charge: $______
	1981 service charge: $______
	Difference of $_____
	÷ ______ ÷ 12 months = $___________
	(# of spaces)
(f)	Space Fee (If billed monthly): $___________
(3)	NEW TOTAL MONTHLY RENT = $___________
(4)	CURRENT MONTHLY RENT PRIOR TO ADJUSTMENT = $___________
(5)	AMOUNT OF MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE MONTHLY RENT= $___________

Attach additional pages for other capital improvements and/or service charges.

Pursuant to SCCC 13.32.030(H) of the Mobile Home Rent Adjustment Ordinance (Chapter 13.32 SCCC), you have the right to examine copies of certain documents which relate to increases or decreases in rent sought by the owner in your rent adjustment notice. Please refer to this subsection for more information.

Residents representing at least 25% of the spaces within the park have the right to challenge any portion of this rent adjustment notice by filing a petition with the Santa Cruz County Mobilehome Commission within 45 days of the postmark on this Notice. You are encouraged to meet and confer prior to filing a petition. Please consult SCCC 13.32.060(B)(1) and (B)(2)(a) for more detailed information on these requirements.

Petitions may be obtained by phoning the Mobilehome Commission at 454-2040.

(G)    The owner shall not adjust rents in excess of the amount permitted pursuant to this general rent adjustment procedure, except as expressly provided elsewhere in this chapter.

(H)    For purposes of this section, the owner shall make available for examination within five business days of the written request of any resident copies of bills for property taxes, the government required service charges, copies of insurance policies and records of insurance payments, and the books and records of the owner which relate to the original and depreciated cost of capital improvements to verify any increases or decreases sought by the owner under this section. If the owner elects to provide documentation relating to capital improvements from income tax returns, the owner has the option of providing this information either in a declaration filled out under penalty of perjury, or by producing copies of the relevant portions of the actual Federal and State income tax return themselves. [Ord. 5430 § 1, 2023; Ord. 4561 § 1, 1999; Ord. 4548 § 2, 1999; Ord. 4451 § 1, 1997; Ord. 4444 §§ 1, 2, 1996; Ord. 4404 §§ 3—7, 1996; Ord. 4060 § 2, 1990].

13.32.040 Special rent adjustments.

(A)    Purpose. The purpose of this section is to allow an owner to petition a Hearing Officer to allow the owner to increase the rents for all residents on their respective anniversary dates in excess of that amount provided for under the general rent adjustment provisions, when the owner believes that the general rent adjustment provisions do not allow a just and reasonable return on the owner’s property.

(B)    Special Rent Adjustment Definitions. For the purposes of special rent adjustment proceedings, the following definitions shall be used:

(1)    “Net operating income” equals gross income less operating expenses.

(2)    “Gross income” equals the following:

(a)    Gross rents computed as gross rental income at 100 percent paid occupancy; plus

(b)    Interest from rental deposits, unless directly paid by the owner to residents (interest shall be computed at the actual interest rate earned but in no event less than five percent); plus

(c)    Income from laundry facilities, cleaning fees or services, garage and parking fees; plus

(d)    All other income or consideration received or receivable for or in connection with use or occupancy of mobile homes and/or mobile home spaces and related services; minus

(e)    Uncollected rents due to vacancy and bad debts to the extent that same are beyond the owner’s control. Uncollected rents in excess of three percent of gross rents shall be presumed to be unreasonable unless proven otherwise. Where uncollected rents must be estimated, the average of the preceding three years’ experience shall be used or some other comparable method.

(3)    “Operating expenses” shall include the following:

(a)    Real property taxes and government required service charges.

(b)    Utility costs.

(c)    Management expenses (contracted or owner performed), including necessary and reasonable advertising, accounting, insurance and other managerial expenses, and allowable legal expenses. Management expenses are presumed to be five percent of gross income, unless proven otherwise.

(d)    Normal repair and maintenance expenses, including painting, normal cleaning, fumigation, landscaping, and repair of all standard services, including electrical, plumbing, carpentry, furnished appliances, drapes, carpets, and furniture.

(e)    Owner-performed labor which shall be compensated at the following hourly rates upon documentation being provided showing the date, time and nature of the work performed multiplied by the index level reported in the San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose Consumer Price Index Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers Category for the first reported month of the year in which the labor was completed:

General Maintenance:	$7.00/hour
Skilled Labor:	$13.00/hour

Notwithstanding the above, an owner may receive greater or lesser compensation for owner performed labor if it can be shown that the amounts set forth above are substantially unfair in a given case.

There shall be a maximum allowable operating expense under this subsection of five percent of gross income unless the owner shows greater services for the benefit of residents. An outside management company will be compensated at the same rate and governed by the same requirements as owner performed labor (this subsection (B)(3)(e)) if the park owner has any ownership interest in or otherwise controls an outside management company which provides services in the park.

(f)    License and registration fees required by law to the extent same are not otherwise paid by residents; and

(g)    Reasonable rate of return and cost pass-through for capital improvements as allowed under SCCC 13.32.030(D).

(h)    Filing fees for petitions and appeals pursuant to this chapter shall be included as operating expenses if the Hearing Officer determines that the owner has prevailed in such proceedings.

(i)    Operating expenses shall not include:

(i)    Avoidable and unnecessary expense increases since the base year.

(ii)    Mortgage principal and interest payments.

(iii)    Any penalties, fees or interest assessed or awarded for violation of this or any other law.

(iv)    Legal fees except as follows: Allowable legal expenses shall include: attorney’s fees and costs incurred in connection with successful good faith attempts to recover rents owing and successful good faith unlawful detainer actions not in derogation of applicable law, to the extent such expenses are not recovered from residents. Attorney’s fees and costs incurred related to proceedings under this chapter are not allowable as operating expenses.

(v)    Depreciation of park property or improvements, fixtures, or personal property thereon.

(vi)    Any expense for which the owner has been reimbursed by any security deposit, insurance settlement, judgment for damages, settlement or any other method.

(4)    “Base year” for purposes of the special rent adjustment provisions shall mean the 1979 calendar year.

