The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Cabana (mobile home cabana) or screened porch means an area enclosed on three sides by temporary construction with a fourth side being a part of the mobile home and such enclosed area becoming a part of the living quarters of the mobile home to which it is attached.

Mobile home means, generally, any mobile home, travel trailer or motor home used or capable of being used as sleeping or living quarters mounted on wheels and propelled either by its own power or by other power-driven vehicle to which it may be attached; or alternately defined, for purposes of the blocking and anchoring requirements, as any vehicular portable structure built on a chassis and designed to be used and capable of being used without a permanent foundation as a dwelling when connected to utilities.

Mobile home park or park means a plot of land properly planned and subdivided particularly for the use and accommodation of mobile homes, where spaces are provided for three or more mobile homes used as living or sleeping quarters, parking spaces being maintained for rent or without rent by any person.

Travel trailer, for purposes of blocking and anchoring requirements, means a vehicular portable structure built on a chassis equipped for the road and used as a temporary dwelling during travel, recreation or vacation.

Unit, lot or site means a section of ground in any mobile home park, and being not less than 25 feet by 35 feet in dimension or an equivalent area, designated as the location for only one mobile home, but not to accommodate more than one family.

(Code 1980, § 17-1)

Cross reference— Definitions generally, § 1-2.

No mobile home shall be parked or placed in the city except in a regularly licensed mobile home park; however, such vehicles may be parked in a duly licensed garage for repairs, in a warehouse or garage for storage, or in or on a sales room or sales lot for mobile homes and/or motor vehicles, and when so parked for repairs, storage or for sale shall not be occupied for any purpose.

(Code 1980, § 17-2)

The wheels of a mobile home may be removed, and/or ground may be removed from under the wheels to permit lowering of a mobile home. Mobile homes shall at no time be permitted to be mounted upon permanent foundations.

(Code 1980, § 17-3)

(a)

Mobile homes shall be blocked properly, secured and anchored against the force of hurricane winds, in accordance with the provisions of sections 17-5 and 17-6.

(b)

Such sections do not apply to boat trailers or luggage trailers and travel trailers that are not permanent year-to-year residences. A building permit is not required for blocking and anchoring for these vehicles.

(Code 1980, § 17-4)

State Law reference— Uniform installation standards, F.S. § 320.8325.

In order that a safe mounting for a mobile home may be provided, the minimum requirements for blocking shall be in accordance with the provisions of this section. This does not apply to mobile homes previously blocked.

(1)

Where the supporting ground is capable of carrying 2,500 pounds per square foot or more in bearing (the 2,500 number is undisturbed sand and gravel), base foundations for masonry piers shall be not less than 16 inches square, nor less than eight inches deep, and shall be of solid masonry (two 8 × 8 × 16 blocks), not open core block.

(2)

Where the supporting ground carries less than 2,500 pounds per square foot in bearing, the enforcing official shall require a larger proportionate base surface for the piers.

(3)

Pier foundations shall be installed under the mobile home a maximum of ten feet on centers on each side of the mobile home frame.

(4)

If celled masonry blocks (8 × 8 × 16) are used for piers, blocks must be placed parallel to the main frame members with open cores placed vertically, on the 16-inch by 16-inch base.

(5)

If cast-in-place concrete piers are used for foundations, minimum steel in the base of the pier shall be two number 3 bars in each direction and the minimum depth of the base shall be eight inches.

(6)

Hardwood shims or shingles used in house construction shall be used over-the-top of the piers. Shims shall be fitted tightly to prevent rocking of the unit under the action of wind gusts.

(Code 1980, § 17-5)

(a)

Generally. Each mobile home shall be provided with anchors and tie-downs, as described in this section, by the owners of the mobile homes and shall be of such number and type that the largest exposed surface area of the mobile home shall be capable of withstanding a static wind pressure, whose velocity pressure shall be in accordance with the South Florida Building Code. Such anchors or tie-downs shall be attached to the frame and/or over the top of the mobile home. Mobile homes more than 60 feet long shall have three sets of anchors.

