City Relaxes Property Zoning for Flood Victims | Video

Rich Wisniewski | 5/8/2012

Now that residents are starting to rebuild, many are choosing to go a different and more cost effective route with their home. Some are choosing to go with a manufactured home, and some of their neighbors aren`t happy.

"We make sure it is compatable with the neighborhood and city council makes the final decision," said Lance Meyer, Minot`s City Engineer.

Meyer added that the city council handles the cases of approving a maufactured home in a zone not designed for a manufactured home on a case by case basis.

On Monday night, the Minot City Council voted to place a handful of manufactured homes on flooded properties. Meyer says that many of the newly built manufactured homes have been built with the up-to-date Housing and Urban Development code (HUD Code). But those that aren`t may have to be brought up to speed.

"Let’s just say it`s an older model manufactured home, they have recommended in the past that if it shows signs of wear and wouldn`t fit in the neighborhood they`d make recommendations that certain things need to be adjusted."

Some of those things that would have to be adjusted are things such as new paint, new windows and/or siding. Meyer says its not a black and white answer when it comes to deciding if an older manufactured home needs to be brought up to code. But there are certain number of criteria the city looks for.

"When those people move the mobile homes on site they have to be livable, and put in a permanent foundation system."

Whether its a wood framed home or manufactured home, at this point some residents are just glad to call their neighborhood, home again.

If you have any questions about building codes, you can call the Minot Building Inspector at 701-857-4102.

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