(C)    Presumption of Fair Base Year Net Operating Income. It shall be rebuttably presumed that the net operating income produced by a park during the base year provided a just and reasonable return on the owner’s property.

(D)    Rebutting the Presumption. It may be determined that the base year net operating income yielded other than a just and reasonable return on property, in which case, the base year net operating income may be adjusted accordingly. In order to make such determination, the Hearing Officer shall make at least one of the following findings:

(1)    The owner’s operating and maintenance expenses in the base year were unusually high or low in comparison to other years.

In such instances, adjustments may be made in calculating such expenses so the base year of operating expenses reflects average expenses for the property over a reasonable period of time. The Hearing Officer shall consider the following factors in making this decision:

(a)    Whether the owner made substantial capital improvements during 1979 which were not reflected in the rent levels;

(b)    Whether substantial repairs not covered by insurance or other disaster reimbursement were made due to damage caused by natural disaster or vandalism;

(c)    Whether maintenance and repair was below accepted standards so as to cause significant deterioration in the quality of park services;

(d)    Whether other expenses were unreasonably high or low notwithstanding the following of prudent business practice. In making this determination, the fact that property taxes prior to 1979 may have been higher than in the base year shall not be considered.

(2)    The gross income during the base year was disproportionate due to one of the enumerated factors below. In such instances, adjustments may be made in calculating gross income consistent with the purposes of this chapter.

(a)    The gross income during the base year was lowered because some residents were charged reduced rent because of sentimental, personal or emotional relationships with the owner.

(b)    The gross income during the base year was significantly lower than normal because of destruction of the premises and/or temporary eviction for construction or repairs.

(E)    Determination of Base Year Net Operating Income.

(1)    To determine the net operating income during the base year, there shall be deducted from the gross income realized during calendar year 1979, a sum equal to the actual operating expenses for 1979, unless the owner demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Hearing Officer that some other 12-consecutive-month period is justified. In all cases, April 1979 shall fall within the 12-month period utilized herein except as provided in subsection (E)(2) of this section.

(2)    In the event that the owner did not own the subject property on January 1, 1979, the operating expenses for 1979 shall be determined in one of the following manners, whichever the Hearing Officer determines to be more reliable in the particular case:

(a)    The previous owner’s actual operating expenses as defined in subsection (B)(3) of this section; or

(b)    Actual operating expenses for the first calendar year of ownership discounted to 1979 by the schedule in subsection (F) of this section.

(F)    Schedule of Adjustments in Operating Expenses. Where scheduling of rent adjustments, or other calculations, require projections of income and expenses, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that operating expenses (exclusive of property taxes and management expenses) increased at the same percentage per year as the annual percentage change in the CPI from the base year; that property taxes increased at two percent per year; and that management expenses are five percent of gross income.

(G)    Allowable Rent Adjustment. A special rent adjustment petition for a rent adjustment over and above the adjustment provided for by the general rent adjustment provisions shall only be approved if necessary to provide the owner with net operating income, after adjustment for inflation, comparable to the net operating income realized from the park during the base year. There shall be a rebuttable presumption that an adjustment of the owner’s net operating income at the rate of 50 percent of the percentage change in the CPI from the base year will provide a comparable net operating income. The burden shall be on any party seeking to demonstrate that a different percentage of the CPI change is appropriate. The change in the CPI shall be calculated by dividing the difference between the most recently reported monthly figure at the time of filing of the petition and the monthly figure in effect on January 1, 1979, by the monthly figure in effect on January 1, 1979. In determining comparability of net operating income, the following factors may be considered by the Hearing Officer:

(1)    The rental history of the park;

(2)    The level of services and amenities of the park during the base year and during the current year; and

(3)    Any extraordinary capital expenditures necessary to repair or reconstruct a park damaged by natural disaster or required by health, building or fire protection officials not covered by insurance or other disaster insurance; and

(4)    Other unusual factors affecting comparability of net operating income.

(H)    Relationship to General Rent Adjustment. Any special rent adjustment permitted pursuant to this chapter shall take into account the extent of any general rent adjustment the owner may be implementing or otherwise entitled to, and during the time the special adjustment is to be implemented, and the special adjustment may be limited or conditioned accordingly.

(I)    Retroactive Effect. In no event shall rent adjustments be authorized retroactive of the date of decision by the Hearing Officer by application of the special rent adjustment provisions. [Ord. 5430 § 2, 2023; Ord. 4548 § 3, 1999; Ord. 4060 § 2, 1990].

13.32.050 Restrictions on reduction or elimination of services.

(A)    No owner shall reduce the level or kind of services provided to residents or take any punitive action in retaliation for the exercise by residents of any of the rights granted by this chapter. No park owner may eliminate common area facilities, such as recreation rooms, pools, laundry facilities, etc., unless 50 percent plus one of the park residents agree by written consent. Any lawful reduction or elimination of services shall be simultaneously accompanied by a reduction of rent equal to the cost savings resulting from such reduction or elimination of services.

(B)    If at any time an owner reduces the level or kind of services provided to residents (e.g., by separate water metering or other lawful means), the base rent of the residents shall be reduced effective as of the anniversary date next following the date of the reduction or elimination to the extent that the cost of the reduced service was previously borne by the owner. The cost savings to the owner of the reduced or eliminated service for the 12 months prior to the date of reduction or elimination shall be used to determine the pro rata amount to be deducted from each resident’s base rent. If at any time an owner reduces the level or kind of services prior to the anniversary date, the reduction of rent equal to the cost savings resulting from such reduction or elimination of services shall be reduced from each resident’s current monthly rent. However, upon each resident’s subsequent anniversary date, the reduction of rent equal to the cost savings shall then be applied to each resident’s base rent. [Ord. 4060 § 2, 1990].

13.32.060 Hearing of disputes.

A hearing shall be provided as to disputes regarding general rent adjustment, special rent adjustment, and reduction or elimination of services, and for no other purposes.

(A)    Types of Hearings.

