ORDINANCE 11-08-25
AN ORDINANCE REGULATING MOBILE HOMES WITHIN THE LIMITS
OF THE TOWN OF SILVER LAKE, INDIANA
WHEREAS, the Silver Lake Town Council finds it necessary to regulate mobile homes within the corporate limits of the Town of Silver Lake, Kosciusko County, Indiana; AND
WHEREAS, the Silver Lake Town Council repeals mobile home ordinances 106, 93-2, 96-12, 03-06-01, and 10-01-10 to create one ordinance regulating mobile homes within the town limits.
WHEREAS, it is further necessary for the aesthetics and property values of the town to regulate the placement, maintenance, and use of mobile homes.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED as follows:
SECTION 1: DEFINITIONS
• “Mobile Home” or “Trailer” means a structure which is built on a permanent chassis and transportable in one or more sections and designed to be used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation for one (1) or more persons and has a self-contained toilet, sink, and bath or shower facilities.
• “Recreational Vehicle” means a vehicle or vehicular structure equipped exclusively for living quarters for persons traveling upon highways. For this ordinance, travel trailers, motorhomes, fifth-wheel trailers, truck campers, and camping trailers are considered recreational vehicles.
• “Lot” means an area of land measuring one hundred thirty-two (132’) feet by sixty-six (66’) feet
• “Permanent Foundation” means a continuous, permanent masonry, concrete, or similar foundation that provides support for the entire perimeter of the dwelling and complies with the requirements of Indiana codes.
• “Anchors” shall mean auger anchors, concrete steel straps, or soil anchors (rods driven into the ground with straps).
• “Skirting” means a weather-resistant material installed around the base of a mobile or manufactured home to enclose the open space between the home and the ground.
• “Utility Connections” shall mean a permanent or temporary hook-up to the Silver Lake Water and Sewer Systems.
• “Temporary Placement” shall mean a short-term, non-permanent location of a mobile or manufactured home for a limited period.
• “Ready for Occupancy” within this ordinance shall mean ready to be inhabited.
• “Trailer Court” or “Trailer Park” means any parcel or tract of land with multiple lots under a single ownership or control that has been planned and improved for the placement of two (2) or more mobile homes for residential use, whether or not a charge is made for lot rent and whether or not the land owner owns the mobile home placed on the lot.
SECTION 2: REGULATIONS
A. Mobile homes located within the town limits of the Town of Silver Lake and used as a permanent place of abode must first be approved by the Silver Lake Town Council at a regular monthly town meeting, regardless of age, make, or model of the mobile home, before such mobile home is placed within the town limits.
a) Property owners shall provide proof of lot size, proof of off-street parking, proof of a safe play place for children, and photographs of the mobile home within five (5) days of the next regularly scheduled monthly council meeting to the Silver Lake Clerk-Treasurer’s office for the review of the Silver Lake Town Council.
b) The mobile home or trailer must be in good condition internally and externally and in habitable condition, safe, complete, and ready for occupancy within fifteen (15) days after placement.
c) No more than one (1) mobile home is allowed to be placed on any lot within the corporate boundaries of the Town of Silver Lake at any time, for a residence or business, either temporarily or permanently.
d) Any existing lot measuring less than 132’ X 66’ that does not have any existing trailer, or mobile home will not be allowed to have a trailer or mobile home placed upon it. Unless the Silver Lake Town Council provides a variance and written consent.
e) Mobile Homes brought into the Town of Silver Lake without prior authorization will result in the mobile home being removed and a lien placed against the property for the removal cost plus applicable filing and county fees.B. At no time shall a mobile home be placed on any lot as temporary living quarters, storage, or commercial use within the town limits without prior approval by a majority vote of the Silver Lake Town Council and written authorization from the Silver Lake Clerk-Treasurer’s office.
C. Mobile homes are strictly prohibited from being placed on East and West Main St. (SR 14) and North and South Jefferson St. (SR 15) within the town limits.
D. Recreational Vehicles are strictly prohibited from being used as a permanent or temporary dwelling on any lot within the Town of Silver Lake. Furthermore, it is strictly forbidden to permanently connect utility lines from or to recreational vehicles to the Silver Lake Waterworks, and it is also strictly prohibited to connect to the Silver Lake Sewage system at any time, whether permanently or temporarily. No dumping is allowed at any time into the Silver Lake Sewage System; violators will be referred to the Department of Environmental Management, and penalties will be issued in accordance with the Silver Lake Sewer Use Ordinance.
SECTION 3: SET-UP AND MAINTENANCE
To ensure public health, safety, and welfare, the following standards shall be established:
A. Foundation shall be made of concrete or permanent masonry and measure no less than two (2) feet by two (2) feet by two (2) inches on all support points for the frame rails of the mobile home or trailer.
B. Anchors must be used to prevent tipping or shifting during high winds or storms and to protect occupants and neighboring properties.
C. Silver Lake Utilities must be connected to the mobile home and inspected by the Silver Lake Utilities Superintendent before occupancy.
D. Wheels, axles, and towing devices must be removed within fifteen (15) days after placement.
E. Skirting must be installed around the perimeter of the home within fifteen (15) days of placement.
F. Front and rear steps must be made of treated wood or composite material and placed within fifteen (15) days of placement.
G. Maintenance on mobile homes or trailers must be completed to continue to preserve the integrity of the structure and remain in compliance with this and other ordinances.
SECTION 4: MOBILE HOME PARKS
To legally operate a mobile home park in Indiana, the following steps are required:
A. Apply for and receive a license from the Indiana Department of Health.
B. Submit and get approval for construction or alterations from the Indiana Department of Health.
C. Follow all regulations for standards outlined in the Indiana state codes.
Mobile home parks within the town limits of Silver Lake are required to maintain driveways to ensure the health and safety of their occupants. Driveways should be kept clear and free from potholes that could damage emergency vehicles and prevent timely emergency care.
Lawns shall be well-maintained and free from trash, rubbish, scrap, and the like to prevent rodent and insect infestations, unsightliness, and unhealthy conditions for occupants and surrounding neighborhoods.
All water and sewer utilities must be installed, operational, and adequately maintained. Utilities must be sufficient in capacity and designed to serve the intended number of homes within the park safely and efficiently. Water and sewer utility issues must be addressed swiftly and in a manner that minimizes interruptions to the occupants of the mobile home park.
SECTION 5: NOTICES AND PENALTIES
The Silver Lake Town Council shall direct the Silver Lake Town Marshal to enforce this ordinance. The Town Marshal shall serve notice to the owner of the violations in non¬ compliance, giving seven (7) days to comply.
Any person, firm, or corporation that fails to comply with the seven (7) day notice shall be subject to penalties of no less than one hundred ($100.00) dollars for the first fine and no more than two hundred and fifty ($250.00) dollars per occurrence thereafter. The Silver Lake Town Marshal shall use his discretion and the severity of non-compliance to determine the penalty amount after the first fine. Owners in non-compliance shall be subject to fines every seven days thereafter until compliance is reached. Should the owner fail to pay the penalties promptly, the town may file a claim with the Kosciusko County court and seek additional fees for court costs and attorney fees.
SECTION 6: SERVABILITY
If any section, clause, or provision of this ordinance is found to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction. In that case, such findings shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions herein.
Passed and adopted this 10th day of December, 2025 and thirty (30) days after publication according to law.
Medard Murfin, Council President
Nichole Taylor, Council Member
Gloria Weller, Council Member
ATTEST: Tonya Conley, Clerk-Treasurer