Decision on Mobile Home Park Ordinance Postponed
Mobile home park owners and residents in Ventura squared off Monday night in a three-hour public hearing over proposed changes to the city’s mobile home park ordinance.
After the hearing, the Ventura City Council postponed a decision on whether to revise the much-debated city law. The postponement frustrated park owners and tenants, who have fought for separate changes to the 6-month-old law that limits the amount of money park owners can charge for their spaces.
“I think the new council people don’t understand it,” former Mayor John McWherter said of the proposed changes to the ordinance. “They want to start all over again and change it, and we don’t have time.”
City officials proposed revisions in anticipation of a statewide ballot initiative in March that would make it harder for cities to amend rent control laws for mobile home parks.
More than 100 mobile home park residents jammed the council chambers Monday night. They have pushed for tougher rent controls to prevent park owners from jacking up their rents.
At the same time, park owners have asked the council to protect their ability to profit from their investments.
“If both parties leave here not totally happy, that means we probably ended up with a good ordinance,” Councilman Ray Di Guilio said.
The issue is expected to return for council consideration later this month.
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