The Salem City Council tabled action Tuesday night on making changes to the mobile home ordinance after questions were raised about an outright ban on homes more than 20 years old.
Landlord Keith Sheeler pointed to a mobile home he is trying to move from a mobile home park to a lot he owns.
“It’s snow white just like it came off the showroom floor. All that I ask is that you inspect if it is over 20 [years old], go in and inspect it,” said Sheeler. “I’ve seen ten-year-old trailers I wouldn’t live in.”
But City Manager Annette Sola says they have no one qualified to inspect the insides of mobile homes to determine if they should be allowed in the city. It was also noted the older homes would not meet the Manufactured Home Improvement Act including such things as electrical wiring.
Mayor Nic Farley began asking questions about the ordinance change before the meeting and expressed his concerns after the meeting.
“I don’t want it to be arbitrary. I want it to be something that is realistic and doable. Yet, safe for everybody and the neighbors around, is bringing one in.” Farley explains, “I’d like to look and see what the recommendations are of the city staff as we do a little more research and see what the best ways to update our code.”
No date was set to bring the issue back before the city council.
