City of Lexington, IL Article III Mobile Home Parks

§ 103-11 Licenses and permits. [1]

A. License; required. (Reserved)

B. License fees.

(1) The annual license fee for each mobile home park shall be as set forth in Chapter 63, Fees.

(2) The license fee in case of an application for a license for a mobile home park established after the first day of January in any year shall be pro rated for the balance of the calendar year.

C. Permit to construct mobile home park.

(1) Application for a permit to construct a mobile home park shall be made to the Code Compliance Officer, accompanied by the payment of a permit fee as set forth in Chapter 63, Fees.

(2) The application shall be in writing, signed by the applicant, and shall include the following:

(a) The name and address of the applicant.

(b) The location and legal description of the mobile home park.

(c) A complete plan of the park in conformity with Subsection D.

(d) Plans and specifications of all buildings, improvements and facilities to be constructed within the mobile home park.

(e) Such further information as may be reasonably required by the City Council to enable it to determine if the proposed park will comply with legal requirements.

(3) If the proposed mobile home park will, when constructed in accordance with such plans and specifications, be in compliance with all provisions of this chapter and all other applicable provisions of this Code, the City Council may approve the application, and upon completion of the park according to the plans, the City Clerk may issue the license upon payment of the license fee.

D. Mobile home park plan. The mobile home park shall conform to the following requirements:

(1) The park shall be located on a well-drained site, properly graded to ensure rapid drainage and freedom from stagnant pools of water.

(2) Mobile home lots shall be provided consisting of a minimum of 3,000 square feet for each lot, which shall be at least 40 feet wide and clearly defined; provided, however, that mobile home parks in existence on the effective date of this chapter which provide mobile home spaces having a width or area less than that hereinabove prescribed may continue to operate with spaces of the existing width and area.

(3) Mobile homes shall be so harbored on each lot that there shall be at least a fifteen-foot clearance between mobile homes; provided, however, that with respect to mobile homes parked end-to-end, the end-to-end clearance may be less than 15 feet but shall not be less than 10 feet. No mobile home shall be located closer than 10 feet to any building within the park.

(4) All mobile home lots shall abut upon a driveway of not less than 30 feet in width, which shall have unobstructed access to a public street, alley or highway.

(5) Walkways not less than 2 1/2 feet wide shall be provided from the mobile home lots to the service buildings and to the roadway walk or roadway.

(6) Each park shall provide community areas and community structures as are hereinafter more particularly prescribed.

[1] Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).

§ 103-12 General requirements.

A. Design and construction.

(1) Design and construction of mobile home parks shall conform to applicable zoning and building regulations and generally accepted standards for mobile home parks.[1]

[1] Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I). See Ch. 23, Building Codes, and Ch. 300, Zoning.

(2) Open areas shall be adequate to assure privacy, natural light and ventilation for each mobile home and be sufficient for essential outdoor uses.

B. Stormwater drainage.

(1) Mobile home parks shall have adequate facilities for drainage of surface and subsurface water.[2]

[2] Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).

(2) Grading of the entire property shall be such as to facilitate the safe and efficient drainage of surface water.

(3) Gutters, culverts, catch basins, drain inlets, stormwater sewers, or other satisfactory drainage systems shall be utilized where deemed necessary.

C. Surfacing. Walks, driveways and parking spaces shall be provided with paved and durable surfacing so as to provide safe and easy access under normal use and weather conditions.

D. Overhead wires. Wires installed above driveways and parking spaces shall have a clearance of not less than 18 feet.

E. Exterior lighting. Artificial lighting shall be provided to illuminate walks, driveways and parking spaces for the safe movement of pedestrians and vehicles at night.

F. Maintenance. Mobile home parks shall be properly maintained so as to assure the desirable residential character of the property.[3]

[3] Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).

G. Travel or vacation trailers. No occupied travel or vacation trailer or other form of temporary-type living units shall be permitted in a mobile home park unless approved by the City Council.[4]

[4] Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).

H. Placement. Placement of a mobile home on a mobile home stand by jacks or supports shall be such as to ensure the retention of the mobile home in a fixed position.

§ 103-13 Utilities.

A. Water, sewage, gas and electricity.[1]

(1) A mobile home park shall be provided with the following utilities: water supply system, sewage disposal system, and electrical system.

(2) Utilities, including a gas piping system where provided, shall have sufficient capacity to supply the requirements of the mobile home park and for the maximum number of connected mobile homes.

[1] Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).

