County adopts rules allowing RVs in mobile‑home parks, with safeguards

The Manatee County Board on Feb. 12 adopted land‑development code amendments to allow road‑worthy recreational vehicles as temporary residences in established mobile‑home parks, saying the change aims to provide an additional, short‑term housing tool for residents who lose or cannot repair housing after storms.

Staff described the amendment as a targeted, opt‑in option for park operators rather than a county mandate; the code preserves fire‑safety and evacuation requirements and requires operators to follow county standards. Several speakers, including longtime public commenter Glenn Ghibellino and Commissioner Feltz, said further clarification is needed on evacuation logistics and park covenants, and urged caution about relying on RVs as a long‑term solution.

Commissioners debating the measure acknowledged the tradeoffs: the ordinance will not override private‑park covenants where operators choose not to participate, and county staff will monitor implementation and recommend revisions if issues arise. The board voted unanimously to adopt the changes.

The adoption moves the changes to the formal code; final details, including evacuation guidance and fire‑safety requirements, will be enforced at the permitting and compliance stages.