Levine Floats Legislation for Richardson Bay

Assembly Bill 253 Allows Owners of Floating Homes to Purchase Marina

Assemblymember Marc Levine (D-San Rafael) announced he has introduced legislation which would allow the residents of a floating home marina to create a condominium association for the purpose of purchasing their marina.

"When a floating home marina is up for sale, those with the most at stake are those who call the marina home," said Levine. "AB 253 is straightforward legislation that simply allows owners of floating homes to come together to protect their residences."

Generally, floating home marinas are privately owned and charge homeowners monthly berthage fees. Should a marina owner want to sell the marina, this bill would allow for a homeowner group to purchase it. While no specific set of tenants is currently seeking to buy a marina, AB 253 will remove a significant financial barrier for the floating home tenants should the situation arise in the future.

Absent the ability to create an association, it would be necessary to create a cooperative, which would be problematic for financing and insurance purposes. This bill builds upon existing provisions in state law that allows mobilehome parks to convert to residential ownership.

"We love our floating homes, and we love our Richardson Bay community," said Katherine Boschetto, President of the Floating Homes Association of Sausalito. "No one wants their land, or berths in this case, sold out from under them. The Floating Homes Association thanks Assemblymember Levine for his interest in protecting our homes."

Four marinas consisting of nearly 500 floating homes can be found in Richardson Bay in Sausalito.

# # #

Assemblymember Levine represents the 10th Assembly District which includes Marin County and southern Sonoma County.