1981S2- MINIMUM STANDARDS MOBILE HOME PARKS AND MOBILE HOME SUBDIVISIONS
I
I
tj ,...
MOBILE HOME ORDINANCE
FOR THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION VIII: COMPLIANCE REQUIRED.
1
1
2
4
4
. 6
. 6
16
SECTION I DEFINITIONS.
SECTION II PERMITS...
SECTION III LICENSES..
SECTION IV INSPECTION.
SECTION V NOTICES, HEARINGS AND ORDERS.
SECTION VI : MOBILE HOMES ON INDIVIDUAL LOTS.
SECTION VII MOBILE HOME PARKS. .
SECTION IX
SECTION X
MOBILE HOME SUBDIVISIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
TRAVEL TRAILER AND/OR RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
(R.V.) PARK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17
SECTION XI
SECTI ON XII
MOBILE HOME IN PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT. .
18
CONFLICT WITH OTHER ORDINANCES. . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
SECTION XIII: SEVERABILITY CLAUSE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
SECTION XIV: PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.
APPENDI X A . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
18
. 19
ORDINANCE NO. f/-S -~
AN ORDINANCE
PROVIDING MINIMUM STANDARDS rOR MOBILr HOMr PARKS AND
MOBILE HOME SUBDIVISIONS; ESTABLISHING REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, ALTERATION, EXTENSION
AND MAINTENANCE OF MOBILE HOME PARKS AND RELATED
UTILITIES AND FACILITIES; AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE
OF PERMITS FOR CONSTRUCTION, ALTERATION AND EXTENSION
OF MOBILE HOME PARKS; AUTHORIZING THE LICENSING OF
OPERATORS OF MOBILE HOME PARKS; AUTHORIZING THE
INSPECTION OF MOBILE HOME PARKS AND FIXING PENALTIES
FOR VIOLATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS:
SECTION
SECTION
I Definitions
(See Appendix A)
II Permits
A. No permit shall be issued for the construction or
occupancy of a permanent residential structure in
any mobile home park with the following exceptions;
1. One existing residential structure may be
retained or one new residential structure may
be constructed for the occupancy of the owner
or operator of the park.
2. An existing residence may be converted to a
clubhouse, community center or service building
for use by the residents of the mobile home park.
B. Permit Required
1. It shall be unlawful for any person to locate,
construct, alter or extend any mobile home park
or to locate any mobile home within the limits
of the City of Schertz (either within a mobile
home park or located on an individual lot)
unless he holds a valid permit issued by the
Building Official in the name of such person
for the specific location, construction,
alteration or extension proposed.
C. Application Requirements
All applications for permits shall be made upon
standard forms provided by the Building Official
and shall contain the following:
1. Name and address of the applicant.
2. Location and legal description of the mobile
home park, subdivision, PUD, or lot where the
mobile home is to be located.
3. A site plan including all data under Section
VII her~of. (If a mobile home park.)
4. Plans and specifications of all buildings and other
improvements constructed or to be constructed within
the mobile home park.
5. Such other information as may be requested by those
members of the City Staff who review applications,
the Planning and Zoning Commission or City Council in
determining whether the application complies with
legal requirements.
D. Permit Fee
All such permit applications to the Building Official shall be
accomplished by a fee to be determined by the City Manager and
approved by the City Council.
E. A lication Procedure and Issuance of Permit
Five COpleS 0 t e app lcatlOn and all accompa!lying plans
and specifications shall be filed. The Building Official and
the Planning and Zoning Commission shall inspect the proposed
plans and specifications. If the mobile home park or indi-
vidual mobile home is in compliance with all provisions of
this Ordinance and all other applicable statutes, the Planning
and Zoning Commission may approve the application; and, in the
case of proposed parks, make such approval contingent upon the
completion of work according to the plans and specifications
submitted with the application. The Building Official (at the
direction of the Planning and Zoning Commission) shall issue
the permit.
F. Subdivision Plat
Mobile home parks, subdivisions and individual mobile home lots
shall be subject to all applicable rules and regulations as set
forth in the Subdivision Ordinance No. 80-S-13, City of Schertz.
Plat plans of the property submltted, with request for permit,
does not replace or supersede the Subdivision plat of the property
required by State law to be recorded in the County Records after
review and approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
G. Denial of Permit; Hearing
Any person whose application for a permit under this Ordinance
has been denied, may request a hearing on the matter under the
procedure provided by Section V of this Ordinance.
SECTION III LICENSES
A. License Required
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate any mobile home
park within the city limits of Schertz unless such person holds
a valid license issued annually by the City of Schertz in the
name of such person for the specific park. All applications for
licenses shall be made in writing to the City of Schertz on fonms
furnished by the Building Official, who shall issue a license upon
compliance by the applicant with provisions of this Ordinance. The
City of Schertz shall not issue a license unless the applicant is a
valid holder of a Certificate of Occupancy. At any time a Certifi-
cate of Occupancy is revoked, the license is automatically void.
2
B. Application for Original License
Application for the original license shall be in writing, signed
by the applicant, accompanied by an affidavit of the applicant
as to the truth of the application and by the deposit of the
license fee hereinafter provided; and shall contain:
1. The name and address of the applicant.
2. The location and legal description of the park.
3. A site plan of the park, community, or neighborhood park
showing all mobile home spaces, structures. roads, walkways.
and other service facilities.
4. Before the original license is issued. the City of Schertz
shall obtain the approval of the Fire Chief on the fire
fighting appliances, water supply, accessways, or other
applicable conditions as meeting fire safety requirements.
5. Other such information as may be requested by the City.
C. Denial of License; Hearin~ .
Any person whose applicatlon for a license under this Ordinance
has been denied may request and shall be granted a hearing on the
matter under the procedure provided by Section V of this Ordinance.
