Saco discusses potential ordinance to limit mobile home lot rent increases

Saco is considering an ordinance that would limit lot rent increases in mobile home parks.

The City Council on Monday reviewed a potential ordinance created by staff.

The ordinance, as written, would create a Rent Stabilization Board that would be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the City Council.  An increase of mobile home park lot rents by more than five percent of the current rent or more than the consumer price index plus 1 percent would require a hearing with the Rent Stabilization Board, under the proposed ordinance.

“There’s only so much you can do in an ordinance like this, but I think it’s a positive step,” said City Councilor Doug Edwards.

Councilor Nathan Johnston said he’d like to see proposed hearings regarding mobile home lot rent increases by handled by the Council and not an appointed board. He said the city has difficulty finding people to fill board positions, and the City Council would be better equipped to handle a request from a mobile home park owner.

Councilor Jeffrey Onnen said he also thought that the Council should handle any public hearing, as the Council would be more involved with the issues than a board that met one month a year.

City staff will reexamine the potential ordinance before it goes back to the Council for an initial vote, public hearing and final vote.

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.