By Eric Curl
April 18, 2026 – The Port Wentworth City Council voted April 16 to impose a temporary moratorium on new mobile homes, citing gaps in the city’s zoning ordinance that officials say leave the city vulnerable to unregulated development.
The moratorium took effect immediately and will remain in place until Oct. 31 unless it is lifted by the council before then.
City Manager Steve Davis said the move is intended to give staff time to draft new regulations addressing both mobile home communities and individual placements.
“The ordinance currently restricts mobile home communities within residential zoning districts, but it does not restrict individual mobile homes,” Davis said during the meeting.
He added that the gap creates exposure for the city if not addressed.
“That leaves the city very exposed,” Davis said.
The proposed updates are expected to address issues such as minimum lot sizes, setbacks and other development standards.
Watch the April 16 meeting – YouTube>
Port Wentworth meeting May 21 – Savannah Agenda
Councilman Rufus Bright referenced a previously existing mobile home park in the city and raised concerns about similar developments returning.
“We used to have a mobile home in the city of Port Wentworth, but since then, the individual has sold all that property, and they tore all that stuff down,” Bright said. “So this right here will prevent another mobile home community trying to sneak in?
Davis confirmed the moratorium applies broadly.
“It restricts any new mobile homes, whether it’s a community or an individual mobile home,” Davis said, noting the six-month pause is intended to allow time for a more comprehensive ordinance.
The vote comes as Port Wentworth continues to manage rapid growth and development pressure along the Ga. 21 corridor and surrounding areas. The city has seen a population growth of over 30% in the last 3 years, with an accompanying growth and demand in housing, according to officials.
Anchor Park update
Separately, Davis provided an update on Anchor Park, a planned 150-acre sports and entertainment complex that city officials say will anchor future growth in the area.
The recently dubbed VyStar Pavilion, a 5,200-seat covered amphitheater, and the Ice Cove facility, a training rink for the Savannah Ghost Pirates, are both on schedule for August completions, Davis said.
The park will also feature multi-use fields and courts for various sports, in addition to a farmers’ market and a recreational gym. The second phase of construction, which includes parking lot development and the central soccer and football fields within the stadium complex, will be completed in about nine months, Davis said, although he added that the parking facilities will be completed in time for the amphitheater’s August debut.
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