B. Water supply system. The water supply system shall be designed to provide a sufficient supply of potable water, under adequate pressure, to outlets servicing mobile homes, community structures, drinking fountains, hose connections, hydrants, etc. Each mobile home lot shall be provided with a cold water tap at least four inches above ground.

C. Private water system. Where a public water supply system is not available, an adequate private water supply system, approved by the City Council, shall be provided.

D. Sewage disposal system. The sewage disposal system shall provide each mobile home and community structures containing plumbing fixtures with an adequate and safe method of sewage disposal.

E. Private sewage disposal system. Where a public sewage disposal system is not available, an adequate private sewage disposal system, approved by the City Council, shall be provided.

F. Gas piping system. The gas piping system shall be designed to provide a supply of gas sufficient to meet the maximum demand without undue loss of pressure at the connection to the mobile home furthermost from the source of supply.

G. Electrical system. The electrical system shall be designed to provide adequate capacity to supply the connected load without exceeding the allowable current-carrying capacity of the conductors.

§ 103-14 Mobile home lots.

A. Mobile home stand.

(1) A mobile home lot shall contain a mobile home stand capable of maintaining the mobile home in a fixed position.

(2) The mobile home stand shall be adequately compacted and at such elevation, distance, and angle, in relation to the accessway, as to facilitate the safe and efficient placement and removal of the mobile home.

B. Accessory structures.

(1) Accessory structures shall be of durable construction and appropriate for intended use and location.

(2) Temporary porches, canvas-roofed canopies, skirts and auxiliary rooms shall be constructed of fire-resistant materials satisfactory to the City Council.

C. Patios. Patios shall be located so as to provide safe and easy access from the mobile home.

D. Storage lockers. Storage lockers shall be designed to provide adequate storage facilities convenient to the mobile home.

E. Utility connections.

(1) A mobile home lot shall be provided with the following utility connections: water supply connection, sanitary drainage connection, and electrical receptacle.

(2) Utility connections, including a gas connection where provided, shall be readily accessible, and the mobile home stand shall have means for safe and efficient hookup to the mobile home.

(3) The water supply connection shall be located a safe distance from the sanitary drainage connection and shall not be subject to surface drainage. Means shall be provided for a suitable watertight connection, without cross-connection and danger of freezing.

(4) Sanitary drainage connection shall be at a proper location relative to the mobile home, and piping shall have a continuous grade to the point of disposal. The drainage connection shall be provided with suitable fittings to permit a watertight junction to be made with the mobile home outlet and the receiving sewer. Sewer outlets at unoccupied mobile home lots shall be closed in order to prevent the emission of odors or the creation of a breeding place for insects.

(5) The gas connection shall provide a suitable gastight connection to the mobile home.

(6) The electric system connection receptacle or terminal box shall be of approved weatherproof type. Such receptacle shall have provisions for an equipment ground.

§ 103-15 Community areas; storage of flammable materials; fire protection.

A. Community areas.

(1) Community areas, including community facilities, shall be appropriate for intended use and location.

(2) Fences, walls, and other minor constructions shall be capable of sustaining anticipated loads.

(3) Swimming pools, playground equipment, etc., shall be designed so as not to be a potential hazard.

(4) Not less than 10% of the gross area of the park shall be devoted to recreational facilities for adult recreation, child play areas, swimming pools, and drying yards. Such recreational areas shall not be located on any mobile home lot.[1]

[1] Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).

(5) Plantings shall be provided for:

(a) Screening objectionable views.

(b) Adequate shade.

(c) Suitable setting for the mobile homes and other facilities.

B. Community structures; laundries.

(1) Community structures shall be structurally sound and appropriate for their intended use and location.

(2) There shall be provided at least one laundry unit consisting of an automatic washer and two rinse tubs or their equivalent.[2]

[2] Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).

(3) No laundry facility shall be located in toilets or bathrooms.

C. Community fuel storage. A mobile home park shall be provided with facilities for the safe and efficient storage of required fuels.[3]

[3] Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).

D. Liquefied petroleum gas. Liquefied petroleum gas storage containers having a capacity exceeding 125 gallons shall be located not less than 25 feet from the nearest mobile home, structure, building, and lot line and shall not be subject to damage from moving vehicles.

E. Fuel oil. Fuel oil and other flammable materials shall be stored so as not to be a fire hazard.

F. Fire protection. Every mobile home park shall be equipped at all times with fire-extinguishing equipment in good working order, of such type, size and number and so located within the park to satisfy applicable reasonable regulations of the Fire Department. No open fires shall be permitted.[4]

[4] Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).