D. Application for License Renewal
Application for renewal of a license shall be made in writing by
the licensee on forms furnished by the Building Official on or
before October 1 of each year. Such application shall contain
any changes in the information occuring after the original license
was issued or the latest renewal granted. Before the renewal
license is issued. the City of Schertz shall obtain the approval
of the Fire Chief on the fire fighting appliances, water supply,
access ways. or other applicable conditions as meeting fire safety
requirements.
E. License Fee
All original license applications or renewals thereof shall be
accompanied by a fee as approved by the' City Council. All re-
newal fees shall be due on October 1 of each year.
F. Transfers of License
Every person holding a license shall give notice in writing to
the City of Schertz within ten (10) days after having sold, trans-
ferred, given away. or otherwise disposed of interest in or con-
trol of any mobile home park. Application for transfer of license
shall be made within ten (10) calendar days after notification of
change covered in sentence one of this paragraph. Within ten (10)
calendar days thereafter;.the.City shall act on the application .for
license transfer and it shall be approved if the park is in com-
pliance with the provisions of this Ordinance.
G. Transfer of License Fee
All applications for license transfer shall be accompanied by a
fee as approved by the City Council.
H. Violations; Notices; Suspension of License
Whenever. upon inspection of any mobile home or mobile home park.
the Building Official finds that conditions or practices exist
which are in violations of any provisions of this Ordinance appli-
cable to such park. the Building Official shall give notice in
writing, in accordance with Section V of this Ordinance. to the
owner, licensee or agent that unless such conditions or practices
are corrected within a reasonable period of time specified in
such notice. the license or permit (in the case of an individual
mobile .home) shall be suspended and give. notice in writing of
such suspension to the owner. licensee or his agent. Upon receipt
3
of notice of such suspension, the owner or licensee shall cease
operation of such mobile home or park, except as provided in
Section V hereof.
I. Temporary License
A temporary license, upon written request therefore, shall be
issued by the Building Official for every mobile home park in
existence upon the effective date of this Ordinance permitting
the mobile home park to be operated during the period ending
one hundred eighty (lBO) days after the effective date of this
Ordinance in accordance with such conditions as the Building
Official may require. The term of the temporary license shall
be extended, upon written request, for not to exceed one addi-
tional period of one hundred eighty (180) days, if:
1. The licensee shall have filed an applicaiton for a license
in conformity with Section III, paragraph B of this Ordinance
within ninety (90) days after the effective date of this
Ordinance;
2. The plans and specifications accompanying the applications
for license comply with all provisions of this Ordinance
and all other appliable ordinances and statutes;
3. The licensee shall have diligently endeavored to make the
existing mobile home park conform fully to the plans and
specifications submitted with the application;
4. Failure to make the existing mobile home park conform fully
to such plans and specifications shall have been due to
causes beyond the control of the licensee.
SECTION 'IV INSPECTION
A. Inspections Required
The Building Official, City Health Officer, Fire Chief, Police
Chief, and Tax Assessor-Collector are hereby authorized and
directed to make such inspections as are necessary to determine
compliance with this Ordinance.
B. Entry on Premises
The Building Official, City Health Officer, Fire Chief, Police
Chief, and Tax Assessor-Collector shall have the power to enter
at reasonable times upon any private or public property for the
purpose of inspecting and investigating conditions relating to
the enforcement of this Ordinance.
C. Inspection of Required Roster
The Building Official, City Health Officer, Fire Chief, Police
Chief, and Tax Assessor-Collector shall have the power and
authority in discharging their official duties to inspect the
park's required register which shall contain a current record
of all residents of the mobile home park.
D. Duty of Occupants
It shall bethE!OUty of every occupant of a mobile home park to
give the licensee, his agent, or authorized employee access ,to
any part of such park at reasonable times for the purpose of
making such repairs or alternations as are necessary to effect
compliance with the Ordinance.
SECTION V NOTICES, HEARINGS, AND ORDERS
A. Notices of Violations; Requirements of Notice
Whenever it is determined that there are grounds to believe
that there has been a violation of any provision of this
Ordinance, the Building Official shall give notice of such
4
alleged violation to the owner, licensee or agent, as
hereinafter provided. Such notice shall:
1. Be in writing.
2. Include a statement of the reasons for it's issuance.
3. Allow a reasonable time for the performance of the act it
requires.
4. Be served upon the owner, licensee or his agent; provided
that such notice or order shall be deemed to have been
properly served upon such licensee or agent when a copy
thereof has been sent by mail to his last known address,
or when he has been served with such notice by any method
authorized or required by the laws of this State.
5. Contain an outline of remedial action; which, if taken,
will effect compliance with the provisions of this
Ordinance.
B. Appeal from Denial of Permit or License
Any person affected by the refusal of the Building Official
to issue a permit or license, or renew a license under the
provisions of this ordinance as set out in Section II and
Section III hereof, may request and shall be granted a hear-
ing on the matter before the City Council of the City of
Schertz provided that such aggrieved person shall file, with-
in ten (10) days after the day the permit or license was
refused, in the office of the Building Official a written
petition requesting such hearing and setting forth a brief
statement of the grounds thereof. Upon receipt of such
petition, the Building Official shall forward it to the City
Manager who shall request the City Council to set a time and
place for such hearing and shall provide the petitioner notice
thereof. At such hearing the petitioner shall be given an
opportunity to be heard and to show why such refusal should
be modified or withdrawn.
C. A eal from Enforcement Notice Issued b the Cit of Schertz
Any person a ecte by any notlce w lch has een lssue ln
connection with the enforcement of any provision of this
ordinance by the City of Schertz may request and shall be
granted a hearing on the matter before the City Council of
Schertz provided that such person shall file within ten (10)
days after the day the notice was served in the office of
the Building Official a written petition requesting such
hearing and setting forth a brief statement of the grounds
thereof. The filing of the request for a hearing shall
operate as a stay of the notice and a stay of the suspension
of the operator's license, except in the case of an order
issued under Section V, paragraph F of this ordinance. Upon
the receipt of such petition, the Building Official shall
forward such petition to the City Manager who shall request
the City Council to set a time and place for such hearing and
shall give the petitioner written notice thereof. At such
hearing the petitioner shall be given an opportunity to be
heard and to show why such notice should be modified or
withdrawn.
