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Codes & standards for manufactured homes, mobile homes, doublewides, multiwides, & trailers.
This article assists mobile home, trailer, or doublewide owners and inspectors of those homes who need to find the applicable codes and standards for manufactured homes, multiwides, trailers or mobile homes.
InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.
- Daniel Friedman, Publisher/Editor/Author - See WHO ARE WE?
Manufactured Housing & Mobile Home Codes & Standards & Manuals
In the U.S. the HUD code (cited below) is a national preemptive building code that pertains to manufactured homes.
As we explain at DEFINITIONS of MOBILE HOME, DOUBLEWIDE, MODULAR, PANELIZED CONSTRUCTION
Manufactured homes are those built entirely in a factory. They are then transported to a building site and installed.
A manufactured home is a single-family dwelling built according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Act, which is a national, preemptive building code. - Washington State Government, http://www.lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/FAS/Mobile/ (2014)
A mobile home is a factory-built dwelling built prior to June 15, 1976, to standards other than the HUD Code, that were acceptable under applicable state codes in effect at the time of construction or introduction of the home into the state.
Manufactured Homes other countries such as Australia are regulated by different laws that we also provide here.
Article Contents
- CANADIAN MOBILE HOME REQUIREMENTS [PDF] original source: elbowsask.com/assets/Documents/Mobile Home Requirements.pdf
Excerpt: Mobile homes shall conform in all respects to the CAN/CSA-Z240 MH Series of Standards and shall be complete structurally with the entire plumbing, electrical, and heating services installed.
- DIFFERENT CODES for MANUFACTURED vs MODULAR HOMES
- HUD PART 3285—MODEL MANUFACTURED HOME INSTALLATION STANDARDS
- ICC / IRC CODES PERTINENT to MOBILE / MANUFACTURED HOMES
- MOBILE / MANUFACTURED HOME SAFETY CODES
- MOBILE / MANUFACTURED HOMES - OTHER USEFUL CODES
- MOBILE HOME INSTALLATION MANUALS - free PDF downloads
- MOBILE HOME SKIRTING CODES - separate article
U.S. Manufactured Home Codes, Standards, Manuals
Complete Mobile Home Codes - 2022
In the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (HUD) Title 24, Sbtitle B, Chapter XX, Part 3285 describes Model Manufactured Home Installation Standards, given for 2022 and older years in the list below.
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 3535(d), 5403, 5404, and 5424.
Source: 72 FR 59362, Oct. 19, 2007, unless otherwise noted. [note the update date given above]
- BUILDING CODES re DANGEROUS CONDITIONS [Web Article] general code authority defining dangerous or unsafe conditions and code inspector authority to act for existing structures
- CFR PART 3280—MANUFACTURED HOME CONSTRUCTION AND SAFETY STANDARDS [PDF] Code of Federal Regulations - Complete text of 24 CFR Part 3280 - MANUFACTURED HOME CONSTRUCTION AND SAFETY STANDARDS
contains 10 subparts pertaining to General (data plate and certification contents and locations), Plans (dimensions, exits, etc), Fire Safety, Body and Frame, Testing, Thermal Protection, Heating/Cooling and venting systems, Electrical, and Transportation (axles, springs, drawbar).
Watch out: this is a huge document: It's about 90 pages of regulations.
PART 3280—MANUFACTURED HOME CONSTRUCTION AND SAFETY STANDARDS [PDF] newer copy retrieved 2017/07/13 - faster-loadingPART 3280—MANUFACTURED HOME CONSTRUCTION AND SAFETY STANDARDS [PDF] older copy retrieved 2017/06/09, original source: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=a2c5655a37054c584f7dd6a0ed240fb8&node=pt24.5.3280&rgn=div5
Part 3282 (subset of the document links just above) discusses pre-emption of state laws, among other things, and requires a new unit to be delivered with a "consumer manual" containing required information about the unit. - Thanks to NHFireBear for this update, April 2015. Retrieved 9 April 2015, original source: www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2001-title24-vol5/pdf/CFR-2001-title24-vol5-subtitleB.pdf
[note this is a very large PDF that contains other sections. Our live link above has excerpted the Manufactured Home standards section from the HUD document - Ed.]
