Proposed permits on manufactured homes in Caddo Parish

CADDO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – The right to own a manufactured home in Caddo Parish goes before the commission Monday, but adding regulations did not go over well for residents.

14 residents addressed the commission with a dozen more sending in emails, according to commissioners, opposing an amendment that would require a homeowner to receive a Special Exception Use to place a manufactured home within a five-mile radius of the parish.

It would change the permit status of what qualifies as a Residential-Agricultural district.

It would also add a $350 fee, plus require a public hearing to be held before the home’s placement is approved.

Many who spoke against it say the amendment to restrict manufactured homes is discriminatory and financially limiting.

“This rule doesn’t target the wealthy. It targets working families. Seniors and young people trying to get a start. For many, a mobile home is the only affordable path to owning land and a home. Adding permits, fees, and red tape makes that dream harder,” said Jessica Tullis, Caddo Alliance for Freedom.

“This one of the top growing house types in the country. In 2019, the average home was somewhere around $180,000. Today that number is $250,000. So affordable housing is a huge issue. This is an area where we’ve actually been able to see affordable housing for many people. So is this about the fee or this about taking away a right by use?” asked Scott Hughes, CEO of the NWLA Realtor Association.

The Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) addressed many questions from commissioners about the proposed amendment, stating that it was initially included in the 2017 Unified Development Code and subsequently expanded to address complaints from neighbors on Rice Road.

The MPC said it does not outright ban mobile homes.

Commissioner Chris Kracman voted to table the amendment indefinitely, which narrowly passed in a six-to-five vote.