D. Appeal Hearings
Any appeal hearings shall occur no later than thirty (30) days
after the submittal of a written request for a hearing.
5
E. Hearing Order
After such hearing, the Building Official shall issue an
order in writing sustaining, modifying or withdrawing the
refusal or notice of violation, which order shall be served
as provided in Section V, A 4 hefeof. Upon failure to com-
ply with an order by the City of Schertz sustaining or mod-
ifying a decision thereof, the certificate of occupancy and
the license of the park affected by the order shall be
revoked.
F. Order Without Notice
Whenever the Building Official finds that an emergency exists
which requires immediate action to protect the public health
or safety, the Building Official may, with the consent of the
City Manager, without notice or hearing, issue an order stating
the existence of such an emergency and requiring that action be
taken as he may deem necessary to meet the emergency. Notwith-
standing any other provisions of this Ordinance, such order
shall be effective immediately. Any person to whom such an
order is directed shall comply immediately, but upon written
petition to the City of Schertz shall be afforded a hearing as
soon as possible. The provisions of Section V, paragraph D of
the ordinance shall be applicable to such hearing and the order
issued thereafter.
SECTION VI MOBILE HOMES ON INDIVIDUAL LOTS
A. Mobile homes may be located on individual lots within the City
provided that they meet both the applicable requirements of
the Zoning Ordinance of Schertz and of this Ordinance.
B. A permit under the provisions of Section II of this Ordinance
shall be obtained prior to the placement of a mobile home on
an individual lot.
C. No person shall park or occupy any mobile home outside an
approved mobile home park or on the premise where there is
an occupied dwelling; except, the parking of only one (l)
mobile home behind the building setback lines of a plotted
lot is permitted providing no living quarters shall be main-
tained in such mobile home while such mobile home is so
parked or stored.
SECTION VII MOBILE HOME PARKS
A. Site Plan
A site plan shall be filed as required by Section II, paragraph
C of this Ordinance, at a scale of 1" = 100 feet and shall show
the following:
1. The area and dimensions of the tract of land, with identi-
fication of location and boundaries.
2. The number, location, and size of all mobile home spaces.
3. The location, width, and specifications of driveways, road-
ways, and walkways.
4. The location and specifications of water and sewer lines and
riser pipes.
5. The location and details of lighting, electrical and gas
systems.
6. The location and specifications of all buildings constructed
~ or to be constructed within the park.
7. Existing and proposed topography of the mobile home park.
8. The location of fire mains, including the size, the hydrants,
6
and any other equipment which may be provided.
9. Shall show drainage plans and facilities.
10. Such other information as municipal reviewing officials
may reasonably require.
11. A print of the site or lot plan shall be sent by the
Building Official to the City Departments designated
by the City Manager and approval obtained from them
prior to the issuance of a permit.
B. Site Re9uirements
Any moblle home park constructed after the adoption of this
Ordinance, and any extension or addition to any existing
mobile home park in the City, shall be done in compliance
with the following requirements:
1. Location
A mobile home park shall be located only on sites having
a zoning classification of Mobile Home Residential Dist-
rict (MH) as defined in the Zoning Ordinance of the City
of Schertz. Mobile Home Parks located in an area
designated flood plain will comply with the City of
Schertz Flood Plan Management Ordinance No. 77-M-9.
2. Basic Mobile Home Minimum Site Requirements
a. Minimum Lot Area
Mobile Home lots shall have a minimum area of 5,000
square feet for each mobile home unit.
b. Space Requirements
A maximun of eight (8) mobile home spaces per gross
acre will be permitted.
c. O~en SEace Requirements
() The minimum front yard setback shall be ten (10)
feet from the nearest corner of the mobile home
to the front line of the mobile home space.
(2) No mobile home shall be closer than ten (10) feet
to any property line nor closer than twenty-five
(25) feet to the property line adjoining a public
street.
(3) For other structures on each space, the minimum
setback shall be at least ten (10) feet.
(4) The minimum distance between mobile homes at any
point shall be twenty-five (25) feet, provided
however that mobile homes parked end-to-end may
have a clearance of not less than twenty (20)
feet.
d. Height Re~ulations
(1) The eight limitations for any structure in the
mobile home park shall be thirty (30) feet.
(2) The average height of the mobile home frame above
the ground elevation, measured at 90 degrees to
the frame, shall not exceed three (3) feet.
e. Soil and Ground Cover
Exposed ground surfaces in all parts of every mobile
home park shall be paved, covered with stone screening
or other solid material, or protected with a vegetative
growth that is capable of preventing soil erosion and
of eliminating dust.
7
I
,
f. Drainage
The ground surface in all parts of a park shall be
graded and equipped to drain all surface water in
a safe, efficient manner.
g. Desi n and Location of Stora e Facilities
Un ess provl e ln current mo 1 e ome models, storage
facilities with a minimum capacity of two hundred (200)
cubic feet and a maximum of five hundred (500) cubic
feet per mobile home space may be provided on the mobile
home space, or in compounds located within one hundred
(100) feet of each space. Where provided, storage
facilities shall be designed in a manner that will en-
hance the appearance of the park and shall be faced
with masonry, porcelainized steel, baked enamel steel
or other material equal in fire resistance, durability
and appearance. Storage outside the perimeter walls of
the mobile home shall be permitted only if in such
facilities.
h. Mobile Home Stands
The area of the mobile home stand or space shall pro-
vide adequate support and drainage for placement of
the mobile home.
C. Access and Traffic Circulation; Parkin
1. nterna streets, no-par lng area signs, and street name
signs shall be privately owned, built, and maintained.