(1)    General Rent Adjustment Hearing. A general rent adjustment hearing shall be limited to determining whether the owner conformed to the provisions of SCCC 13.32.030 in adjusting rents.

(2)    Special Rent Adjustment Hearing. A special rent adjustment hearing shall be held to determine whether the owner shall be allowed to make rent adjustments in excess of those provided under the general rent adjustment provisions set forth at SCCC 13.32.030. In making this decision, the Hearing Officer shall apply the provisions of SCCC 13.32.040.

(3)    Reduction or Elimination of Services Hearing. Hearings on the reduction or elimination of services shall determine whether the owner conformed to the provisions of SCCC 13.32.050.

(B)    Hearing Procedure. The Board of Supervisors shall provide independent contractor Hearing Officers to carry out the provisions of this section. The Hearing Officer presiding at any hearing pursuant to this section shall require compliance with the following hearing procedure and shall provide adequate clerical support for such purpose.

(1)    Meet and Confer. The park owner and residents shall make a good faith effort to meet and confer prior to the filing of a petition by either. Within 15 days of the postmark on a notice of a general rent adjustment, residents either individually, collectively, or with representatives of a group of residents who have signed a request to be so represented, shall by written request require the park owner, or his or her representative, to meet and confer about the proposed rent adjustment. Hearing Officers are not required to attend the meeting. The required meeting shall be held within 20 days of the postmark on the written request. Failure to request the meeting in writing will not affect the residents’ right to a hearing.

(2)    Petitions.

(a)    General Rent Adjustment Hearing. Within 45 calendar days of the postmark on a notice of a general rent adjustment, residents representing at least 25 percent of the spaces within the park affected by the general rent adjustment must file a petition if they wish to dispute compliance by the owner with the general rent adjustment provisions of SCCC 13.32.030. If the forty-fifth day falls on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, the time to file a petition is extended to the next working day: January 1st; the third Monday in January (Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday), the third Monday in February (President’s Day), the last Monday in May (Memorial Day), July 4th (Independence Day), the first Monday in September (Labor Day), the second Monday in October (Columbus Day), November 11th (Veterans’ Day), Thanksgiving, and the following Friday, Christmas Eve and Christmas. The petition shall clearly state the residents’ basis for disputing compliance by the owner with the provisions of this chapter. A copy of the postmarked envelope shall be attached to the petition.

(i)    Any notice of general rent adjustment which does not have a postmark shall be considered invalid.

(b)    Special Rent Adjustment Hearing. Any owner may file a petition for a special rent adjustment under the provisions of SCCC 13.32.040. A petition for a special rent adjustment shall be on the form provided for by County staff, and a list of the names and addresses of all residents of the park shall be attached to the petition. County staff shall refer such petition for expert analysis as provided in subsection (B)(4) of this section only after determining that the petitioner has provided all of the information requested in that form. The owner shall file a completed petition at least 90 days in advance of the next anniversary date so that any rent adjustment ultimately agreed upon with residents in writing as provided in subsection (B)(4) of this section or approved by the Hearing Officer can be combined with any general rent adjustment for all the park residents for that year. No special rent adjustment may be implemented prior to a written agreement from residents, or upon final granting of a petition. A hearing fee shall be charged only to a petition in a special rent adjustment proceeding, when necessary. Such fee shall not be passed through or otherwise collected from residents. The space fee hereinafter established shall be set at a rate sufficient to pay the cost of all other hearings.

(i)    The amount of the hearing fee shall be set by resolution by the Board of Supervisors.

(ii)    The hearing fee shall be paid once County staff determines that a special adjustment petition will be referred to a Hearing Officer, as provided in subsection (B)(4) of this section. Payment shall be made in the form of a personal check, bank check, or money order payable to “County of Santa Cruz.”

(iii)    Fifty percent of the hearing fee shall be refunded; provided, that County staff is notified no less than 72 hours prior to the hearing that a settlement has been reached.

(c)    Reduction or Elimination of Services Hearing. Residents representing at least 25 percent of the park affected by a reduction or elimination of services may file a petition disputing compliance by the owner with the provisions of SCCC 13.32.050. The petition shall clearly state the basis for disputing compliance by the owner with the provisions of said section and shall be filed within one year of the date the service or services are reduced or eliminated.

(3)    Filing of Petition. Any petition regarding a general rent adjustment or a special rent adjustment or the reduction or elimination of services shall be filed with County staff and shall set forth the name, address, and telephone number of petitioner’s counsel or designated representative. County staff shall file stamp the petition.

(4)    Expert Analysis—Special Rent Adjustment Hearings. Within 15 days of receipt of a completed petition for special rent adjustment, County staff shall refer the petition to an independent expert. The expert shall prepare a written assessment of the requested special rent adjustment with a recommendation for use by the parties and the Hearing Officer. The expert shall make all reasonable efforts to complete the assessment within 15 days of receipt of the referral. Upon receipt of the expert assessment and recommendation, County staff shall provide a written copy to the parties. Each party shall respond in writing within 10 days stating whether they accept or reject the expert recommendation. Where one or both parties reject the expert recommendation, the petition shall be referred to a Hearing Officer as provided in this section.

(a)    Qualification of Expert. The expert shall be an individual with expertise in mobile home rent control ordinances and disputes, or an individual with other demonstrated experience and training relevant to rendering an opinion in a mobile home rental dispute, and shall have no financial interest in mobile homes, mobile home spaces, or mobile home parks, or otherwise conduct business with mobile home parks or financial institutions that lend to mobile home parks and residents.

(b)    Establishment of a Panel. County staff shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure that three qualified experts are available to form a panel of prospective independent experts on an independent contractor basis.

(c)    Selection of Expert. County staff shall select experts on a rotating basis from the panel list. The expert shall disqualify themselves from serving as an expert in a particular matter where they have a conflict of interest within the meaning of the Political Reform Act. (Government Code Sections 87100 et seq.)