§ 103-16 Property maintenance.

A. Generally. A mobile home park shall be maintained in a safe, sanitary, and orderly condition.[1]

[1] Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).

B. Premises. Premises shall be kept clean and free of physical hazards.

C. Brush and weed control. Open areas shall be maintained free of heavy undergrowth. Accumulations of plant growth which are noxious or detrimental to health shall be eliminated.

D. Infestation. Grounds and structures shall be maintained free of insect, vermin, and rodent harborage and infestation. Methods used for purposes of extermination shall conform with generally accepted practice.

E. Structures. Exterior wood surfaces of structures that are not inherently resistant to deterioration shall be periodically treated with a protective coating of paint or other suitable preservative.

F. Garbage and refuse. Adequate sanitary facilities and methods shall be used for the collection, storage, handling and disposal of garbage and refuse by private contractors, and garbage and refuse shall be collected and disposed of as frequently as may be necessary to ensure that receptacles shall not overflow.

G. Domestic animals and pets. Domestic animals and pets shall be kept in an appropriate manner and shall not be permitted to run at large or commit any nuisance within the limits of the park.[2]

[2] Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I). See also Ch. 44, Dogs and Other Animals.

§ 103-17 Inspections; duties of licensees and occupants; revocation or suspension of license.

A. Inspections.

(1) Inspectors shall be authorized and have the right, in the performance of their duties, to enter any premises during normal business hours and in emergencies whenever necessary to protect the public interest.

(2) Owners, agents, operators, and occupants shall be responsible for providing access to authorized personnel acting in the performance of their duties to all parts of the premises within their control.

B. Supervision. The licensee or a duly authorized attendant or caretaker shall be in charge at all times to keep the mobile home park, its facilities and equipment in a clean, orderly and sanitary condition. The attendant or caretaker shall be answerable, with the licensee, for a violation of any provision of this chapter to which the licensee is subject.[1]

[1] Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).

C. Additional duties of licensees.[2]

(1) It shall be the duty of each licensee on the first days of February and September of each year to file with the school district a report giving the names and ages of all children of school age living in such mobile home park.

(2) All streets and driveways in every mobile home park must be maintained in a passable and reasonably dustproof condition at all times, and all streets and driveways in every mobile home park not heretofore licensed by the county shall have a minimum width of 30 feet.

(3) It shall be the duty of every owner, or operator, or attendant of any mobile home park to report to the Health Department the full name, age and address of every person who is affected or suspected of being affected with any reportable or communicable disease.

(4) The management of every mobile home park shall assume full responsibility for maintaining in good repair and condition all sanitary and safety appliances of such park, and shall promptly bring such action as is necessary to prosecute or eject from such park any person or persons who willfully or maliciously damage such appliances, or any person or persons who fail to comply with the regulations of this chapter.

[2] Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).

D. Custodian's office. Each mobile home park shall be provided with a custodian's office where each mobile home entering such park shall be assigned to a lot, given a copy of the park rules, and registered according to the prescribed form. Such registration shall include the name and address of every occupant of such mobile home, the license number of all units, and the state issuing such licenses. The licensee shall keep a registry of all children of school age occupying mobile homes in the park. The above-mentioned register shall be signed by an occupant of the mobile home. The registration records shall be neatly and securely maintained, and no registration records shall be destroyed until three years have elapsed following the date of departure of the registrant. The register shall be available at all times for inspection by duly authorized law enforcement officers.[3]

[3] Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).

E. Responsibility of occupants. An occupants of a mobile home in a park shall be responsible for compliance with the provisions of this chapter, regardless of the fact that this chapter may also place similar responsibility on the licensee, in regard to the following:[4]

(1) Limiting occupancy of the mobile home which he/she occupies to the maximum permitted;

(2) Maintenance of the mobile home which he/she occupies in a clean, sanitary and safe condition;

(3) Maintenance of all plumbing, cooking and refrigeration fixtures and appliances in the mobile home which he/she occupies in a clean and sanitary condition, and providing reasonable care in the operation and use thereof;

(4) Disposal of garbage and refuse into provided facilities in a clean and sanitary manner;

(5) Extermination of insects, rodents or other pests within his/her mobile home if his/her mobile home is the only one infested in the park;

(6) Hanging and removing required screens; and

(7) Keeping his/her domestic animals and pets in an appropriate manner and under control.

[4] Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).

F. Revocation or suspension of license. Any license granted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to revocation or suspension by the City Council for violation of this chapter or of any other applicable provision of this Code.