Streets shall be designed for safe and convenient access
to all spaces and to facilities for common use of park
residents. Internal streets shall be kept open and free
of obstruction in order that police and fire vehicles may
have access to any area of the mobile home park. The Police
Department shall be authorized to issue citations for the
violation of the provisions herein and to remove and impound
offending vehicles.
2. On all sections of internal streets on which parking is
prohibited under this Ordinance, the owner or agent shall
erect metal signs prohibiting parking. The sign type,
size, height and location shall be approved by the City
Traffic Engineer prior to installation.
3. All internal streets shall be constructed to specifications
established by the Schertz Subdivision Ordinance and shall
be maintained by the owner or agent free of any cracks,
holes, and other hazards. Internal streets shall be designed
by a licensed professional engineer in accordance with good
engineering designs and shall be approved by the City
Engineer prior to issuance of an Occupancy Permit for the
park.
4. Internal Street Dimensions and Parkin
a. n internal street or common access route shall be pro-
vided to each mobile home space. Such street shall have
a minimum width of thirty (30) feet and off-street park-
ing shall be in a ratio of two (2) parking spaces for
each mobile home space. On-street parking shall be per-
mitted on only one side of the street. The internal
streets shall be continuous and connect with other
internal streets or with public streets, or shall be
provided with a cul-de-sac having a minimum diameter of
ninety-five (95) feet. No internal street ending in a
8
cul-de-sac shall exceed five hundred (500) feet in
1 ength.
b. If no off-street parking is provided in a ratio of no
less than two (2) spaces for each mobile home site, the
minimum street width shall be thirty-six (36) feet. All
other requirements remain the same as in the proceeding
paragraph with the exception that parking will be per-
mitted on both sides of the street.
5. Each parking space shall be hard-surfaced with all-weather
material, and located to eliminate interference with access
to parking areas provided for other mobile homes and for
public parking in the park.
6. Internal streets shall permit unobstructed access to with-
in at least one hundred (100) feet of any portion of each
mobile home.
7. Within each mobile home park, all streets shall be named,
and mobile homes numbered to conform with block numbers on
adjacent public streets. All street name signs and house
numbers shall be of reflective material. These street
signs shall be of a color and size contrasting with those
on public streets so that there is no confusion regarding
which are public streets. These signs and numbers shall be
standard size and placement to facilitate location by
emergency vehicles.
8. Interior streets shall intersect adjoining public streets
at approximately ninety (90) degrees and at locations which
will eliminate or minimize interference with traffic on
these public streets.
9. Wa 1 ks
a. All mobile home sites and parks shall be provided with
safe, convenient, all-season pedestrian access of ade-
quate width for intended use, durable and convenient to
maintain, between individual mobile homes, the park
streets and all community facilities provided for park
residents. Sudden changes in alignment and gradient
shall be avoided.
b. A common walk system shall be provided and maintained
between locations where pedestrian traffic is con-
centrated. Such common walks have a minimum width of
four (4) feet.
c. All mobile home stands shall be connected to common walks,
to paved streets or to paved driveways or parking spaces
connecting to a paved street. Such individual walks shall
have a minimum width of three (3) feet.
D. Street Lighting
Street lighting within the mobile home park shall be provided
along all internal streets. Street lights will be installed
in accordance with the City of Schertz Subdivision Ordinance.
E. Mobile Home Stands
The area of the mobile home stand shall be improved to provide
an adequate foundation for the placement and tie-down of the
mobile home~ thereby securing the superstructure against uplift,
sliding, rotation, and overturning.
a. The mobile home stand shall not heave, shift, or settle
uneyenly..under the_weight .of the mobi.le home due to. frost
action, inadequate drainage, vibration, or other forces
9
acting on the superstructure.
b. The mobile home stand shall be provided with a minimum of
six anchors and tie-downs such as cast-in concrete "dead-
men" eyelets imbedded in the concrete foundation on run-
ways, strew anchors, arrowhead anchors, or other devices
securing the stability of the mobile home. Anchors and
tie-downs shall be placed at least in the center and at
each corner of the mobile home stand and each shall be
able to sustain a minimum tensile strength of 6,500 pounds.
c. Where the provisions of the State of Texas Mobile Home tie-
down standards impose greater restrictions the provision
of State standards shall prevail.
F. Fire Safety Standards
1. Stora e and Handlin of Li uefied Petroleum Gases
In par s 1n Wh1C liquefie petro eum gases are stored and
dispensed, their handling and storage shall comply with re-
quirements of the applicable codes of the City governing
such systems and regulations of the Texas Railroad Com-
mission pertaining thereto.
2. Stora e and Handlin of Flammable li uids
n par s ln w 1C gaso lne, ue 01 , or other flammable
liquids are stored and/or dispensed, their handling shall
comply with the City Fire Prevention Code.
3. Access to Mobile Homes for Fire Fi htin
pproac es to a mo 1 e omes s a be kept clear for fire
fighting.
4. Fire Fi~hting Instruction
The moblle home park owner or agent shall be responsible
for the instruction of his staff in the use of the park
fire protection equipment and in their specific duties in
the event of fire.
5. Water Su 1 Facilities for Fire De artment 0 erations
Water supp y faci ities for Fire Department Operations shall
be connected to the City water supply. If a private supply
is utilized for service to the park, the private supply must
be adequate both for domestic requirements established by the
City and must have the approval of the City Engineer. The
adequacy of the water supply for fire fighting requirements
shall be determined by the Fire Chief. If the mobile home
owner and agent utilize a private water supply, it shall
have sufficient volume and pressure that the City water
supply will not be required for fire fighting.
The park owner shall provide standard City of Schertz hydrants
located within fire hundred (500) feet of all mobile home
spaces, measured along the driveways or streets. Fire hydrants
will be subject to periodic inspection by the City Fire Depart-
ment. It shall be the responsibility of the park licensee to
immediately notify the City of Schertz Fire Department of any
fire hydrants in need of repair.
