Gilchrist & Rutter partner Richard Close successfully represented Ojai Oaks Village mobile home park owner, Theodore Wynne, in his application for subdivision. In February, 2008, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors voted to approve the park's conversion from a rental park to a resident-owned park. This was the first approved mobile home "condominium conversion" in Ventura County's unincorporated area, and the first under the Board of Supervisor's jurisdiction.
"Local approval of this project was a critical step in achieving the client's goal of realizing the land value in his property while at the same time creating affordable purchase housing for residents," said Mr. Close. " It is a win/win outcome," said Susy Forbath, the Gilchrist & Rutter paralegal who leads the lobbying efforts and educational component of the coversion/subdivision process.
Before residents can begin buying the land under their mobile homes, the California Department of Real Estate needs to give final approval. Ojai Oaks Village plans to offer each of the 125 spaces in the park for sale to the current renters, allowing them opportunity to either buy the land beneath their mobile home or continue renting it.
Ojai Oaks Village follows the recent subdivision approval of Caravilla Mobile Home Park in Santa Clarita. Mr. Close represented Caravilla park owner Newport Pacific Caravilla Limited, which has plans to convert to a total of 84 residential condominium spaces.