(b)

Ties.

(1)

Ties passing over the mobile home shall be snug to the coach body at both top corners and installed not more than 12 inches outside a perpendicular line to the ground and secure to the main frame members and from there to ground anchors.

(2)

Ties passing over the mobile home shall be at least three-eighths-inch-diameter wire rope, or a material possessing a minimum of 7,000 pounds' breaking strength.

(3)

Ties shall be attached to the main steel framing members and made snug by connecting to one-half-inch dropped-forged turnbuckles connected to ground anchors with three-eighths-inch wire rope, or a material possessing a minimum of 7,000 pounds' breaking strength.

(c)

Anchors. At least one anchor shall be placed near each front and rear corner of the mobile home. All anchors shall be installed in a straight line of pull with the tie.

(1)

Type A screw auger. A screw auger of minimum auger diameter of six inches with a minimum five-eighths-inch-diameter rod installed at a minimum depth below the ground surface of four feet; an eight-inch-size arrowhead anchor installed at a minimum depth of four feet below the ground surface.

(2)

Type B screw auger. An expanding prefabricated deadman of six-inch minimum size or a minimum six-inch diameter poured in place concrete deadman at least two feet in length. The bottom of each hole shall be a minimum of five feet beneath the ground surface. Backfill must be well tamped. Minimum rod diameter shall be five-eighths inch.

(3)

Type C screw auger. A precast concrete block, a steel or cast iron cone or plate of a minimum least dimension of six inches. The bottom of each hole shall be a minimum of five feet beneath the ground surface. Backfill must be tamped. Minimum rod diameter shall be five-eighths inch.

(Where the mobile home is shorter than the patio, an anchor may be installed through the patio by drilling a hole 1½ inches in diameter not less than six inches from the outside edge of the patio. An "I" bolt of not less than one-half-inch diameter and long enough to reach below the patio at least two inches with a nut or flange at least twice the size of the "I" bolt; installed by removing a portion of the earth below the patio in order to form a cone-shaped chamber into which the bonding material and "I" bolt can be placed.)

(Code 1980, § 17-6)

It shall be unlawful to attach any porch to any mobile home trailers unless and until the following conditions are complied with:

(1)

The owner or person in charge of such mobile home shall first procure written permission from the mobile home park owner or operator to construct such porch.

(2)

No porches shall be permitted unless the mobile home park owner or operator allots a space of not less than 25 by 35 feet for the parking of each such mobile home and construction of a porch. Such space shall be marked with permanent markings on each corner. A distance of not less than ten feet shall be allowed between such porch and any other mobile home, between such porch and any other porch and between any mobile home and any other mobile home.

(3)

No such porch shall be larger than ten feet wide, and the length of the mobile home in size and the long side of the porch shall be parallel with the long side of the mobile home.

(4)

Before any such porch is erected, application shall be made and a permit for the building of such a porch shall be procured and the appropriate fees paid.

(5)

To secure such permit, an applicant shall first submit a letter from the mobile home park owner granting permission to erect such a porch; and there shall be submitted a drawing or plan showing the location of the mobile home in the park and showing the location of the porch in the park; and the plan for such proposed porch shall be submitted in duplicate. If the plan shows a structure that complies with the provisions of this section and is safe and is approved by the building official, a permit for the erection of the porch shall be issued; however, prior to issuing the permit, the building official shall inspect the site of the proposed porch and ascertain that all conditions as set forth in this section have been fully complied with. After the porch has been erected, the building official shall also inspect the finished porch to ascertain that it has been constructed in accordance with the plans and specifications submitted and according to all the provisions and conditions of this section; and if it has been ascertained that the provisions of this section have not been complied with in full and the porch has not been erected in accordance with the plans submitted at the time of procuring such permit, the porch shall be subject to its immediate removal.