- CHAMPION MANUFACTURED HOME HUD INSTALLATION MANUAL [PDF] as adopted by the Arizona housing authority, retrieved 2018/02/17, original source: https://housing.az.gov/sites/default/files/Champion-Homes-HUD-Installation-Manual.pdf
- Commodore MANUFACTURED HOME INSTALLATION MANUAL [PDF] (2009)
- COMMODORE MANUFACTURED HOME INSTALLATION MANUAL [PDF] (2008)
- Commodore Homes Contact Information: Commodore homes LLC includes the brands or divisions listed below. To see which states or areas are served by each of these manufactured homes company see this web page: commodorehomes.com/divisions
Colony Factory Crafted Homes, 20510 Paint Blvd, Shippenville, PA 16254 | (814) 226-9590
Commodore Homes of Pennsylvania, 20898 Paint Blvd, Shippenville, PA 16254 | (814) 226-9210
Commodore Homes Indiana, 1902 Century Dr, Goshen, IN 46526 | (574) 971-3443
Manorwood Homes, 4 PA-38, Emlenton, PA 16373 | (724) 867-0047
Midcountry Homes, 337 Liberty St, Dorchester, WI 54425 | (715) 257-0334
Pennwest Homes, 4 Pennwest Way, Emlenton, PA 16373 | (724) 867-0189
R-Anell Homes, 235 Anthony Grove Rd, Crouse, NC 28033 | (704) 445-9610
Commodore Homes, LLC 58096 Country Road 7 Elkhart, IN 46517 Phone: (574)-533-7100 Web: commodorehomes.com/
Commodore Homes Indiana: 1902 Century Dr Goshen, IN 46526 USA, Tel: 574-971-3443 Web: commodore-indiana.com/
Commodore Homes of Pennsylvania 20898 Paint Blvd Shippenville, PA 16254 USA, Tel: (814) 226-9210 Web: commodore-pennsylvania.com/
- Manufactured & mobile home Data Tags & Certifications - see MANUFACTURED / MOBILE HOME DATA TAGS [web article]
- DOUBLEWIDE HOME SETUP INSPECTION CHECKLIST (Rutherford North Carolina) [PDF]
- EGRESS WINDOWS FOR MANUFACTURED HOMES [PDF] MN DLI, retrieved 2019/1017 original source: https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/ms_egress_windows.pdf
- Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Act, U.S. HUD, Code of Federal Regulations No. 24, PARTS 0-199, 5/1/2001, can be read at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2001-title24-vol1/content-detail.html
- HUD CHAPTER 9 - The BUILDING ENVELOPE [PDF] (1985)
- HUD Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards, The Hud Code 24CFR 3280, available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, online at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2001-title24-vol1/content-detail.html
- HUD CODE: 42 U.S.C. 17071 - ENERGY CODE IMPROVEMENTS APPLICABLE TO MANUFACTURED HOUSING [PDF], retrieved 5/15/14, original source: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2010-title42/pdf/USCODE-2010-title42-chap152-subchapIII-partA-sec17071.pdf
- HUD CODE: 62 FR 24337 - MANUFACTURED HOUSING: STATEMENT OF POLICY 1997-1, STATE AND LOCAL ZONING DETERMINATIONS INVOLVING... [PDF], retrieved 4/15/14, original source: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-1997-05-05/pdf/97-11535.pdf
- HUD CODE: 70 FR 61178 - MANUFACTURED HOUSING DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROGRAM [PDF] , http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2005-10-20/pdf/05-20953.pdf
- *HUD CODE: 78 FR 73965 - MANUFACTURED HOME CONSTRUCTION AND SAFETY STANDARDS [PDF] , "24 CFR Part 3280, Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, Final Rule, (2013), * this is the key legislative rule from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 24 CFR Part 3280, Docket No. FR-5221-F-)2, RIN 2502-!717, "Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards", 9 December 2013.
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-12-09/pdf/2013-28775.pdf - HUD Code: 3. Serial No. 112-96 (HOUSE Hearing) - IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MANUFACTURED HOUSING IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2000 [PDF] , http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CHRG-112hhrg75068/pdf/CHRG-112hhrg75068.pdf
- HUD MANUFACTURED HOME CONSTRUCTION AND SAFETY STANDARDS ACT, U.S. HUD, Code of Federal Regulations No. 24, Parts 0-199, [PDF] 5/1/2001, original source: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2001-title24-vol1/content-detail.html
- HUD-Manufactured Housing and Standards, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Website: http://portal.hud.gov, Retrieved 5/1/2014, original source: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/ramh/mhs/faq, Quoting:
A manufactured home (formerly known as a mobile home) is built to the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (HUD Code) and displays a red certification label on the exterior of each transportable section.