(d)    Payment of Expert. County staff shall determine the estimated cost of employing the expert, and that sum shall be communicated to the petitioner. Fifty percent of the cost of the expert shall be charged to petitioner, and the remaining 50 percent shall be charged to the space fee fund. The petition shall not be further processed until the petitioning park pays its portion of the cost of the expert, in the form of a personal check, bank check, or money order payable to “County of Santa Cruz.” The petitioning park’s portion of the cost of the expert shall not be passed through to residents.

(5)    Scheduling of Hearings. Once a Hearing Officer has been selected, County staff shall transmit such petition and expert report and recommendation if applicable to the Hearing Officer who shall schedule a hearing no sooner than 30 days and no later than 60 days after receiving the petition.

(6)    Prehearing Settlement Conferences. Parties are required to attend a prehearing settlement conference with the Hearing Officer at least seven calendar days in advance of the hearing. The designated representative of each party authorized to effect a binding settlement shall be present at the settlement conference. Each party shall submit to the Hearing Officer at least five calendar days prior to the prehearing conference a statement containing the following information:

(a)    The names of the party(ies) involved with the matter and on whose behalf the statements are filed. Both parties shall designate one person who shall represent the interests of, and be authorized to act on all matters considered at the settlement conference.

(b)    A plain and concise statement of facts. A listing of all relevant facts that are not in dispute, and a listing of all relevant facts that are in dispute.

(c)    A statement of the legal issues (claims or disputes) and any defenses (explanations or justifications) to be considered by the Hearing Officer at the hearing.

(d)    A list of witnesses to be called by the party at the hearing, along with an estimate of the time required for each witness’s testimony. The witness list may be revised at any time up until two calendar days prior to the hearing.

(e)    A statement of the remedy the party is seeking from the Hearing Officer.

(f)    A copy of each witness statement signed under penalty of perjury, to be presented at the hearing. The witness statement shall include an explanation of why the witness is unavailable to testify at the hearing. No witness statement shall be admitted into evidence at the hearing unless it is included with the prehearing statement or is offered by a witness whose name appears on a witness list provided to the opposing party at least two days prior to the hearing, unless admission is justified by good cause shown. However, in no case shall a statement by an expert witness independently retained by a party be admitted unless the expert’s name appears on the witness list.

(g)    A copy of each item of documentary evidence to be presented at the hearing.

(h)    An estimate of the time required for presentation of each party’s case.

(7)    Conduct of Settlement Conference—Special Rent Adjustment Petitions. At the settlement conference on a petition for special rent adjustment, the Hearing Officer shall make reasonable efforts to negotiate a settlement based on the expert’s recommendation and the parties’ prehearing statements. If the parties cannot reach a settlement, the matter shall proceed to formal hearing.

(8)    Consolidation. All petitions pertaining to a general rent adjustment and, where possible, to special rent adjustment in one park for the same year shall be consolidated for hearing, unless there is a showing of good cause not to consolidate such petitions.

(9)    Continuances. Reasonable continuances of the hearing may be granted at the discretion of the Hearing Officer if exceptional circumstances are shown.

(10)    Notice to Parties. County staff will notify the respondent that a petition has been filed and provide the parties with a list of potential Hearing Officers.

(a)    General Rent Adjustment Hearing. After scheduling a hearing, the Hearing Officer shall notify the park owner, the counsel or designated representative of the petitioning residents of the park, and County staff, of the time, date and place of the hearing by letter. Such letters shall be mailed first class at least 14 days prior to the hearing date scheduled. County staff shall assist in securing a room for the hearing and shall have the necessary recording devices available to the Hearing Officer.

(b)    Special Rent Adjustment Hearing. After scheduling a hearing, the Hearing Officer shall notify the park owner and all park residents (or their counsel or representative if one has been designated in writing) of the time, date and place of the hearing by letter. Such letters shall be mailed first class at least 14 days prior to the hearing date scheduled.

(c)    Reduction or Elimination of Services Hearing. After scheduling a hearing, the Hearing Officer shall notify the park owner and the counsel or the designated representative of the petitioning residents of the park of the time, date and place of the hearing by letter. Such letters shall be mailed first class at least 14 days prior to the hearing date scheduled.

(d)    The notice to the parties shall be in substantially the following form, but may include other information:

You are hereby notified that a hearing on the petition for _________ will be held on the _______ day of ______, 20_____, at the hour of ______. The Hearing Officer will be ______________ whose address is _____________ and telephone number is __________. You may be present at the hearing; may (but need not be) represented by counsel; may present any relevant evidence (subject to provisions requiring the advance production of testimonial and documentary evidence); and will be given full opportunity to cross-examine all witnesses. You are entitled to request the Hearing Officer to issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, documents or other sources of evidence by applying to the Hearing Officer. The Hearing Officer has the authority to issue subpoenas. You will be responsible for paying any mileage or attendance fees in connection with subpoenas so issued.

The Hearing Officer shall also give any public notice required by law.

(e)    A statement of facts contained in the petition or summary thereof shall be sent with such notice to the respondent(s).

(11)    Disqualification of Hearing Officer. Within 10 business days of the date of the notice of hearing, each party may submit a writing rejecting one of the Hearing Officers selected pursuant to subsection (B)(14)(c) of this section.

(12)    Respondent’s Objections to Defective Petition. Any owner or resident desiring to object to a petition may file objections with the Hearing Officer (and, if filed, shall concurrently serve by first class mail on petitioner(s) or the counsel or designated representative thereof). Objections to the petition may be made on the following grounds: that the petition was not timely filed; that the petition does not contain material information required by the applicable rules and ordi-

nance(s); and/or that the petition is procedurally defective. The objections shall set forth the name, address, and telephone number of respondent’s counsel or designated representative. If such objections are not made within 14 days of the mailing of the notice of hearing, they shall be deemed waived. In the event that the petition is objected to as procedurally defective other than as to time of filing, the petitioner shall have 10 days from the date of mailing of such objections to cure same.

(13)    Subpoenas.

(a)    Before and during a hearing, the Hearing Officer may issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum at the request of either party or on his/her own motion in accordance with the provisions of Section 1985, et seq. of the Code of Civil Procedure, subject to the Hearing Officer’s discretion.