(Code 1980, § 17-7)

All owners and operators of mobile home parks within the city are permitted to place concrete slabs in front of the entrance of mobile homes parked in such parks, such slabs to be of such dimensions as shall be prescribed by the park owner or operator.

(Code 1980, § 17-8)

(a)

With permission from the owner of a mobile home park, awnings may be attached to one side only of such mobile homes parked in such parks, such awnings not to be longer than the mobile home to which it is attached; and such awnings shall be supported on metal rods or pipes. Railings or other fixtures cannot be attached to the awnings or supports.

(b)

Aluminum awnings which can be dismantled within a short period of time shall be permitted for use on mobile homes. Every mobile home owner using such awnings, together with the mobile home park owner who permits its use, is held responsible for the removal of such awnings within one hour from a hurricane alert. Any person responsible for the removal of such awnings upon an alert's being sounded who fails or refuses to remove such awnings within the allotted time shall be in violation of this chapter.

(c)

This provision pertaining to awnings shall apply only in mobile home parks and shall in no way affect any provision of the building code other than as specifically stated in this chapter.

(Code 1980, § 17-9)

Any person applying for a permit and/or license to establish and operate a mobile home park must first file in duplicate with the approving authority a copy of the plan of the proposed park. This plan with the legal description of the property shown shall be drawn to scale and must show clearly the extent and area to be used for park purposes. All proposed roadways and/or driveways shall be shown, together with each proposed location or site for mobile homes, location and size of all concrete slabs, proposed utilities, sanitary conveniences, laundry buildings, toilets, washrooms, slop sinks, the proposed method of sewage disposal or removal, the plan for water supply and lighting, and all other improvements. Before any permit or license shall be granted, these plans must first be fully approved by the building department.

(Code 1980, § 17-10)

Mobile home parks shall be permitted only in the areas of the city zoned as specified in the comprehensive zoning ordinance.

(Code 1980, § 17-11)

Cross reference— Zoning and land development code, ch. 32.

It shall be unlawful for any person to establish, maintain or operate within the city or its jurisdiction any mobile home park, including any location or plot of ground for use of travel trailers or motor homes of transients by the day, week, month or season, whether or not a charge is made, who does not possess a permit from the health authorities.

(Code 1980, § 17-12)

Cross reference— Health and sanitation, ch. 13.

All land used as a mobile home park shall be located on well-drained sites of ample size, free from heavy or dense growth of brush or weeds; the land shall be free from marsh and shall be graded to ensure rapid drainage during and following rain.

(Code 1980, § 17-13)

Each unit in a mobile home park shall be provided with an ample and adequate supply of water of safe, sanitary quality.

(Code 1980, § 17-14)

Each mobile home park shall be provided with safe and adequate provision for the collection and removal of waste and garbage and shall provide a proper and acceptable sewer system either by connection to the city sewer system where such is available, or to approved septic tanks, all of which shall comply fully with all laws, ordinances and regulations prescribed by the city health authority and the state division of health.

(Code 1980, § 17-15)

Cross reference— Health and sanitation, ch. 13; utilities, ch. 30.

All buildings and structures erected within mobile home parks shall comply with the building code, plumbing code, electrical code, and any other such codes and all sanitary rules and regulations of the city.

(Code 1980, § 17-16)

Each unit or site in any mobile home park upon which a mobile home is placed shall be not less than 25 feet by 35 feet in area, clearly defined by markers at each corner. The site shall be level and free from rocks and weeds.

(Code 1980, § 17-17)

Each unit or site shall be well drained, and the floor of each mobile home shall be not less than four inches above ground level for ventilation.

(Code 1980, § 17-18)

No mobile home shall be placed upon any site at any less distance than ten feet from any building.

(Code 1980, § 17-19)

(a)

No building in a mobile home park site shall be placed or erected within less than five feet of the property line separating the park from adjoining property, measuring from the nearest point of the cottage site or location.

(b)

No building in the mobile home park abutting on any public street, avenue, boulevard, terrace, court or public way shall be located beyond the established setback line and in no case closer than 20 feet to any street, avenue, boulevard, terrace, court or public way.

