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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESOLUTION 2025-059 N.C.S. 05/19/2025Resolution No. 2025-059 N.C.S.Page 1 Resolution No. 2025-059 N.C.S. of the City of Petaluma, California RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF SENATE BILL 749 (ALLEN) RELATED TO THE PRESERVATION OF MOBILEHOME PARKS WHEREAS, mobilehome parks in the City of Petaluma provide critical affordable housing options for residents, including seniors, low-income families, and vulnerable populations; and WHEREAS, the closure or conversion of mobilehome parks places residents at significant risk of displacement and exacerbates the regional housing crisis by eliminating one of the few remaining forms of naturally affordable housing; and WHEREAS, mobilehome parks in Petaluma have threatened to close down their parks, potentially displacing hundreds of mobilehome residents and making it hard that future mobilehome pakrs will take its place; and WHEREAS, existing protections under Petaluma Municipal Code Chapter 8.34 and Government Code Section 65863.7 focus primarily on relocation assistance and notification but offer limited tools to prevent park closures and preserve affordable housing; and WHEREAS, Senate Bill 749 (Allen) would strengthen protections for mobilehome park residents by adding Government Code Section 65863.15, creating a structured, enforceable opportunity for resident organizations, qualified nonprofit housing entities, and public agencies to purchase mobilehome parks at fair market value within nine months of a closure notice; and WHEREAS, Petaluma has a strong network of organized mobilehome park residents and interested local nonprofit organizations that are committed to preserving affordable housing and are well-positioned to utilize the opportunities provided by SB 749; and WHEREAS, SB 749 would further promote equity and community resilience by amending Civil Code Section 798.62 to ensure that residents displaced by a wildfire or other natural disaster are not charged rent during reconstruction if the park owner elects to rebuild; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that supporting SB 749 is consistent with the City’s goals to preserve affordable housing, prevent displacement, and promote the stability and wellbeing of Petaluma’s diverse community; and WHEREAS, adoption of this resolution is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), as it can be seen with certainty that the action has no potential to cause a significant impact on the environment. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Petaluma as follows: Docusign Envelope ID: 458C8BBB-637C-489A-9DE7-589980157BDE Resolution No. 2025-059 N.C.S.Page 2 1.Declares the above recitals to be true and correct and are incorporated into this resolution as findings of the City Council. 2.Finds that the proposed action is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(4), in that sending a letter of support to the California Legislature regarding support for Senate Bill 794 does not meet CEQA's definition of a “project,” because the action does not have the potential for resulting either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. 3.Supports the passage of SB 749 (Allen) and directs staff to submit the executed Letter of Support (Exhibit A to this Resolution) to the appropriate members in the California legislative process. Under the power and authority conferred upon this Council by the Charter of said City. REFERENCE: I hereby certify the foregoing Resolution was introduced and adopted by the Council of the City of Petaluma at a Regular meeting on the 19th day of May 2025, by the following vote: Approved as to form: __________________________ City Attorney AYES: McDonnell, Barnacle, DeCarli, Nau, Quint, Shribbs NOES: None ABSENT: Cader Thompson ABSTAIN: None ATTEST: ______________________________________________ City Clerk ______________________________________________ Mayor Docusign Envelope ID: 458C8BBB-637C-489A-9DE7-589980157BDE May 19, 2025 The Honorable Maria Elena Durazo Chair, Senate Local Government Committee California State Capitol, Room 407 Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: SB 749 (Allen) Mobilehome Parks: closure, cessation, or change of use. Notice of SUPPORT Dear Senator Durazo: The City of Petaluma is pleased to express its strong support for Senate Bill 749 (Allen), which creates a critical pathway for residents, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies to preserve mobilehome parks at risk of closure. Mobilehome parks are a vital component of Petaluma’s affordable housing ecosystem, providing stable housing for seniors, low-income families, and other vulnerable residents. SB 749 offers a fair and structured opportunity for residents and community partners to intervene when a park faces closure, helping to prevent displacement, homelessness, and the loss of essential affordable housing units. By establishing a legally supported right of purchase and strengthening advance notice requirements, SB 749 provides residents with the tools necessary to protect their communities and maintain housing stability. This is not merely a hypothetical concern. Recently, two mobilehome parks in Petaluma have threatened closure, jeopardizing the homes of hundreds of residents. With SB 749’s protections been in place, residents and nonprofit organizations would have a meaningful opportunity to preserve those parks and prevent displacement. This legislation would give communities like ours critical tools to respond effectively when parks are at risk. Petaluma’s residents are well-positioned to benefit from the protections created by SB 749. Many of our mobilehome parks have strong resident associations, robust partnerships with local nonprofit organizations, and a long history of civic engagement and advocacy. Supporting this legislation aligns with Petaluma’s longstanding commitment to preserving affordable housing, protecting vulnerable populations, and promoting community resilience. For these reasons, the City of Petaluma respectfully urges the Legislature to pass SB 749. We appreciate Senator Allen’s leadership on this important issue and look forward to working with Docusign Envelope ID: 458C8BBB-637C-489A-9DE7-589980157BDE Letter of Support for SB 749 May 5, 2025 Page 2 3 2 6 6 0 the State to preserve critical affordable housing opportunities across California. Sincerely, Kevin McDonnell Mayor, City of Petaluma cc: The Honorable Ben Allen, California State Senate cc: The Honorable Damon Connolly, California State Assembly cc: League of California Cities Docusign Envelope ID: 458C8BBB-637C-489A-9DE7-589980157BDE