Connecticut mandates fire hydrant water capacity reports from mobile home park owners

Under the bright lights of the Connecticut State Capitol, lawmakers gathered on April 8, 2025, to discuss a pivotal piece of legislation: House Bill 5428. This bill, aimed at enhancing safety and accountability in mobile manufactured home parks, has sparked significant interest and debate among legislators and community members alike.

At its core, House Bill 5428 seeks to address critical safety concerns regarding fire hydrants in mobile home parks. The bill mandates that park owners report the water capacity and flow of each fire hydrant annually to the Department of Consumer Protection, with the first report due by October 1, 2025. If a hydrant is found to have insufficient water capacity, park owners must provide quarterly updates on their efforts to rectify the issue. This provision aims to ensure that emergency services can effectively respond to fires, a concern that has grown in urgency as the number of mobile home residents continues to rise.

The bill also proposes amendments to existing statutes, redefining "homestead" to include owner-occupied mobile homes and co-ops, thereby expanding protections for residents. This change reflects a growing recognition of the unique challenges faced by mobile home communities, which often lack the same resources and infrastructure as traditional housing.

However, the bill has not been without its controversies. Some lawmakers have raised concerns about the financial burden these reporting requirements may impose on park owners, particularly smaller operators who may struggle to comply with the new regulations. Proponents argue that the safety of residents should take precedence, emphasizing that the costs associated with ensuring adequate fire safety are a necessary investment in community welfare.

Experts in housing policy have weighed in, suggesting that while the bill may present challenges for some, its long-term benefits could outweigh the initial hurdles. "Ensuring that fire hydrants are functional and capable of supporting emergency services is not just a regulatory issue; it's a matter of life and death for residents," noted a housing advocate during the committee discussions.

As the bill moves forward, its implications extend beyond mere compliance. It represents a shift towards greater accountability in housing safety standards, particularly for vulnerable populations living in mobile home parks. If passed, House Bill 5428 could set a precedent for similar legislation in other states, potentially reshaping the landscape of mobile home community regulations nationwide.

With the legislative session in full swing, all eyes will be on the upcoming votes and discussions surrounding House Bill 5428. As Connecticut grapples with the balance between regulation and support for its residents, the outcome of this bill could have lasting effects on the safety and security of mobile home communities across the state.