(c)

No mobile home or any part or portion of such home shall be placed closer than one foot from a public street, avenue, boulevard, terrace, court, alley or other public way or to the lot line of property adjoining the trailer park where the adjoining property is zoned for business; but if the adjoining property is zoned an R classification, the setback shall be five feet.

(d)

A mobile home having an attached unenclosed awning must maintain the same setback requirement for such awning as is set forth in subsection (c) of this section.

(e)

Where there is an attached enclosed porch, cabana or enclosed awning on a mobile home, the setback of such enclosed area shall be five feet from any public street, avenue, boulevard, terrace, court, alley or other public way, or to the lot line of property adjoining the trailer park where the adjoining property is zoned for business; but if the adjoining property is zoned an R classification, the setback shall be five feet; and also there shall be a five-foot setback from such attached enclosed porch, cabana or enclosed awning and any other mobile home or attached enclosed porch, cabana or awning.

(Code 1980, § 17-20)

Hard-surfaced roadways or driveways shall be provided not less than 18 feet in width, well marked in the daytime and well lighted at night, such roadways or driveways to be so located that each unit of the park is easily accessible. All entrances and exits from the park shall be well marked and so arranged that they will be easily controlled and supervised.

(Code 1980, § 17-21)

The use of entrances and exits of mobile home parks shall be enforced. Where it is established by complaint of adjoining property owners that their property is being trespassed upon by occupants of or visitors to any park, it shall be the duty of the owner, manager or other person responsible to provide a fence or other effective barrier to ensure such owners of adjoining property protection against trespassing.

(Code 1980, § 17-22)

(a)

Each mobile home park shall be under the direct management of the owner or licensee or his agent or representative for whose acts he shall be fully responsible.

(b)

The name of the person entrusted with the direct management of the park shall be filed for reference with the police department. Such person must be of good reputation and character and shall satisfy the public authority of his experience and capacity to supervise, manage, regulate, control and maintain good order in the camp.

(Code 1980, § 17-24)

Each mobile home park shall be provided with a building to be known as the office in which shall be kept copies of all records pertaining to the management or supervision of the park, such records to be available for inspection by the health authority and by the police department.

(Code 1980, § 17-25)

(a)

No manufactured home shall be placed in a coastal high-hazard area, except in an existing manufactured home park or existing manufactured home subdivision.

(b)

All manufactured homes shall be anchored to resist flotation, collapse or lateral movement by providing over-the-top and frame ties to ground anchors. Specific requirements shall be that:

(1)

Over-the-top ties be provided at each end of the manufactured home, with one additional tie per side at an intermediate location on manufactured homes of less than 50 feet and one additional tie per side for manufactured homes of 50 feet or more;

(2)

Frame ties be provided at each corner of the home with four additional ties per side at intermediate points for manufactured homes less than 50 feet long and one additional tie for manufactured homes of 50 feet or longer;

(3)

All components of the anchoring system be capable of carrying a force of 4,800 pounds; and

(4)

Any additions to the manufactured home be similarly anchored.

(c)

New manufactured home parks and subdivisions; expansions to existing manufactured home parks and subdivisions; existing manufactured home parks and subdivisions where the repair, reconstruction or improvements of the streets, utilities and pads equals or exceeds 50 percent of value of the streets, utilities and pads before the repair, reconstruction or improvement has commenced; and manufactured homes not placed in a manufactured home park or subdivision require:

(1)

Stands or lots elevated on compacted fill or on pilings so that the lowest floor of the manufactured home will be at or above the base flood level;

(2)

Provision of adequate surface drainage and access for a hauler; and

(3)

In the instance of elevation on pilings:

a.

Lots large enough to permit steps;

b.

Piling foundations placed in stable soil no more than ten feet apart; and

c.

Reinforcement provided for pilings more than six feet above ground level.

(Code 1980, § 8-24(B)(3))