(b)    Such process shall extend to all parts of the State and be served in accordance with the provisions of Sections 1987 and 1988 of the Code of Civil Procedure. No witness shall be obliged to attend at a place out of the county in which he resides unless the distance is less than 150 miles from his place of residence, except that, upon affidavit of either party showing that the testimony of such witness is material and necessary, the Hearing Officer may endorse on the subpoena an order requiring the attendance of such witness from such distance or beyond.

(c)    All witnesses appearing pursuant to subpoena, other than the parties (or officers thereof), shall be paid fees and mileage in the same amount and under the same circumstances as prescribed by law for witnesses in civil actions in Superior Court. Witnesses appearing pursuant to subpoena, except the parties, who attend hearings at points so far removed from their residences as to prohibit return thereto from day to day shall be entitled (in addition to fees and mileage) to a reasonable per diem compensation for expenses of subsistence for each day of actual attendance and for each day necessarily occupied in traveling to and from the hearing. Fees, mileage and expenses of subsistence shall be paid by the party at whose request the witness is subpoenaed.

(14)    Appointment, Selection, and Payment of Hearing Officers. A Hearing Officer shall preside at all hearings regarding rent adjustments scheduled under the mobile home rent adjustment ordinance and shall make findings and decisions in accordance with the provisions of such ordinance.

(a)    Qualifications. Hearing Officers shall be licensed attorneys of the State Bar of California in good standing, and shall have no financial interest in mobile homes, mobile home spaces or mobile home parks. Hearing Officers shall also be prohibited from representing mobile home park residents or mobile home park owners in any rent adjustment proceedings under this chapter.

(b)    Establishment of Panel. The County Administrative Office shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure that there are at least five qualified candidates to form a panel of prospective Hearing Officers.

(c)    Selection of a Hearing Officer for a Hearing. Hearing Officers shall be selected on a rotational basis from the panel list. A Hearing Officer shall disqualify himself or herself from serving as Hearing Officer in a particular matter where he/she has a conflict of interest within the meaning of the Political Reform Act (Government Code Sections 87100 et seq.), and shall otherwise comply with the disqualification provisions of Canon 3.E. of the Code of Judicial Ethics. The parties shall be advised in writing of the selected Hearing Officer, and advised of their right to disqualify the selected Hearing Officer. In the event of a disqualification, another Hearing Officer shall be randomly selected from the panel, and a new notice of hearing sent to the parties. Each party shall only have the right to disqualify one Hearing Officer for a particular matter.

(15)    Failure of Parties to Appear. In the event that either the residents or the park owner or their counsel or designated representatives should fail to appear at the hearing at the specified time and place, the Hearing Officer may hear and review such evidence as may be presented and make such decision as if both parties had been present.

(16)    Official Record. The official record of a hearing, which shall constitute the exclusive record for decision of the issues and any judicial review, shall include: all written notices; all petitions, responses, motions and objections filed or made prior to or during the proceedings; all exhibits admitted and rejected as evidence during the proceedings; a list of participants present; the hearing transcript; a statement of all materials officially noticed; the ruling on each exception or objection, if any; and all findings, decisions and orders. The Hearing Officer shall provide a copy of the official record, or portion thereof, including a transcript of the hearing, to any party or member of the public upon written request and payment of actual cost (advance deposit of the estimated cost of which may be required). The official record shall be retained by County staff for three years.

(17)    Conduct of Hearings.

(a)    All hearings held before a Hearing Officer shall be open to the public, except as provided herein, and notice thereof given as required by law.

(i)    All participation by the parties shall be channeled through the respective counsel or designated representative for residents and park owners. The respective counsel or designated representative for each party shall determine the manner and extent of participation in the hearing by residents and owners subject to the ruling of the Hearing Officer.

(ii)    Public Hearing Exception. A party may request the Hearing Officer to close to the public a portion of the hearing by filing a declaration under penalty of perjury that evidence is to be presented which relates to confidential financial data the disclosure of which will be detrimental to the business interests of the owner. If the Hearing Officer grants the request, only evidence relating to the confidential financial data may be presented during the time the hearing is closed.

(iii)    The Hearing Officer may exclude persons present for conduct which is unruly or disorderly and which disrupts or threatens to disrupt the proceedings.

(b)    Each party to a hearing may be represented by counsel or other representative of the party’s choice.

(c)    Subject to the provisions requiring the advance production of testimonial and documentary evidence, each party shall have these rights: to call and examine witnesses; to introduce exhibits; to cross-examine witnesses on any matter relevant to the issues even though that matter was not covered in the direct examination; to impeach any witness, regardless of which party first called him/her to testify; and to rebut the evidence presented.

(d)    Hearings shall not be conducted according to technical rules relating to evidence and witnesses. Any relevant evidence is admissible if it is the sort of evidence on which responsible persons are accustomed to rely in the conduct of serious affairs, regardless of the existence of any common law or statutory rule which might make improper the admission of such evidence over objection in civil actions. Hearsay evidence may be used for the purpose of supplementing or explaining other evidence but shall not be sufficient in itself to support a finding unless it would be admissible over objection in civil actions. The rules of privilege shall be effective to the extent that they are otherwise required by statute to be recognized at the hearing.

(e)    Irrelevant and unduly repetitious evidence may be excluded by the Hearing Officer. The Hearing Officer shall refuse to admit any documentary evidence not filed in a timely fashion as required by this chapter, unless the Hearing Officer finds that there is relevant evidence which, in the exercise of reasonable diligence, could not have been produced.

(f)    Evidence Required by the Hearing Officer. The Hearing Officer may request either party to provide relevant books, records and papers. However, either party may respond by providing an affidavit by a certified public accountant, as long as the affidavit contains the information sought from such books, records and papers, and as long as such certified public accountant is available for cross-examination at the hearing concerning such statement. Failure or refusal of a party to produce material requested may be considered by the Hearing Officer as evidence that such material, if produced, would be adverse to such party.

(g)    Relevant Evidence.