Manufactured homes are built in the controlled environment of a manufacturing plant and are transported in one or more sections on a permanent chassis.
Homes built prior to June 15, 1976, even with modifications, do not meet the HUD standards and cannot be accepted as compliant with the HUD Code. As the homeowner, you may find a licensed engineer willing to inspect your home for compliance with your state's housing code.
FHA does not insure mortgages on manufactured homes built prior to June 15, 1976. Most other mortgage insurance firms follow FHA's policy.
- (HUD) TITLE 24, SUBTITLE B, CHAPTER XX, PART 3285 MODEL MANUFACTURED HOME INSTALLATION STANDARDS (2022) [PDF] - retrieved 2022/05/25, original source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/subtitle-B/chapter-XX/part-3285
U.S. HUD Title 24 - Housing and Urban Development, Rev. 17 May 2022 - retrieved 2022/05/25, original source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/subtitle-B/chapter-XX/part-3285
- HUD PART 3285—MODEL MANUFACTURED HOME INSTALLATION STANDARDS (2021) (Complete text) [PDF] retrieved 2021/05/6 original source: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=a2c5655a37054c584f7dd6a0ed240fb8&node=pt24.5.3285&rgn=div5%20-
At
INDEX to HUD PART 3285—MODEL MANUFACTURED HOME INSTALLATION STANDARDS (Index) we list the contents of this HUD manufactured home standard - HUD GUIDE TO FOUNDATION AND SUPPORT SYSTEMS FOR MANUFACTURED HOMES [PDF], (2002, initially marked "Draft not for distribution") Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD USER P.O. Box 23268, Washington, DC 20026-3268 USA, Tel: 1-800-245-2691 TDD: 1-800-927-7589
and
PATH (Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing), 451 Seventh Street, SW Washington, D.C. 20410 UDA Tel: 202-708-4250 Email: pathnet@pathnet.org, PATH is managed and supported by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Retrieved 2017/06/07, original source: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/Publications/PDF/foundations_guide.pdfThis document discusses factors to consider in manufactured home (& mobile home) foundation design, non-proprietary foundation and support systems, and proprietary foundation and support systems for mobile homes / manufactured homes.
Note: The contents of this report are the view of the contractor and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or the US government.
- HUD HOME BUILDER'S GUIDE to MANUFACTURED HOUSING [PDF] (2000) U.S. HUD, PATH, - retrieved 2023/07/31, original source: huduser.gov/publications/pdf/buildergd.pdf
- HUD PERMANENT FOUNDATIONS GUIDE for MANUFACTURED HOUSING [PDF] (1996) Department of Housing and Urban Development (1996), source: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/publications/destech/permfound.html
This is the complete HUD foundation handbook in PDF format, compressed for faster downloading, no loss of data, no loss of image quality.Abstract quoted from HUD
This handbook is a guide for those approving HUD-code manufactured homes on permanent foundations, including engineers, manufacturers, and site owners seeking approval. It provides current technical information, recommendations, and tables of analytical data, expanding and clarifying the definition of a permanent foundation. It updates 1989 loading requirements for snow, wind, and seismic forces.
Because of the increased use of multi-section manufactured homes, the guide now includes consideration of large openings along the length of marriage walls in multi-section units.