6. The mobile home park licensee or agent shall provide an ade-
quate system of collection and safe disposal of rubbish,
approved by the Fire Chief and the City Health Officer.
7. The mobile_home park licensee or agent shall be responsible
for maintaining the entire area of the park free of dry brush,
leaves and weeds.
8. Every park shall be equipped at all times with one fire ex-
tinguisher in good working order and currently charged, for
10
G.
every ten (10) mobile home spaces and shall be located
not further than two hundred (200) feet from each mobile
home space. No open fires shall be permitted at any place
which would endanger life or property.
Portable Water SUPP1~
1. An accessible, a equate, safe and portable supply of water
shall be provided in each mobile home park. Connection
shall be made to the public supply of water. If a private
system is utilized for service to the park, the private
supply shall be adequate for domestic requirements and
for fire fighting requirements established by the City.
2. Water Distribution System
a. The water system of the mobile home park shall be con-
nected by pipes to all mobile homes, buildings, and
other facilities requiring water.
b. All water piping, fixtures, and other equipment shall
be constructed and maintained in accordance with State
and City regulations and requirements.
c. Individual water riser pipes and connections shall be
in accordance with requirements of the applicable pro-
visions of the Schertz Plumbing Code.
Recreation Area
1. In all mobile home parks accommodating or designed to accom-
modate twenty or more mobile homes, there shall be at least
one (1) recreation area which shall be easily accessible to
all park residents.
2. Size of Recreation Area
Not less than five (5%) per cent of the gross site area of
the Mobile Home Park shall be devoted to recreational facil-
ities, generally provided in a central location. In large
parks, this may be decentralized.
Recreation areas include space for community buildings and
community use facilities such as adult recreation and child
play areas, swimming pools, and drying yards, but not in-
cluding vehicle parking areas.
3. Playground Location
When playground space is provided, it shall be so designated
and shall be protected from traffic, thoroughfare, and park-
ing areas. Such space shall be maintained in a sanitary
condition and free of safety hazards.
Sewage Disposal
From and after the effective date of the Ordinance, the follow-
ing shall apply:
1. General Requirements
An adequate and safe sewerage system shall be provided in
all mobile home parks for conveying and disposing of all
sewage. The sewer system for a mobile home park shall be
constructed in accordance with the Schertz Plumbing Code.
All proposed sewage disposal facilities shall be approved
by the City Health Officer prior to construction. Effluents
from sewage treatment facilities shall not be discharged in-
to any waters of the State except with prior approval of the
City Health Officer and the Texas Department of Water
Resources.
2. Sewer Li nes
All sewer lines shall be constructed and shall be of mate-
rials in accordance with the Schertz Plumbing Code.
H.
I.
11
3. Individual Sewer Connection
a. Each mobile home stand shall be provided with at
least a four (4) inch diameter sewer riser pipe. The
sewer riser pipe shall be so located on each stand
that the sewer connection to the mobile home drain
outlet will approximate a vertical position.
b. The sewer connection to the mobile home from the sewer
riser pipe and any other sewer connections shall be
in accordance with the requirements of the Schertz
Plumbing Code.
c. All materials used for sewer connections shall be in
accordance with the Schertz Plumbing Code.
d. Provision shall be made for plugging the sewer riser
pipe when no mobile home occupies the space. Surface
drainage shall be diverted away from the riser.
4. Septic Tanks
Septic tanks may be used within the City Limits when an
organized sewerage collection system is not available. If
soil conditions permit and other factors are favorable to
the use of septic tanks, the standards established by the
Texas Department of Health, Article 4477-1 (b) of the
Vernon's Texas Civil Statute will prevail. Outside of the
City Limits, within the City's Extraterritorial Jurisdiction
the standards established by the Texas Department of Health,
Article 4477-1 (b) of Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, and the
Rules of Guadalupe County, Texas for private sewage facilities
will prevail, and the rules of the appropriate county.
J. Electrical and Telephone Distribution S~stems
From and after the effective date of thlS Ordinance, the follow-
ing shall apply:
1. All electrical wlrlng in the mobile home park shall be
underground, and otherwise installed in accordance with the
Schertz Electrical Code. All telephone lines in the mobile
home park shall be installed underground.
2. General Requirements
Every park shall contain an electrical wiring system con-
sisting of wiring, fixtures, equipment and appurtenances
which shall be installed and maintained in accordance with
applicable codes and regulations for such systems.
3. Power Distribution Lines, Individual Electrical Connections
and Grounding
Power distribution lines shall be located underground. Other-
wise all power distribution lines, individual electrical con-
nections and grounding of the mobile homes and equipment shall
comply with the Schertz Electrical Code.
K. Service Building and Other Community Service Facilities
1. General
The requirements of this section shall apply to service build-
ings, recreation buildings, and other community service facil-
ities such as:
a. Management offices, repair shops and storage areas;
b. Sanitary facilities;
c. Laundry facilities;
d. Indoor recreation areas; and
e. Commercial uses supplying essential goods or services for
the benefit and convenience of park occupants.
l?
2. Structural Requirements for Buildings
a. All portions of the structure shall be properly protected
from damage by ordinary uses and by decay, corrosion, ter-
mites, and other destructive elements. Exterior portions
shall be of such materials and be so constructed and pro-
tected as to prevent entrance or penetration of moisture
and weather. and to comply with all applicable Codes of
the City of Schertz.
b. All rooms containing sanitary or laundry facilities shall:
(1) Have sound-resistant walls extending to the ceiliryg be-
tween male and female sanitary facilities. Walls and
partitions around showers, bathtubs, lavatories, and
other plumbing fixtures shall be constructed of dense,
non-absorbent, waterproof materials or covered with
moisture resistant materials.
(2) Have at least one window or skylight facing directly
to the outdoors. The minimum aggregate gross area of
windows for each required room shall be not less than
ten (10) percent of the floor area served by them.
