Manufactured Home Permits

Must contractors obtain a permit before installed a manufactured home? Yes/No/Maybe

The correct answer is yes. Contractors must obtain permits from the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) or local enforcement agencies to install manufactured homes on spaces in parks. Park managers must approve installation of manufactured homes. Permit applications include proof of home ownership, plot plans, lot lines, setbacks, utility connections, foundation system plans, installation instructions from the manufacturer, and permit fees. Installers should explain how homes will be installed on piers and footings or permanent foundations.

Do home owners need to obtain park management approval before they obtain a construction permit? Yes/No/Maybe

The correct answer is maybe. Manufactured home owners must obtain permits from HCD or local enforcement agencies for many construction projects. In some cases agency personnel also review project plans. (see Figure) Home owners may need approval from park managers to obtain permits. Projects that need management approval include work on utility service lines and connections and projects that might disturb utility lines. Permits for accessory structures need park management approval. Enforcement agencies require management sign-offs for grading and fill permits.

Do home owners need to obtain a permit for a minor repair in their home? Yes/No/Maybe

The correct answer is no. Types of home owner projects that typically do not require permits include:

• Minor maintenance and repair;
• Replacement of existing utility meters;
• Reinstalling portable gear;
• Installation of a storage cabinet on a lot;
• Constructing a stairway with a landing no greater than twelve square feet;
• Mounting window or door awnings;
• Installing removable insect screening;
• Constructing a retaining wall of less than four feet in height;
• Building a patio; and
• Installing fences not over six feet high.

Do home owners obtain permit applications from their park manager? Yes/No/Maybe.

The correct answer is no. Home owners may obtain information about permit requirements from the HCD Northern Field Operations office (phone number: 916-255-2501) or Southern Field Operations office (phone number: 951-782-4420). Individuals can download the permit application (form 415) on the HCD website at www.hcd.ca.gov. Generally, contractors apply for HCD permits. HCD or local governments charge permit, plan check, and inspection fees. The amount of these fees varies depending upon the type of repair or replacement project. HCD or enforcement agency personnel calculate permit fees based upon the information submitted in permit applications.

“Mobilehome Parks and Installations.” Title 25, Article 2, Sections 1018, 1020,

and 1032.

Copyright - Carl Eric Leivo, Ph.D.
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at freedigitalphotos.net.