San Joaquin County’s Mobile Home Park Proposal Faces Pushback from Cities and Farmers

Photo byDaniel BobergonUnsplash

In an effort to address the affordable housing crisis, San Joaquin County proposed a plan to allow mobile home parks and manufactured homes in agricultural zones, positioning them as a solution for affordable housing. However, the initiative has been delayed after receiving significant opposition from several county cities, the San Joaquin Farm Bureau, and the Agricultural Advisory Board just before a key vote.

The San Joaquin County Planning Commission unanimously voted to table the ordinance after planning director Jennifer Jolley cited the need for further collaboration with cities and residents. "We do want to work with our cities," Jolley explained, acknowledging that staff received the letters of concern just hours before the meeting.

Addressing Housing Needs Amid Development Challenges

San Joaquin County is tasked with planning for 8,808 residential units as part of California’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), but public infrastructure limitations—such as water and wastewater systems—have led the county to explore alternative housing options. In February, the Planning Commission expressed interest in allowing manufactured home parks in specific agricultural areas that could operate independently of public infrastructure, using on-site water and wastewater services.

Concerns Raised by Cities and Farmers

Opposition to the proposal centers on potential conflicts with future city development plans and the strain that new housing developments could place on agricultural resources, particularly water. Mike Carouba, a Lodi resident, voiced concerns over how mobile home parks in agricultural zones could impact future city expansions, particularly in areas within Lodi’s sphere of influence. He argued that such developments could create isolated "housing islands" dependent on larger cities for infrastructure, which could lead to planning conflicts and strained relations between the county and cities.

Farmers like Joe Peterson also raised concerns about water supply, emphasizing the limited availability of well water for agricultural use. "We are all fighting for water," Peterson said, warning that mobile home parks could exacerbate water shortages unless developers find alternative sources, such as surface water.

Next Steps

The county’s planning department will revisit the ordinance after conducting more outreach with cities and stakeholders to ensure that the policy doesn’t conflict with local development plans. While Jennifer Jolley assured residents that the county is committed to collaborating with cities, she acknowledged that this policy represents a significant and complex decision.

As the county grapples with balancing affordable housing needs with agricultural preservation and city planning, the proposal for mobile home parks in agricultural zones remains in limbo, awaiting further discussion and collaboration.