Manufactured Home

Introduction

Manufactured homes are permitted as residences primarily within designated manufactured and special occupancy parks, or public camping areas, in accordance with Humboldt County Code 314-81.1 and the Health and Safety Code of California. They may also be located outside these parks in specific zoning districts where such use is authorized. When installed outside of parks, manufactured homes must comply with standard building and zoning regulations, which include being enclosed with skirting at ground level, and, depending on the home’s manufacture date, may require attachment to a permanent foundation or meet other specific safety standards.

Minimum Documents for Permit Submittal

The following documents are required for all permit applications for a new residence. If you are unsure what these documents are or how to get them see our Construction Documents page. It will describe what the document is, why it is required, and how you can get it.

Forms

Design Documents

  • Site Plan
  • Pre-Manufactured Unit (PHU) Installation Manual
  • Foundation Layout Plan

NOTICE: Other documents will likely be required depending on where and how complex of a structure you are building. For example, if you are building in the flood zone and an area of potential liquefaction, you may be required to get a flood elevation certificate and a soils report. See the Construction Documents page to see if other documents may be required for your permit submittal.

Quick Steps to Permit Issuance

Follow the below steps to start a permit application for a new manufactured home.

  1. Register for an Accela account (see our Accela Support Resources).
  2. Upload your required documents (see our Accela Support Resources and Step 3 on First Time Applying for Building Permit).
  3. Move through step 4 Preliminary Site Inspection and step 5 Plan Check described on First Time Applying for a Building Permit webpage.
  4. Once the permit is issued use the Inspections page to schedule inspections and change your issued permit if necessary.

Key Points

  1. Location and Use: Manufactured homes are primarily designed for residence within manufactured home parks and special occupancy parks. They can also be situated in certain zoning districts where their use is explicitly permitted outside these parks.
  2. Compliance Requirements: When placed outside of parks, manufactured homes must adhere to the same building and zoning regulations as standard buildings used for similar residential purposes.
  3. Documentation and Approvals:

Construction Requirements

  • Foundational Requirements: Depending on the age of the manufactured home, it may need to be placed on a permanent foundation or equipped with a standard setup that includes tie-down anchors.
    • The home must be enclosed at ground level with appropriate skirting, except for necessary venting.
    • Homes manufactured before September 15, 1971, may be placed on a permanent foundation if certified structurally sound by a licensed engineer and compliant with the Uniform Building Code.
    • Homes sold before July 1, 1980, must be attached to a permanent foundation as approved by the Chief Building Inspector.
    • For homes sold on or after July 1, 1980, attachment to a permanent foundation or a standard setup with approved tie-down anchors is required.
  • Engineering Certification: Older homes, specifically those manufactured before 1971, require a certification from a licensed engineer to verify that they meet current building codes and are structurally sound.