Colbert adopts mobile home ordinance

“We’ve had to re-do the way we think as a city, because of the state and what they’ve done with the trailer ordinance,” said Mayor Chris Peck. “We had a seven-year maximum age limit on trailers and the county had a 12 year, but since we can no longer turn them down because of age, we both have had to re-do our thinking on the matter.”

Describing the development of the ordinance, city attorney Dale Perry explained the various aspects of its implementation.

“They eliminated any restriction of a mobile home based on age, so what we’ve had to do is come back in and create an ordinance that says the pre-owned manufactured homes must meet several regulations and requirements before moving into the city,” he said.

Perry listed a few regulations that must be met with the implementation of the ordinance.

“The procedure of moving in a mobile home is the same if it’s been sitting somewhere for only two days or 50 years,” said Perry. “You must obtain a permit or letter signed by the city, submit an affidavit signed by the applicant, give pictures of the interior and exterior to show that it’s in good shape, have the building inspected by a person appointed or designated by the city of Colbert and pay a refundable cash deposit.”

Concerned with the thought of possible abandonment by the owners, city clerk Vicky Smith questioned the responsibility regarding such a situation.
“What if they never meet the regulations, or are just abandoned here in the city?” asked Smith.

Perry explained how situations will be handled at the owner’s expense rather than that of the city.

“If someone moves in a mobile home and just abandons it, it will probably cost us about $1,500 to move and dispose of it,” said Perry. “So the deposit, which would have originally been reimbursed to the owner of the mobile home after meeting all requirements, would then be used to take care of the building so it’s not done at our taxpayer’s expense.”

Smith asked questions regarding fees and the responsibility of the county.

“Will the county issue the certificates of occupancy?” she asked. “And will there be a separate fee for the cost of inspection?”

Mayor Peck said the county gives the certificate of occupancy.

“And as far as I know there is no other fee for inspection, other than the possibility of one that the inspector might charge himself,” said Peck.

Perry reiterated the necessity for having such an ordinance.

“Some people are under the impression that just because we can’t ban them because of age, they’re just going to come on in,” said Perry. “That’s why it was imperative that we make these regulations effective as soon as possible.”

OTHER BUSINESS

In other matters, the roof of the old school building is now completed, but the city council unanimously decided to pay another $1,500 to install gutters, downspouts and place water sealant around the foundation of the building, in order to deter flooding and water damage. The DOT has asked the city to assist in the paving of Colbert-Danielsville Road, by paying for the project with their state roads funds. The fire hall is finally undergoing some much-needed upgrades. Also, Peck and city advisor John Waggoner met with a hydrologist to survey future locations to put a new well for the city, but decided not to continue with that project any longer.

“He gave us an estimated price of $25,000, so we’re probably not going to pursue that any further,” said Peck. “Plus Piedmont water said we’re good on water for the foreseeable future.”