(i)    In determining petitions, the Hearing Officer shall consider all relevant factors to the extent evidence thereof is introduced by either party or produced by either party on request of the Hearing Officer.

(ii)    Such relevant factors include all matters set forth in this chapter relating to the type of hearing being conducted.

(iii)    The Hearing Officer shall dismiss any petition upon a finding that the petitioner has failed to provide information required by this chapter, or has either intentionally or recklessly provided false and misleading information.

(h)    Official Notice. In reaching a decision the Hearing Officer may take official notice of any fact which may be judicially noticed by the courts of this State. Parties present at the hearing shall be informed of the matters to be noticed, and those matters shall be noted in the record, referred to therein, or appended thereto. Either party shall be given a reasonable opportunity on request to refute the officially noticed matters by evidence or by written or oral presentation of legal authority, the manner of such refutation to be determined by the Hearing Officer.

(i)    Oaths. In any proceeding before a Hearing Officer, oral testimony offered as evidence shall be taken only on oath or affirmation, and the Hearing Officer, his/her Clerk, or other designee have the power to administer oaths and affirmations and to certify to official acts. Oaths of witnesses may be given individually or en masse. Witnesses shall be asked to raise their right hands and to swear or affirm that the testimony they shall give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

(j)    Motions. All motions by the parties shall be in writing, unless made on the record during hearing, and shall clearly state the action requested and the grounds relied on.

(k)    Quantum and Burden of Proof. If resolution of the petition could require the rent to be raised, the owner shall have the burden of proof. If resolution of the petition could require the rent to be decreased, the residents shall have the burden of proof. The required quantum of proof shall be by a preponderance of the evidence.

(l)    Communications with Hearing Officer. All substantive oral communications with the Hearing Officer shall be held in the presence of all parties. The Hearing Officer shall maintain a written log of any oral communications with any party, and shall disclose the contents of the log during the hearing as set forth in subsection (B)(17)(o)(vi) of this section. All written communications shall be served on all parties.

(m)    Disclosure and Disqualification. A Hearing Officer shall disclose to both parties any circumstances likely to affect impartiality, including bias or any financial or personal interest in the results of the hearing or any past or present relationship with the parties or their counsel. Either party may raise objections for the record and request that the Hearing Officer disqualify him or herself. The Hearing Officer shall make the decision whether to grant or deny the request for disqualification.

(n)    Continuances. Each party may request, and, if exceptional circumstances are shown, the Hearing Officer may approve on continuance. No additional continuances shall be approved unless agreed upon by both parties, or unless the Hearing Officer finds that a continuance is required to ensure that both parties receive a full and equal opportunity for a fair hearing.

(o)    Order of Proceeding. The following order of proceeding shall be applied at all hearings. The officer shall:

(i)    Review all petitions and responses submitted prior to the hearing.

(ii)    Begin tape recording of the hearing.

(iii)    Assemble hearing participants.

(iv)    Identify the hearing.

(v)    Request that the parties introduce themselves.

(vi)    Disclose the content of the written log of any oral communications with any party.

(vii)    Explain how the hearing will proceed including specific notification of the provisions contained in subsections (B)(17)(o)(vii) through (xvii) of this section.

(viii)    Hear any preliminary motions or objections.

(ix)    Review any request for witnesses.

(x)    Exclude potential witnesses until testimony is required, except that one person acting as the representative for a party may remain even though they may also be a witness.

(xi)    Allow parties to make opening statements (i.e., petitioner followed by respondent).

(xii)    Allow petitioning party to present evidence and witnesses who shall submit to questions and other examination.

(xiii)    Allow responding party to present evidence and witnesses who shall submit to questions and other examination.

(xiv)    Allow both parties to confront adverse testimony.

(xv)    Allow both parties to make closing statements (i.e., petitioner followed by respondent closing with rebuttal by petitioner).

(xvi)    Explain appeals procedure.

(xvii)    Close hearing. Terminate tape recording.

(xviii)    The Hearing Officer shall follow the above procedure unless the officer determines and explains that there are special circumstances which justify a variance or modification in the order of proceeding. The Hearing Officer shall also have the discretion to grant a brief recess during the hearing if good cause is shown.

(18)    Decision. The Hearing Officer shall consider the evidence and arguments of the parties and shall prepare a written decision, which shall include a statement of the issues, the findings of facts on which the decision is based, and an identification of the approved adjustment, if any, resulting from the decision to the particular item on the rental notice. If the decision concerns an adjustment which is limited in duration or otherwise conditioned in any respect, the Hearing Officer shall also set forth in the decision the duration or condition approved. The decision shall be subject to judicial review under Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.5 and shall state the time for seeking judicial review as provided in Section 1094.6 of the Code of Civil Procedure. The decision shall be signed by the Hearing Officer and filed as a public record with the County staff no later than 30 days following the conclusion of the hearing. The Hearing Officer shall serve a copy of the decision on each party or such party’s counsel or designated representative. The decision shall include notice of the right of the judicial review and the time limits therefor set forth above. The decision of the Hearing Officer shall be final and binding upon the parties.

(a)    A final decision of a Hearing Officer issued after January 1, 1999, shall be binding on all future hearing decisions between the same parties subject to the Hearing Officer’s determination that the issues of law and/or fact are substantially the same.

(b)    Legal conclusions reached in previous hearings involving other parks may be given substantial weight to the extent that the legal and factual issues are the same.

(19)    Reconsideration. The Hearing Officer may order reconsideration of all or part of the case on his or her own motion or on petition of any party. The County shall have standing to request reconsideration of any matter concerning a Hearing Officer finding, related to a question of law. The power to order a reconsideration shall expire 45 days after the delivery or mailing of a decision. The Hearing Officer shall act on a petition within the 45-day period; provided, that if additional time is needed to evaluate a petition for reconsideration filed prior to the expiration of the 45 days, the Hearing Officer may grant a stay of the expiration period for no more than 10 days, solely for the purpose of considering the petition. If the Hearing Officer is incapacitated to act on the petition within the time allowed for ordering reconsideration, the petition shall be deemed denied. The Hearing Officer’s decision becomes final and binding upon the parties on the date that reconsideration is denied. If the Hearing Officer orders that reconsideration be granted or denied, he or she shall give reasons for this order but need not make findings. The original decision is automatically vacated at the time of the order granting reconsideration. The Hearing Officer may readopt the original decision upon reconsideration.