(3) Have at least one window which can be opened easily,
or have a mechanical device which will adequately
ventilate the room.
c. Toilets shall be located in separate compartments equipped
with self-closing doors. Shower stalls shall be of the
individual type. The rooms shall be screened to prevent
direct view of the interior when the exterior doors are
open.
d. Illumination levels shall be maintained as follows:
(1) General seeing tasks-five (5) footcandles;
(2) Laundry room work area-forty (40) footcandles; and
(3) Toilet room, in front of mirrors - forty (40) foot-
candles.
e. Hot and cold water shall be furnished in every lavatory,
sink, bathtub, shower, and laundry fixture; and cold water
shall be furnished to every water closet and urinal.
f. Service buildings shall be maintained at a comfortable
temperature by heating equipment permitted by City regula-
tions, between October 1st and May 1st.
g. Barbecue Pits, Fire laces, Stoves, and Incinerators
Coo lng s e ters, ar ecue pltS, lrep aces an wood-
burning stoves shall be located, constructed, maintained,
and used as to minimize fire hazards and smoke nuisance
both on the property on which used and on neighboring
property. No open fire shall be permitted except in
facilities provided. No open fire shall be left unattended.
No fuel shall be used and no material burned which emits
dense smoke or objectionable odors.
L. Refuse and Garbage Handling
1. The storage, collection and disposal of refuse in the mobile
home park shall be so conducted as to create no health hazards,
rodent harborage, insect breeding areas, accident or fire
hazards, or air pollution. One or both of the systems described
in the following paragraphs (2) or (3) shall be used in every
park.
2. If refuse is gathered at the individual sites, it shall be
stored in fly tight, watertight, rodent-proof containers, and
shall be located at each mobile home site. Containers for
13
this use shall be provided in sufficient number and
capacity to store properly all refuse.
3. Centrally-located refuse containers having a capacity of
three cubic yards or larger may be provided. If provided,
such containers shall be so designed as to prevent spillage,
container deterioration, and to facilitate cleaning around
them.
4. The licensee or agent shall insure that refuse containers
within the mobile home park are emptied at least twice a
week and maintained in a usable sanitary condition.
M. Insect and Rodent Control
Grounds, buildings, and structures shall be maintained free of
insects and rodent haborage and infestation. Extermination
methods and other measures to control insects and rodents shall
conform with the requirements of the City Health Offices.
1. Mobile home parks shall be maintained free of accumulation
of debris which may provide rodent harborage or breeding
places for flies, mosquitoes, and other pests.
2. The growth of brush, weeds and grass shall be controlled
to prevent harborage of noxious insects and other pests.
Mobile home parks shall be so maintained as to prevent the
growth of noxious weeds detrimental to health. Open areas
shall be maintained free of heavy undergrowth of any
description.
N. Fuel Supply and Storage
From and after the effective date of this Ordinance, the follow-
ing shall apply:
1. Natural Gas System
a. Natural gas piping systems shall be installed underground
and maintained in accordance with applicable codes and
regulations governing such systems.
b. Each mobile home space provided with piped gas shall have
a cap on the outlet when not in use to prevent accidental
discharge of gas, and shall be in accordance with the
Schertz Plumbing Code.
2. Liquified Petroleum Gas System
a. Liquified Petroleum Gas Systems shall be installed only
if an available natural gas system is more than one
thousand (1,000) feet from the mobile home park. The
liquified petroleum gas systems shall be maintained in
accordance with applicable codes of the City governing
such systems and regulations of the Texas Railroad Com-
mission pertaining hereto.
O. Protection of Natural Features
All due regard will be shown for the protection of natural
features such as large trees, water courses, scenic points,
historical spots, and similar community assets which if
preserved, will add attractiveness, stability, and value to
the property.
P. Miscellaneous Requirements
1. Res onsibilities of the Park Mana ement
a. A responsl 1 ltles set out e sewhere in this Ordinance.
b. The licensee or his agent shall operate the park in com-
pliance with this and other applicable ordinances and
shall provide adequate supervision to maintain the park,
its facilities and equipment in good repair and in a
clean and sanitary condition.
14
c, The licensee or his agent shall notify park occupants
of all applicable provisions of this Ordinance and
inform them of their duties and responsibilities under
the Ordinance.
d. The licensee or agent shall maintain an up-to-date
register of park occupancy which shall contain the
following information:
(1) Name and address of park residents.
(2) Mobile home registration data, including make,
length, width, year of manufacture and identification
number and automobile registration data.
(3) License number and owner of each mobile home and
automobile.
(4) Location of each mobile home within the park by
space or lot number and street address.
(5) Date of arrival and departure.
e. A new register shall be initiated on January 1st of each
year, and the old register be retired but shall be re-
tained on the premises for at least three (3) years
following its retirement. Registers shall be available
for inspection at all reasonable times by an official
of the City of Schertz whose duties may necessitate
access to the information contained therein.
f. The licensee or agent shall furnish to the Tax Assessor-
Collector for the City of Schertz within ten (10) dgys
after the first day of January of each year, a list of
all mobile home residents in the park on the first day
of January. This list shall contain the owner's name
and address; the make, length, width, year of manufacture
and identification number of the mobile home; and the
address or location description of said mobile home with-
in the park. Said lists shall be prepared using forms
provided by the Assessor-Collector for the City.
Within ten (10) days after the first day of July of each year,
the 1 icensee.,or agent shaH furnish to the City Tax Assessor-
Collector the same data required in the preceeding paragraph
on all residents who have moved into the park after the first
day of January; and information on mobile homes which have
moved out of the park after the first day of January includ-
ing the foregoing data plus the date on which each mobile
home left the park, and the destination of the mobile home if
this destination can be obtained.
