New law opens mobile home parks to RV’s

Rep. Springer’s legislation alleviates pressure put on recession-hit individuals

April 13, 2009

OLYMPIA – Cushioning the impact of an economic downturn, Rep. Larry Springer’s (D-Kirkland) Engrossed House Bill 1227 opens a new door to struggling families.

Today, Gov. Christine Gregoire signed Springer’s EHB 1227, which counters the influx of housing foreclosures by making it easier for people to live in recreational vehicles (RV’s).

The bill prohibits cities and counties from preventing entry or requiring removal of recreational vehicles (RV’s) from manufactured/mobile home communities, when those vehicles are used as a primary residence.

“For the families and individuals who continue to struggle, I hope this new law alleviates some of your pain,” Springer said. “Mobile home parks can often be a last refuge for people to live. This bill will help families obtain the amenities they need.”

The bill applies to cities, towns, counties, and code cities, requiring them to keep their doors open to RV’s and to allow them to park in their manufactured/mobile home communities. Under the current law, manufactured/mobile home communities are able to turn away RV’s if they don’t comply with design standards. This leaves people with access only to RV parks, which are typically more expensive, or worse, to simply park in parking lots or dead-end roads.

“It is important for us to act quickly in helping families during this difficult time,” Springer said. “I’m grateful to see that a number of my colleagues felt the same way.”

The bill will take effect approximately three months after the adjournment of the 2009 legislative session.

Rep. Springer’s EHB 1464, which expands on previous legislation to promote affordable housing in the urban corridor, was also signed by Gov. Gregoire today.

This bill adds further clarification and flexibility to the existing affordable housing incentive programs. To learn more, please click here.

　

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Contact: Rep. Larry Springer (360) 786-7822; springer.larry@leg.wa.gov

Downloadable photo: http://www.leg.wa.gov/documents/House/Members/Photos/Springer.jpg 

Staff Contact: Jamie Badilla (360) 786-7255; Badilla.jamie@leg.wa.gov

Radio and TV News Directors:  To obtain broadcast-quality audio on these issues, or to arrange for TV or radio interviews, please contact House Democratic Caucus Broadcast Coordinator Dan Frizzell at frizzell.dan@leg.wa.gov  or (360) 786-7208.