Ellington

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Owners of five mobile home parks are challenging the city of Pearl's regulations in federal court, saying the rules are ultimately designed to force them to close.

A lawyer for the Rankin County city told a federal judge Wednesday that restrictions aim to ensure residents are safe from fires and tornadoes.

It's the latest in a series of legal battles over regulation of mobile homes, apartments and rental properties in Jackson suburbs.

The Mississippi Supreme Court earlier this year ordered Richland, which borders Pearl, to allow a mobile home park there to continue replacing individual trailers, even though the property isn't zoned for that use.

Pearl had attempted similar restrictions as Richland. Pearl says it's abiding by the ruling, but says the parks aren't complying with its rental property ordinance.