LAHARPE — An ordinance prohibiting residents from bringing old mobile homes into town deserves a closer look, LaHarpe City Council members agreed Wednesday.
Council members heard a request from Michael and Tisha Maloney, who hope to bring in a modular home, which will then be occupied by a relative.
The issue is the home was manufactured in 1999. An 18-year-old modular home exceeds the threshold set forth by city ordinances, which prohibits the placing of any such structures if they’re more than 10 years old.
Despite the age, the home is in immaculate shape, the Maloneys noted, bringing in photos for the Council to inspect.
Councilman David Lee noted the city recently rejected a similar request because the home was too old. If the city begins accepting mobile homes older than 10 years old, a set of standards still must be in place, he said.
Councilman Ron Knavel Sr. noted the mobile home ordinance was put in place several years ago to prevent folks from bringing in aging, substandard structures.
“Something built in 1999 isn’t that old,” added Danny Ware Jr., a contractor. “My question is, what’s the difference between a mobile home built in 1999 and one built in 2007. Answer: absolutely nothing.”
Both have the same types of frames, electric systems, Ware added.
Council members agreed to take a closer look at the ordinance, and will visit with City Attorney Chuck Apt.
Meanwhile, the Maloneys plan to seek an available lot for the mobile home, one of the precursors to getting a variance if the ordinance is not changed.
In a related matter, Ray Maloney, Michael’s father, told the Council the Regional Rural Tech Center construction classes soon will begin manufacturing what essentially are tiny homes, roughly 16 foot by 30 foot, with open floor plans, large enough to comfortably hold one or two occupants.
The elder Maloney asked the Council again about changing another city ordinance to allow for such structures to be placed in LaHarpe and be eligible for property tax incentives.
Council members asked Maloney to visit more with Apt to come up with a proposed ordinance for them to consider.