The right to petition for judicial review under Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.5 shall not be affected by the failure to seek reconsideration. If reconsideration is denied, only the Hearing Officer’s original decision and not his or her decision to deny a reconsideration is reviewable under Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.5.

(20)    Frivolous Petitions. The Hearing Officer shall have the power to order a party to pay the reasonable attorney’s fees incurred by another party as a result of the filing of a frivolous petition.

(a)    For the purposes of this section, a “frivolous petition” is one that is (i) totally and completely without merit, or (ii) for the sole purpose of harassing an opposing party.

(b)    Expenses pursuant to this section shall not be imposed until after the Hearing Officer has provided notice to, and an opportunity to be heard from, the party filing the petition. An order imposing expenses shall be in writing and shall recite in detail the circumstances justifying the order. The Hearing Officer shall fashion the order to ensure that the appropriate party receives reimbursement within a reasonable time after the order is issued. [Ord. 5437 § 1, 2023; Ord. 5430 § 3, 2023; Ord. 4695 §§ 1, 2, 3, 2002; Ord. 4626 § 1, 2001; Ord. 4548 § 4, 1999; Ord. 4404 §§ 8—17, 1996; Ord. 4252 §§ 1—5, 1993; Ord. 4060 § 2, 1990].

13.32.070 Parties bound—Sale and other transfers of ownership of mobile homes.

(A)    The maximum rent which may be charged pursuant to SCCC 13.32.030, 13.32.040 and 13.32.050 shall not be modified upon sale of the mobile home to a third party. Subsequent rent adjustments shall be governed by the provisions of this chapter without regard for such sale. (Provided, however, where the prior resident had been paying rent based on special concessions not extended to all other residents on the same basis, e.g., inability to pay, personal relationship, etc., the owner may adjust the rent upward so that the new resident is paying rent which is no more than that paid by other residents enjoying the same or similar accommodations and benefits.)

(B)    In addition to transfers of a mobile home described in subsection (A) of this section, the maximum rent that may be charged pursuant to SCCC 13.32.030, 13.32.040 and 13.32.050 shall not be modified upon any and all other lawful transfers of ownership of a mobile home to a third party, including but not limited to the transfer of the right to sell the mobile home in-place in a mobile home park under the provisions of Civil Code Sections 798.56a, 798.78 and/or 798.79, or upon the replacement of the mobile home by its owner or by the third party whose mobile home’s space rent is protected by this subsection. Subsequent rent adjustments shall be governed by the provisions of this chapter without regard for such transfer of ownership or the replacement of the mobile home. [Ord. 5378 § 1, 2021; Ord. 4060 § 2, 1990].

13.32.072 Prior approval of purchaser.

The owner shall have the right of prior approval of a purchaser of a mobile home that will remain in the park and the seller of the mobile home or his or her agent shall give notice of the sale to the owner before the close of the sale. Approval shall not be withheld if the purchaser has the financial ability to pay the rent and charges of the park unless the management reasonably determines that, based on the purchaser’s prior tenancies, he will not comply with the rules and regulations of the park. If the ownership or management rejects a purchaser as a prospective tenant, the ownership or management shall inform the seller in writing of its reasons for such rejection. [Ord. 4060 § 2, 1990].

13.32.075 Advisory opinions.

County Counsel may issue nonbinding opinions on legal issues when asked to do so by either party, before the hearing process begins. [Ord. 4548 § 5, 1999].

13.32.080 Enforcement.

(A)    Enforcement by the County. It shall be unlawful for any owner to adjust any rent in a mobile home park in an amount in excess of that allowed under this chapter or by order of a Hearing Officer. Any owner who willfully and knowingly violates any of the provisions of this chapter or the orders of a Hearing Officer shall be subject to applicable criminal sanctions. Further, any owner who willfully and knowingly violates any of the provisions of this chapter or the orders of a Hearing Officer is liable for a civil penalty to the County for a sum not less than $500.00 nor more than $5,000 for each day in which such violation occurs. Any civil action filed pursuant to this chapter shall be brought by the County Counsel. In any civil action filed pursuant hereto in which the County prevails, the owner shall also be liable for reasonable expenses, including attorney’s fees, as determined by the court, incurred by the County in the investigation and prosecution of the action. The prerequisite of exhaustion of statutory and administrative remedies shall be met before an owner or resident may seek commencement of court action. A Hearing Officer whose decision or order is violated or not complied with by any party may, with the assistance of County Counsel, obtain a court order rendering such violation or noncompliance punishable by contempt.

(B)    Private Cause of Action.

(1)    If any park owner or other person is found to have demanded, accepted, received, or retained any payment of rent in excess of the maximum rent allowed by this chapter, such person shall be liable to the resident from whom such payment was demanded, accepted, received, or retained for damages as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction. For the purposes of this subsection, “resident” is inclusive of any person or entity that has been granted the right to sell a mobile home in-place in the mobile home park in which it is located, under the provisions of Civil Code Sections 798.56a, 798.78 or 798.79 or any sections of the California Civil Code or other provisions of California law with equivalent effect as they may be amended or enacted in the future.

(2)    In the event a resident is determined to be the prevailing party in a civil action pursuant to this subsection (B), that resident shall be awarded their reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.

(3)    In the event a resident is determined to be the prevailing party in a civil action pursuant to this subsection (B), in addition to damages as determined by the court pursuant to subsection (B)(1) of this section, such a prevailing resident shall also be awarded exemplary damages in an amount not to exceed either $500.00 or three times the amount of damages determined by the court pursuant to subsection (B) of this section, whichever amount is greater.

(4)    For the purposes of this subsection (B), a resident shall be deemed to be a prevailing party if a judgment is rendered in such resident’s favor under this subsection or if the litigation is dismissed in such resident’s favor prior to final judgment, unless the parties to such action agree otherwise in settlement of that action. [Ord. 5378 § 2, 2021; Ord. 4060 § 2, 1990].

