San Joaquin County Eyes Manufactured Home Parks as Affordable Housing Solution

Photo bymantecabulletin

San Joaquin County may soon redefine its approach to affordable housing. In a bold move aimed at addressing the county’s growing housing crisis, the Board of Supervisors is considering a proposal to allow manufactured home parks in designated agricultural-industrial and agricultural-urban reserve zones. This development could open the door to new, affordable housing options for working families who are increasingly priced out of the local market.

Balancing Development with Agricultural Preservation

While the county explores this innovative solution, it has drawn a line to protect its agricultural identity. Manufactured home parks will not be allowed in general agricultural zones, preventing residential islands from disrupting intensive farming activities. This balance between development and preservation ensures that housing solutions do not compromise the county’s agricultural productivity, a crucial component of its economy and heritage.

Design Standards for a New Generation of Housing

The proposed regulations emphasize a modern approach, ensuring that these parks are built with safety, convenience, and aesthetics in mind. Each manufactured home site must be at least 40 feet wide, with a minimum road frontage of 25 feet. Roads within the parks will vary in width based on parking availability:

• 24 feet where parking is prohibited.
• 32 feet where parking is allowed on one side.
• 40 feet where parking is allowed on both sides.

To enhance safety, particularly for children, internal walkways will be strategically placed to minimize contact with automobile traffic. The parks will feature one designated parking space per home site, and guest parking will be available, with at least one space for every two units located within 350 feet of each home.

Unlike traditional mobile home parks that often feature masonry walls, the new regulations favor six-foot-high fencing with screening for a more open and community-friendly feel. Along roadways, a 10-foot-wide landscaped strip will provide visual appeal and green space, while recreational areas and open spaces are required to measure at least 5,000 square feet, with an additional 100 square feet for each unit beyond the 50-unit mark.

Safeguarding Residents with Modern Infrastructure

The regulations also include measures to protect residents from agricultural activities. A 100-foot buffer zone will separate the parks from neighboring farmland, minimizing exposure to pesticides, fertilizers, odors, and farming noise. This precaution aims to create a safe and comfortable environment for residents without compromising the agricultural operations that define the region.

A New Era for Manufactured Housing in San Joaquin County

It’s been 65 years since the county last saw the development of a “mobile home park.” However, the current vision for manufactured housing is far from the outdated image of single or double-wide trailers. Supervisor Tom Patti, who represents areas such as Lathrop, Manteca, and parts of Stockton, believes these parks could be a game-changer for working families. With average home prices soaring—new homes in Manteca averaging over $700,000 and developments like River Islands and Mountain House pushing close to $900,000—manufactured housing parks could offer a realistic option for families earning below six-figure incomes.

“These aren’t your great-grandfather’s trailers or your grandfather’s basic modular homes,” Patti remarked, emphasizing that modern manufactured homes offer a variety of features and aesthetic options that rival traditional housing, while being built in factory-controlled environments to maintain quality and affordability.

Looking Ahead

As San Joaquin County moves forward with this initiative, it has the opportunity to set a new standard for affordable housing solutions that prioritize community, safety, and sustainability. With a thoughtful blend of urban planning and agricultural preservation, the county may soon lead the way in providing a model for accessible and resilient housing.