Chapter 17.16
MOBILE HOMES*

Sections:

17.16.010    Definitions.

17.16.020    Applicability.

17.16.030    Location restriction.

17.16.040    Permit – Required.

17.16.050    Permit – Application procedure.

17.16.060    Installation, construction, architectural requirements and replacement.

17.16.070    Permit revocation.

17.16.080    Violations.

*For statutory provisions regarding mobile home movement permits, see RCW 46.16.10446.16.106.

Prior legislation: Ords. 516, 627, 668 and 671.

17.16.010 Definitions.

For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:

A. “Block” means a group of lots, tracts or parcels within well-defined and fixed boundaries.

B. “Block front” means that portion of a platted block that fronts along a single street.

C. “Dwelling unit” means any building or portion thereof that contains living facilities including provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.

D. “Mobile home” and “manufactured home” shall have the same meaning as these terms are defined in RCW 46.04.302 (as now appears or as may hereafter be amended). These terms shall not include recreational vehicles or travel trailers.

E. “Mobile home park” means a parcel of land (or contiguous parcels) divided into two or more mobile home lots for rent. Each lot shall have independent utilities and services.

F. “R1 and R2” zoning shall be as defined in this title. [Ord. 922 §1, 2014].

17.16.020 Applicability.

This chapter is applicable to all mobile homes hereafter located within the city, excepting therefrom mobile homes located on property zoned and used as a mobile home park. [Ord. 922 §1, 2014].

17.16.030 Location restriction.

The location of any mobile home within the city of Palouse shall conform to all location or setback requirements contained in this title for dwelling units within the applicable use zone in which the mobile home is located. Additionally, the following restrictions shall apply to the location of mobile homes within the city of Palouse:

A. No mobile home shall be located on a lot zoned “R1 or R2” with another mobile home or dwelling unit; provided, nothing herein shall prevent the replacement at any time of any existing mobile home located within the city of Palouse that was installed in accordance with applicable laws, ordinances, rules or regulations of the city of Palouse in effect at the time the mobile home was installed within the city of Palouse, with a newer mobile home; such newer mobile home shall be exempt from the requirements of PMC 17.16.060(A) through (D). [Ord. 922 §1, 2014].

17.16.040 Permit – Required.

No mobile home shall be located on any property within the city for more than 48 hours without a valid mobile home permit therefor issued by the city clerk-treasurer. [Ord. 922 §1, 2014].

17.16.050 Permit – Application procedure.

A. No mobile home permit shall be issued for a mobile home not having the following:

1. A state seal of approval from its state of origin certifying compliance with that state’s construction, health, and safety standards; two years or newer and never lived in.

2. Excepting “expandos,” at least 750 square feet of floor space.

B. Permits for mobile homes meeting these requirements shall be issued by the city clerk-treasurer upon receipt of a permit fee based on the city fee schedule and the following information:

1. Name and address of person to whom permit is to be issued;

2. Proposed location of the mobile home;

3. Mobile home license number or serial number;

4. State of mobile home’s origin; and

5. Description of the mobile home. [Ord. 922 §1, 2014].

17.16.060 Installation, construction, architectural requirements and replacement.

All mobile homes located within the city of Palouse shall be installed as provided below including the following construction and architectural requirements:

A. The home must not have been previously occupied and shall not be more than two years old, based upon the date of manufacture;

B. The home must be a minimum of 750 square feet of floor space;

C. The roof must be constructed or appear to be constructed of composition, wood shake or shingle, coated metal, or similar materials, with not less than 3:12 pitch;

D. Exterior siding must be similar in appearance to siding materials commonly used on conventional site-built dwellings;

E. If one-half inch or greater sheetrock has not been installed on the interior of all exterior walls, there must be no less than 20 feet between the unit and any other dwelling units, and 10 feet between the unit and any accessory structure or fence;

F. The home must meet all other applicable zoning, safety and construction requirements contained in the Palouse Municipal Code;

G. If the mobile home is destroyed by fire or natural disaster, it may be replaced subject to subsection (A) of this section;

H. At the time a mobile home or manufactured home is located on a given property, the unit must be pit set on a permanent foundation and be tied down with three-eighths-inch airplane cable or better (with four U-clamps per cable). The installation must provide a crawl space of at least 24 inches in height, and have open vents (unless a radon vent is installed);

I. Within 96 hours from the time a mobile home is located on a given property, it must be connected to the city sewerage system if within 210 feet thereof; otherwise, it must be connected to an approved septic tank. Also within such time, the mobile home must be connected to city water. Such connections must conform to the same specifications required of conventional, on-site dwelling units. None of the connections shall be enclosed until inspected and approved by the city water superintendent;

J. Before a mobile home is inhabited or not later than 14 days after the mobile home is located on a given property, whichever is sooner, the mobile home must satisfactorily pass a fire safety inspection conducted by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries;

K. Within 90 days from the time a mobile home is located on a given property, it must:

1. Have permanent skirting material installed; provided, if the mobile home is installed on a full concrete foundation, no skirting shall be required. All skirting should be similar in appearance to foundation material commonly used on site-built unit (e.g., concrete or stone); no metal skirting shall be allowed;

2. Have permanent steps affixed to all exits; and

3. Have tongue and wheel removed therefrom.

All of the items in this subsection must be inspected and approved by the city building inspector;

L. In addition to the minimum requirements set forth above, all mobile homes shall be installed in compliance with the mobile home manufacturer’s installation recommendations. These recommendations must be approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). A copy of the manufacturer’s approved installation recommendations shall be in the mobile home and available at the time the mobile home is inspected by the Palouse building inspector (or such other inspection officer designated by the city).

Any mobile home for which manufacturer’s installation recommendations approved by HUD have not been issued (or are otherwise unavailable) shall be installed pursuant to, and in accordance with, WAC 296-150M-0610, specifically, and Chapter 296-150M WAC, generally. Alternatively, such installation shall be in accordance with recommendations provided by a professional engineer or architect licensed in Washington. [Ord. 997 §1, 2020; Ord. 922 §1, 2014].

17.16.070 Permit revocation.

If any connections or installation requirements are not completed as required under this chapter, any permit issued therefor shall be immediately revoked. [Ord. 997 §2, 2020; Ord. 922 §1, 2014].

17.16.080 Violations.

Each day during which a violation of this chapter continues shall be considered a separate violation of this chapter. [Ord. 922 §1, 2014].