Planning Commission Discusses Mobile Home Parks

Mobile home parks were the legislative topic at Monday’s Planning Commission meeting. Assembly Member Yundt requested repeal of the existing legislation saying it’s burdensome and hinders the expansion of affordable housing options.

Land Use and Planning Director Alex Strawn says the current legislation requires both a Conditional Use Permit approved by the Planning Commission and a multi-family permit approved by the Department. Repeal would mean mobile home parks are approved only through the Department. 

Commission Chair CJ Koan clarified that conditional use permits allow for public comment because they are approved by the Planning Commission at a public meeting. Multi-family housing permits do not go through a public comment process. While the current dual permit requirements have some overlaps, there are some features unique to each, like play areas and screening requirements.

The Assembly requested that the Commission consider whether the mobile home park legislation might only apply to the core area. Commissioners say the core area is constantly growing, which means some areas that may not have mobile home parks today might have them soon if that application stands. 

Strawn says the legislation would apply Borough-wide, unless a Special Use District, or SpUD, does not allow them. Talkeetna’s SpUD does not.  

The Planning Commission ultimately voted against the resolution to repeal the legislation. However, Commissioners voted to make a recommendation to the Assembly to combine the multi-family and mobile home park legislation. That would require a Planning Commission hearing for both and preserve desirable features from each.