2. ~esponsibilities of Park Occupants
a. All responsibilltles set out elsewhere in this Ordinance.
b. The park occupant shall comply with all requirements of
this Ordinance and shall maintain his mobile home space,
it facilities and equipment in good repair and in a clean
and sanitary condition.
c. The park occupant shall be responsible for proper place-
ment of his mobile home in its mobile home stand, proper
installation of all utility connections, and proper tie-
down of his mobile home in accordance with the instructions
of the park management.
15
d. Fi're resistant skirting with the necessary vents, screens
and/or openings shall be required on all mobile homes and
shall be installed within thirty (30) days after emplace-
ment of the mobile homes.
e. Skirting, porches, awnings, and other additions, when in-
stalled, shall be maintained in good repair. The use of
space immediately underneath a mobile home for storage
shall be permitted only under the following conditions:
(1) The storage area shall have a base of impervious
material.
(2) Stored items shall not interfere with the under-
neath inspection of the mobile home.
(3) The storage area shall be enclosed by skirting.
Q. Converting a Mobile Home Park to a Subdivision
A mobile home park may be converted to a mobile home subdivision
provided it is replatted and all conditions pertaining to mobile
home subdivision are met.
SECTION VIII COMPLIANCE REQUIRED
A. Mobile Home Parks
1. Existing Mobile Home Parks shall have up to one year from the
effective date of this Ordinance under the use of temporary
licensing to comply with all the provisions of this Ordinance.
Ninety (90) days prior to the expiration date of the temporary
license the Mobile Home Park owner will apply for a noncon-
forming use certificate for those items not in compliance.
License will be renewed after a nonconforming use certificate
has been approved.
2. The owner of any Mobile Home Park presently situated outside
of the city limits of Schertz, whose park shall be taken into
the city limits subsequent to the passage of this Ordinance
shall make application for license within sixty (60) days
from the date of annexation. The park will be inspected by
the City Building Official. If not in full compliance with
this Ordinance, a one (1) year temporary license will be
issued. Ninety (90) days prior to the expiration date of the
temporary license the Mobile Home Park owner will apply for a
nonconforming use certificate. License will be renewed after
nonconforming use certificate has been approved.
B. Individual Mobile Homes
1. EXlsting mobile homes (either in mobile home subdivision or
location on individual lots) shall have up to one (1) year
from the effective date of this Ordinance to comply with all
of the applicable provisions of this Ordinance. After one
(1) year the mobile home owner will apply for a nonconform-
ing use certificate or a variance for those items not in
compliance.
2. After the receipt of a permit allowing the placement of a
mobile home within the city limits of Schertz (either in a
mobile home park or on an individual lot), the owner of sub-
ject mobile home (or his agent) must have all utilities con-
nected, meet all other applicable requirements of this
Ordinance, and have his mobile home available for inspection
by the City Building Official (or his agent) within thirty
(30) days after emplacement of said mobile home.
16
C. Conformance b Mobile Home Parks and Subdivisions
No p at slte p an or sub lV1Slon of an wit ln the City of
Schertz, and within its extraterritorial jurisdiction as deter-
mined by Article 974a., Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, and
Article 970a. Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, may be approved
unless that plat is in accordance with the City's Subdivision
Ordinance No. 80-S-13, and Section II, paragraph F, this
Ordinance.
SECTION IX MOBILE HOME SUBDIVISIONS
A. Any lot, parcel or tract of land to be subdivided for use as a
mobile home subdivision shall be not less than five (5) acres,
with density no greater than six (6) dwelling units per gross
acre. Minimum lot size shall be six thousand (6,000) square
feet per mobile home unit with sixty (60) feet minimum width
and one hundred (lDO) feet minimum depth.
B. Any mobile home subdivision shall comply with rules and regu-
lations, when applicable, as set forth in this Ordinance
related to:
1. Inspection (Section IV).
2. Notices, Hearings, and Orders (Section V).
3. Site Requirement (Section VII, B).
4. Mobile Home Stands (Section VII, E).
5. Fire Safety Standards (Section VII, F).
6. Portable Water Supply (Section VII, G).
7. Recreation (Section VII, H).
8. Sewage Disposal (Section VII, I).
9. Electrical and Telephone Distribution System (Section VII, J).
10. Refuse and Garbage Handling (Section VII, L).
11. Fuel Supply and Storage (Section VII, N).
12. Insect and Rodent Control (Section VII, M).
C. Any mobile home subdivison shall be subject to all applicable
rules and regulations as set forth in the Subdivision Ordinance
of the City of Schertz.
SECTION X TRAVEL TRAILER AND/OR RECREATIONAL VEHICLE (R.V.) PARK
A. A permit to construct, alter or extend any travel trailer and/or
recreational vehicle park area may be issued only when such area
is located within the appropriate zoning district as provided for
in this Ordinance and such area consists of at least three (3)
acres in size with a minimum frontage of one hundred (100) feet
located on a public street or highway; provided, however, such
area occupied by a travel trailer and/or recreational vehicle
may be less than three (3) acres in size if operated in con-
junction with and contiguous to a motel operation or a Mobile
Home Park both which constitute three (3) acres or more in size.
B. Exposed ground surfaces in all parts of a travel trailer/recre-
ational vehicle park shall be paved or covered with screenings
or other solid material, or protected with a vegetative growth
. that is capable of preventing soil erosion and eliminating
objectionable dust.
C. Any travel trailer/recreational vehicle park shall comply with
rules and reg~lations, when applicable, as set forth in this
Ordinance related to:
1. Inspection (Section IV).
. 17
2. Notices, Hearings, and Orders (Section V).
3. Site Requirements (Section VII, B).
4. Fire Safety Standards (Section VII, F).
5. Portable Water Supply (Section VII, G).
6. Sewage Disposal (Section VlI, I).
7. Electrical and Telephone Distribution System (Section VII, J).
8. Service Building and Other Community Service Facilities
(Section VII, K). (As pertains to availability of Sanitary
and Laundry Facilities.)
