The purpose of this chapter is to provide for municipal regulation of mobile homes and mobile parks in furtherance of the public health, safety, morals and welfare. (Ord. 732 (part), 1981)

For use in this chapter, the following terms are defined:
A. "Mobile home" means any vehicle without motive power used or so manufactured or constructed as to permit its being used as a conveyance upon the public streets and highways and so designed, constructed or reconstructed as will permit the vehicle to be used as a place for human habitation by one or more persons; but shall also include any such vehicle with motive power not registered as a motor vehicle in Iowa. "Mobile home" also means any vehicle which has been converted to real estate by the removal of the undercarriage and placing upon a permanent foundation. The placing of the vehicle upon any permanent foundation shall not change its classification as a mobile home under the terms and conditions of this chapter.
B. "Mobile home park" means any site, lot, field, or tract of land upon which two or more occupied mobile homes are harbored, either free of charge or for revenue purposes, and shall include any building, structure, tent, vehicle or enclosure used or intended for use as part of the equipment of such mobile home park. "Mobile home park" shall not be construed to include mobile homes, buildings, tents or other structures temporarily maintained by any individual, educational institution or company on its own premises and used exclusively to house its own labor or students. (Ord. 732 (part), 1981)

No person, firm or corporation shall establish, maintain, conduct, or operate a mobile home park within the city without first obtaining an annual license therefor from the State Department of Health. No person, firm or corporation shall construct, expand, remodel or make alterations to the sanitary facilities in a mobile home park within the city without first obtaining a permit therefor from the State Department of Health. (Ord. 732 (part), 1981)

It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to park or place any mobile home on the streets, alleys or highways, any public place, or on any private land within the city, except as is provided by state law and this chapter. This section shall not apply to mobile homes parked or placed within duly licensed mobile home parks, or upon private property as part of a dealer’s or a manufacturer’s stock not used as a place for human habitation. (Ord. 732 (part), 1981)

The city council, upon application by a mobile home owner, may issue special permits for the location of mobile homes outside mobile home parks. The council shall issue such special permits when it appears that location within mobile home parks within the city limits of Decorah or within a five-mile radius of the city limits of Decorah is impracticable and public health, safety and welfare interests will not be seriously affected by granting the permit. Special permits shall not be granted for periods in excess of one year but upon expiration of a special permit, reapplication may be made. Application for the permit shall include:
A. A statement concerning the practicability of location within a local mobile home park;
B. A description of sanitation facilities contained within the mobile home and those facilities available at the proposed location;
C. A statement of the desired duration of the special permit. (Ord. 732 (part), 1981)

Emergency or temporary parking of mobile homes upon the streets, alleys or highways or any other public or private place for a period not in excess of twenty-four hours shall not constitute a violation of Section 5.12.030, but such parking shall be subject to any prohibitions or regulations contained in other ordinances of the city. (Ord. 732 (part), 1981)