Fire Protection

The Mobilehome Parks Act authorizes the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to develop fire protection rules. The rules do not apply to parks built before January 1, 1966. HCD and local enforcement agencies may consult with local fire departments and develop fire prevention standards for individual parks. Fire prevention rules apply to parks with fifteen or more spaces. Park operators must test fire hydrants regardless of the park age and number of spaces.

Counties, cities, or fire districts may enforce local fire prevention codes within parks. Local codes can be broader than HCD standards. They might address fire hydrants, water supply, fire equipment access, parking, lot identification, weed removal, storage of flammable substances, hazardous materials, and open burning. HCD notifies park operators thirty days in advance if local agencies will enforce fire prevention codes. Managers must post notices of the new fire prevention service.

Park owners need to obtain permits in order to modify fire-fighting equipment. In addition to water supply, each space should have a ¾ inch water outlet for fire-fighting purposes according to current HCD codes.

Some manufactured home parks may not be served by local fire departments. HCD or local enforcement agencies may decide that parks should create private fire-fighting systems. Such systems consist of hydrants or wet standpipe risers connected to water mains or a separate water supply system. Private systems must deliver 75 gallons of water per minute at 30 pounds per square inch (psi) with a least two hoses in operation. Water outlets must be located within 75 feet of each space and the park must provide 75 feet of hose. Parks constructed before September 1, 1968 with hydrants have to deliver 35 psi.

Park employees may fight fires. Managers must train park personnel, test hydrants, and submit annual reports to HCD or enforcement agencies. Each year hydrants should be tested to see if they operate correctly. Hydrant water flows need to be tested every five years.

“Mobilehome Parks and Installations.” Article 6, Sections 1300, 1302, 1315, 1308, 1312, 1317, and 18691.

Copyright - Carl Eric Leivo, Ph.D.
First image courtesy of nokhoog buchachon at freedigitalphotos.net