Abstract
Conversion of mobile home parks to other land uses can lead to displacement of many elderly tenants. Severe personal and emotional trauma can result for these people unless efforts are made by cities, counties and developers to mitigate the effects on them. A survey was conducted by questionnaire of all cities in Orange County, California to determine the current status of such conversions and their effects on the elderly tenants. This county has a large number of mobile home parks with high and increasing land values. The methods and procedures of this study were descriptive. The study's objectives were met by gathering information from cities and reviewing legislation. In-depth interviews were conducted and revealed six cases that were significant models of conversions in Orange County and other parts of the country. While Orange County had very few no mobile home park conversions in the past five years there are indications that the problem could be significant in the future, especially in the coastal area as economic development becomes an even higher priority for cities and counties. Guidelines were recommended for local officials to follow in developing specific zoning and ordinances to protect existing mobile home parks. These guidelines describe a method to allow conversions under a change of use process that will ensure fairness for the landowner and equity for the elderly tenant with a minimum of conflict for elected officials. The study recommends that municipal governments use their zoning powers to lay ground rules before such situations arise to ease the effects on all involved.