9. Refuse and Garbage Handling (Section VII, L).
10. Insect and Rodent Control (Section VII, M).
11. Fuel Supply and'Storage (Section VII, N).
D. Travel traveler/recreational vehicle parks will be so constructed
to preclude occupants departing from backing their vehicle.
SECTION XI 110BILE HOMES IN PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENTS
A moblle home subdlvlsion may be located in a Planned Unit Develop-
ment provided that all requirements of this Ordinance and other
applicable ordinances and regulations are met.
SECTION XlI
SECTION XlII
SECTION XIV
CONFLICT WITH OTHER ORDINANCES
Whenever the standards and specifications in this Ordinance conflict
with those contained in another ordinance, the more stringent or
restrictive provision shall govern.
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE
Should any portion or part of this Ordinance be held for any reason
invalid, unconstitutional, or unenforceable, the same shall not be
contrued to effect any other valid portion thereof, but all valid
portions hereof shall remain in full force and effect.
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION
Any person violating any provision of this Ordinance within the
corporate limits of the City of Schertz, Texas, shall be guilty of
a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be fined an amount not
exceeding two hundred dollars ($200.00). Each day that such
violation continues shall be a separate offense. Prosecution or
conviction under this provision shall never be a bar to any other
remedy or relief for violations of this Ordinance.
This Ordinance shall be effective from and after its passage.
;;..o-ci;
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED THIS THE
19 }?'I
DAY O~.,~O
SIGNED
ATTEST:
~~~n~o
RE ARY
18
APPENDIX A
Definitions - The following words and terms shall be defined as follows:
Building Official - the legally designated inspection authority of the City,
or his authorized representative.
Driveway - a minor private way used by vehicles and pedestrians on a mobile
home lot or used for common access to a small group of lots.
License - a written license issued by the Building Official permitting a
person to operate and maintain a r10bile Home Park under the provisions of the
Ordinance and regulations issued hereunder.
Mobile Home - a movable or portable dwelling constructed to be towed by a
motor vehicle on its own chassis, over Texas roads and highways under
special permit, connected to utilities, and designed without a permanent
foundation for year-round living. It may consist of one or more units that
can be telescoped when towed and expanded later for additional capacity or
of two or more units, separately towable but designed to be joined into one
integral unit. (Ref. Art. 522F, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes)
Mobile Home Lot - a parcel of land for the placement of a single mobile home
and the exclusive use of its occupants.
Mobile Home Park - a unified development of Mobile Home spaces arranged on a
tract of land under single ownership meeting all requiremnts of this Ordinance.
Mobile Home Stand - that part of an individual lot which has been reserved
for the placement of one mobile home unit.
Mobile Home Subdivision - a unified development of Mobile Home spaces arranged
on a tract of land with each lot individually owned meeting all requirements
of this Ordinance.
Natural or Artificial Barrier - any river, pond, canal, railroad, levee, em-
barkment, fence, or hedge.
Nonconforming Use - lots, structures, uses of land and structures, which are
prohibited under the terms of this Ordinance, but was legal at the date of
this Ordinance enactment; Continuation of nonconformities permitted by
issuance of certificate; the extension or enlargement of nonconforming uses
prohibited and the substitution of a new or different nonconformity.
Park Street - a private way which affords principal means of access to indi-
vidual mobile home lots.
Permit - a written permit or certificate issued by the Building Official per-
mitting the construction, alternation or extension of a mobile home park under
the provisions of this Ordinance and regulation issued hereunder.
Person - any natural individual, firm, trust, partnership, association, or
corpora ti on.
19
Plot Plan - graphic representation, down to scale, in a horizontal plane,
delineating the outline of the land included in the plan and all proposed
use locations, accurately dimensioned, the dimensions also indicating the
relation of each use to the adjoining and to the boundary of the property.
Site Plan - same as Plot Plan.
Travel Trailer - a trailer designed for temporary dwelling (i.e. during
vacation, while camping, etc.) normally depends upon sanitary and other
service facilities located in adjacent buildings, can be readily towed
over the road by a passenger car.
20
CITY OF SCHERTZ
TEMPORARY MOBILE HOME/TRAILER PERMIT APPLICATION
The undersigned requests permission for rent-free parking and use of a mobile
home as a temporary dwelling in the Rear (): Front (): Side (): of the
lot located at the address indicated below for a periOd not to exceed fifteen
(15) days. I assure that adequate toilet water and power facilities are
available for the use of the mobile home occupants.
Permittee:
Application Date:
Address:
Telephone:
APPROVED:
DATE OF VALIDITY: From To
(THIS PERMIT IS TO BE DISPLAYED ON THE MOBILE HOME SO THAT IT IS VISIBLE FROM
THE STREET.)
21
CITY OF SCHERTZ TAX DEPARmENT
MOBILE HOME INFORMATION SHEET
Dear Mobile Home Owner:
The City of Schertz. in accordance with City Ordinance. requires that all
mobile homes located in the City be registered with the Tax Assessor/Col-
lector, for proper taxation.
Please complete the following questions and return this form to: City of
Schertz, P.O. Drawer I, Schertz, TX 78154, at your earliest convenience.
NAME OF OWNER
ADDRESS
PHONE NUMBER
DATE
MOBILE HOME:
MANUFACTURER
MODEL
YEAR
SIZE (Length including tongue)
TITLE NUMBER
SERIAL NUMBER
COLOR
WIDTH
OWNER'S COST
SINGLE AXEL
TANDEM AXEL
GOOD
OVERALL CONDITION: EXCELLENT
FAIR
DATE MOBILE HOME WAS MOVED ONTO THE LOT
DO YOU OWN THE LOT?
LOT SIZE
22
ACCESSORIES:
1. CARPORT: (SIZEt
2. PORCH: (SIZE)
3. ADD ON: {LEAN TO; SIZEt
4. PATIO: (SIZE)
5. UTILITY SHED: (SIZE)
(TIED DOWN)
6. FENCE: (TYPE AND SIZE)
7. OTHERS:
23