It’s official — approximately 51,883 acres in Volusia County are now open to mobile homes as a primary type of housing.
The Volusia County Council approved the ordinance on final reading Tuesday night with a 6-1 vote; Councilman David Santiago cast the dissenting vote.
Here’s a look at what the ordinance does, why officials made these changes and how mobile, modular and tiny homes differ:
What does the ordinance do?
The ordinance allows mobile homes within rural and agricultural zoning classifications including:
- Resource Corridor (RC)
- Rural Agriculture (A-2)
- Transitional Agriculture (A-3 and A-4)
- Rural Residential (RR)
- Rural Agricultural Estate (RA)
Prior to the approval of the ordinance, mobile homes were permitted as a principal use within mobile home zoning classifications MH-1 through MH-8, Forestry Resource and Prime Agriculture zoning classifications, according to the county. They also were already allowed within other rural and agricultural zoning classifications but with restrictions.
Why is Volusia County allowing for more mobile homes?
In one word: affordability.
For many, the cost of a new home or renting an apartment is out of reach due to rising prices.
The County Council in July 2022 asked the manager to have staff “review ways to eliminate barriers toaffordable housing by exploring the potential for mobile homes in more areas,” according to the ordinance. “This does not increase density, only expands housing options, which may increase the opportunity for affordable housing without subsidization.”
Mobile home vs. modular home vs. tiny home
Both mobile and modular homes are manufactured dwellings, but there are at least a couple of differences.
A mobile home is a dwelling “built on a permanent chassis and installed on a permanent or temporary foundation (concrete pads, dry-stacked blocks, and tie-downs),” according to the ordinance. Mobile homes, as the name implies, also are considered vehicles due to being on a trailer, though moving them can be a costly and extensive process.
A modular home is a dwelling placed on a permanent foundation. The components of a modular home are built in a factory and then shipped to the homeowner’s lot where it’s fully assembled in compliance with local building codes and standards.
A mobile home is constructed according to standards set by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development; a modular home is built according to regulations set by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Volusia County does not consider tiny homes, even if on wheels, to be mobile homes, which must meet minimum size requirements, according to the ordinance.
Tiny homes are rarely bigger than 500 square feet, whereas the size of a traditional home is more than 2,200 square feet. The typical mobile home is less than 1,200 square feet, and the average modular home ranges from 1,400-1,700 square feet.
