Accessory Structures

Home owners construct and install accessory structures in addition to their manufactured homes. They must obtain permits prior to building, moving, or altering accessory structures. In some cases accessory structures cannot be attached to manufactured homes.

In general, accessory structures built of non-combustible materials may be located on lot lines and three feet from manufactured homes, accessory structures, and buildings on adjacent spaces. Accessory structures made of materials that can catch fire must be located three feet from lot lines and six feet from manufactured homes, other accessory structures, or buildings. No portion of accessory structures may project beyond lot lines. Accessory structures may be adjacent to roadways or common areas. If accessory structures enclose fire exits from manufactured homes, there must be an exit path through the structures. Such accessory structures cannot be divided by interior walls.

Awnings – Awnings may be attached to manufactured home walls or freestanding. Larger awnings may create loads that damage manufactured home walls. HCD codes do not place width and length limits on freestanding awnings. Attached window awnings may not extend more than 42 inches from the home. Window and door awnings may not be wider than six inches on either side of the door or window. Awnings must be at least six feet two inches above the porch, landing, or grade. Flammable awnings cannot be within three feet of lot lines.

Awning Enclosures – Home owners may use awning enclosures for recreational and outdoor living purposes. They cannot be converted into a room addition. These shelters may be enclosed with insect screening or flexible plastic sheets. Opaque panels cannot cover more than fifty percent of the wall area and 25 percent should be open for ventilation. HCD rules prohibit heating, cooking, or fuel burning appliances in awning enclosures.

Cabanas – Designed and constructed as freestanding structures, cabanas may be used as an extra room. They should have seven foot ceilings. HCD rules require that cabanas have floor areas of at least seventy square feet, not including private toilet or storage areas. They may have wood or concrete floors. Windows provide natural ventilation. Cabanas need to have permanent electrical wiring. The HCD code prohibits cooking in cabanas.

Carports – Carports may be freestanding or meet the requirements of an awning attached to a manufactured home. There must be at least three feet between carports and manufactured homes, accessory structures, and buildings on adjacent lots. Carports should be built of noncombustible materials. At least two sides, or one side and one end of carports must be at least fifty percent open and unobstructed at all times.

Private Garages – Garages must be freestanding structures that are not attached to nor supported by manufactured homes. Materials that provide one-hour fire resistant construction should be used. If there are openings in garage walls, there must be three feet between the garage and manufactured homes, accessory structures, and other buildings. Garages constructed of non-fire resistant materials must be six feet from other structures.

Storage Cabinets – Home owners may install storage cabinets on spaces next to manufactured homes. They must keep required home exits clear. Storage cabinet locations should not prevent service or inspection of utility connections. Storage cabinets cannot be used as an extra room. They should not exceed ten feet in height and 120 square feet in area.

Stairways, Ramps, and Landings – Generally stairways, ramps, porches, and landings are designed as freestanding, self-supporting structures. HCD rules require the main entrance stairs and ramps be 36 inches wide. On the carport side, the exit stairway may not be less than 28 inches wide. When manufactured home doors swing outward, porches or landings should be one inch below the door bottom. Rails should allow the door to open at least ninety degrees. Where the door swings inward or is a sliding door, the porch or landing should not be more than 7½ inches below the door bottom. If steps, ramps, porches, and landings are more than thirty inches above grade they must have guardrails. Stairways with four or more risers need handrails.

Fences – Fences cannot exceed six feet in height. Fences taller than 3½ feet and running parallel to a neighboring manufactured home, cannot be closer than three feet to that unit.

Ramadas – Freestanding, self-supporting ramadas provide second roof protection over manufactured homes. They generally may not be enclosed on any side. Ramada roofs should clear manufactured home vent pipes by eighteen inches. Support poles must clear manufactured home sides by six inches. Roofs need to include ventilation openings. Chimneys for fuel burning appliances must extend through the ramada roof.

“Mobilehome Parks and Installations.” Title 25, Article 7, Sections 1324, 1326, 1328, 1330, 1338, 1338.1, 1362, & 1366.

“Mobilehome Parks and Installations.” Title 25, Article 9, Sections 1422, 1424, 1428, 1429, 1443, 1444-1464, 1468, 1470, 1474, 1478, 1486, 1498. 1502, 1504, 1510, & 1514.

Copyright - Carl Eric Leivo, Ph.D.