13.32.085 Appealing emergency water conservation penalties.

(A)    Within 24 hours of the date that a mobile home park owner or manager receives notice of a fine, surcharge or other penalty assessed on the mobile home park resulting from a violation of a declared water shortage emergency ordinance, the notice must be posted in the park office or other place of public access.

(B)    Any fine, surcharge or other penalty assessed on a mobile home park resulting from a violation of a declared water shortage emergency ordinance shall be appealed by the park if all the following conditions are met:

(1)    The park assessed with the penalty is provided water service through a master water meter.

(2)    The mobile home park residents are not submetered.

(3)    Residents representing at least 25 percent of the spaces within the park affected by the fine, surcharge or other penalty assessment file a petition with the park owner or manager requesting the appeal. The petition shall state the nature of the appeal and the basis upon which the appeal is to be taken. The petition requesting the appeal must be served on the park manager or owner within 10 business days of the posting of the penalty notice required by subsection (A) of this section.

(4)    The water provider assessing the penalty has on file a notice of intention to appeal filed by a resident on behalf of the mobile home park, within the appropriate period authorized by the water shortage emergency ordinance. The notice of intention to appeal shall state the nature of the appeal and the basis upon which the appeal is to be taken.

(C)    A mobile home park owner or manager shall make available to park residents petitioning for an appeal any information concerning water usage in the park, including billing statements and water use logs, maintained by or on behalf of the owner or manager. [Ord. 4066 § 1, 1990].

13.32.090 Posting of rental adjustment ordinance.

The owners shall obtain a copy of this chapter and post it permanently (together with printed public notices) in the park office or other place of public access. Amendments to this chapter shall be printed and posted as public notices between October 10th through 20th of each year in newspapers of general circulation. Changes in park ownership, management representatives and total number of coach spaces shall be provided as they occur by park owner to designated County staff. [Ord. 4404 § 18, 1996; Ord. 4060 § 2, 1990].

13.32.092 Recommendations by Commission and resolution(s) by Board of Supervisors.

The Commission shall submit an annual recommendation to the Board of Supervisors, on or before September 1st of each year as to the reasonable rate of return on capital improvements allowable as an adjustment by an owner pursuant to SCCC 13.32.030(D)(4). The Commission shall hold at least one public hearing prior to making the annual recommendation. On or before November 1st of each year, the Board of Supervisors shall consider and act upon such recommendation and adopt appropriate resolution(s) as to such matter to be effective January 1st of the following calendar year. An owner shall submit data and supporting documents on reasonable rate of return on capital improvements to County staff on or before July 1st of each year. [Ord. 4060 § 2, 1990].

13.32.094 Requirement of long-term rental agreement prohibited.

It shall be unlawful for any mobile home park owner or manager to directly or indirectly require any resident or prospective resident to sign a rental agreement with a term in excess of 12 months:

(A)    As a condition of residing in the park.

(B)    As a condition for approving the replacement of an existing mobile home. [Ord. 4227 § 1, 1992; Ord. 4060 § 2, 1990].

13.32.100 New spaces constructed after January 1, 1983.

Provisions of this chapter shall not regulate the initial rent charged for new mobile home park spaces constructed on or after January 1, 1983. Any subsequent rent adjustment for such spaces shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter and the first year of occupancy shall be designated as the base year. [Ord. 4060 § 2, 1990].

13.32.102 Recreational vehicle/trailer park spaces.

Any park space, including but not limited to those located within a recreational vehicle or trailer park, shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter if the space has been occupied by a mobile home as herein defined, in which the mobile home’s residents have continually resided for nine months or more after January 1, 1980. The base rent for the space shall be that amount of rent charged as of January 1, 1999. [Ord. 4548 § 6, 1999].

13.32.110 Space fee.

A space fee is hereby imposed upon each mobile home space which is subject to the provisions of this chapter. The fee is imposed for the purpose of providing and staffing the Commission, and the administrative hearing process established by this chapter.

(A)    The amount of the fee shall be set forth in the schedule of fees annually adopted by resolution of the Board of Supervisors. The fee shall not exceed the amount found by the Board to be necessary to recover the costs of administering this chapter, and the Board’s finding in this regard shall be final.

(B)    The mobile home park owner(s) shall pay the fee for all of the park spaces which are subject to this chapter directly to the County Office of Consumer Affairs in one instrument of payment drawn on an account of the owner. The manner of payment of the space fee by park owner(s) shall be as follows: 50 percent shall be due and payable by March 31st of the year in which the fee is assessed, and 50 percent shall be due and payable by March 31st of the following calendar year. Any mobile home park owner(s) who fails or refuses to pay any fee required under this chapter for a period of 30 days from and after the date such fee is due shall, in addition to the fee, pay a penalty of 10 percent of the amount of the unpaid fee plus interest at the rate of 10 percent per annum (compounded annually) on the amount due plus the penalty.

(C)    The mobile home park owner(s) may obtain the space fee from the residents of each mobile home space required to apply such fee under this chapter as set forth at SCCC 13.32.030(D)(7). Each resident shall choose one of two allowable methods for paying this space fee pass through:

(1)    The resident may elect to make one annual payment due and payable with the first month’s rent following the park’s anniversary date; or

(2)    The resident may elect to make 12 equal monthly payments of the annual fee, due and payable with the resident’s monthly rent.

(D)    Both the owner of the mobile home park at the time the fee is due and payable and any subsequent owner are jointly and severally liable for such fee. No refund of the space fee shall be made because of any transfer of ownership of the mobile home park. [Ord. 4182 § 1, 1992; Ord. 4060 § 2, 1990].

13.32.120 Severability.

If any provision of this chapter or application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, this invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this chapter which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end, the provisions of this chapter are declared to be severable. This chapter shall be liberally construed to achieve the purposes of this chapter and to preserve its validity. [Ord. 4060 § 2, 1990].