The construction recommendations assure that the home, foundation, and site are all compatible. In addition to the new technical recommendations, the guide has been expanded and reorganized for easy reference with more illustrations and clarifications. The handbook can greatly assist preparation of the worksheets needed to apply for an FHA mortgage
- HUD 4905.1 Rev 1 CHAPTER 2 - GENERAL ACCEPTABILITY CRITERIA [PDF]
- HUD INSPECTION CHECKLIST, Housing Choice Voucher Program [PDF], US Department of Housing & Urban Development, Office of Public and Indian Housing, (2012), retrieved 2017/06/09, original source: https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=DOC_11775.pdf
- HUD MANUFACTURED HOME FOUNDATION GUIDE (HUD) [PDF]
- HUD PERMANENT FOUNDATIONS GUIDE FOR MANUFACTURED HOUSING Chapter 1-5 [PDF], U.S. DoH - HUD
- HUD PERMANENT FOUNDATIONS GUIDE FOR MANUFACTURED HOUSING Chapters 6-15 [PDF]
- HUD PERMANENT FOUNDATIONS GUIDE FOR MANUFACTURED HOUSING Appendixes [PDF]
- HUD MANUFACTURED HOME INSTALLATION STANDARDS (HUD) [PDF] (2003)
- HUD Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards, The Hud Code 24CFR 3280, available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, online at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2001-title24-vol1/content-detail.html
- HUD CODE: 42 U.S.C. 17071 - ENERGY CODE IMPROVEMENTS APPLICABLE TO MANUFACTURED HOUSING [PDF], retrieved 5/15/14, original source: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2010-title42/pdf/USCODE-2010-title42-chap152-subchapIII-partA-sec17071.pdf
- HUD CODE: 62 FR 24337 - MANUFACTURED HOUSING: STATEMENT OF POLICY 1997-1, STATE AND LOCAL ZONING DETERMINATIONS INVOLVING... [PDF], retrieved 4/15/14, original source: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-1997-05-05/pdf/97-11535.pdf
- HUD CODE: 70 FR 61178 - MANUFACTURED HOUSING DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROGRAM [PDF] , http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2005-10-20/pdf/05-20953.pdf
- *HUD CODE: 78 FR 73965 - MANUFACTURED HOME CONSTRUCTION AND SAFETY STANDARDS [PDF] , "24 CFR Part 3280, Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, Final Rule, (2013), * this is the key legislative rule from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 24 CFR Part 3280, Docket No. FR-5221-F-)2, RIN 2502-!717, "Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards", 9 December 2013.
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-12-09/pdf/2013-28775.pdf - HUD Code: 3. Serial No. 112-96 (HOUSE Hearing) - IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MANUFACTURED HOUSING IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2000 [PDF] , http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CHRG-112hhrg75068/pdf/CHRG-112hhrg75068.pdf
- MANUFACTURED HOME CHARACTERISTICS (FEMA) [PDF]
- MANUFACTURED HOME SET-UP GUIDE (Okanogan Washington) [PDF]
- MANUFACTURED HOUSING INSTALLATION CODE 535-X-14 (Alabama) [PDF]
- MOBILE HOME ELECTRICAL POLE SETUP (GLPS, Greenville TN) [PDF]
- MOBILE HOME SETUP CHECKLIST (Pickiens South Carolina), [PDF]
- MOBILE HOME STABILIZING SYSTEMS - Tie Downs -
- MODEL MANUFACTURED HOME (ROOF) INSTALLATION STANDARDS PART 3285 [PDF] (HUD) discusses roof framing and loads and wind zone maps for various roofing installation standards.
- Ohio: NOTICE TO MANUFACTURED HOME BUYERS FROM THE OHIO DEPT. OF COMMERCE, Ohio DOS, original source: www.com.ohio.gov/documents/mh_REPL-17-0029NoticeMHHomeBuyers.pdf
- Texas: MANUFACTURED HOUSING RULES (TEXAS), [PDF] Effective: November 23, 2014, Administrative Rules of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs 10 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 80, retrieved 2017/06/09, original source: https://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/mh/docs/Rules-141123-160514.pdf
- U.S. DOE, MOBILE HOME BELLY RETROFIT [PDF] Midwest Weatherization BEST PRACTICES , WEATHERIZATION INSTALLER/TECHNICIAN MOBILE HOMES - CHAPTER 3: [PDF] U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, Retrieved 2018/07/22, original source: https://www.energy.gov/eere/wipo/downloads/weatherization-installertechnician-mobile-homes-chapter-3-mobile-home-belly
- US DOE MOBILE HOME BELLY INSULATION RETROFIT [POWER POINT PRESENTATION], U.S. DOE, Website: eere.energy.gov, retrieved 2018/07/22, original source op. cit. file: PPT-3-mobile-home-belly-retrofit.ppt
Manufactured & Mobile Home Definitions of Terms
Definitions of Types of Homes: Doublewide, Manufactured Home, Modular Home, Mobile Home, Panelized Home, Pre-Cut Home, Singlewide, Trailer
However the term "manufactured home" is used by different authorities to include a variety of construction types as we list next. Manufactured homes include:
Modular Homes
Modules are transported to the site and installed. S
See MODULAR HOME CONSTRUCTION for a detailed look at modern modular home construction.
Panelized Homes
Panels—a whole wall with windows, doors, wiring and outside siding—are transported to the site and assembled. See Panelized Construction for a detailed look at a 1950's panelized construction home that was war surplus (Fishkill NY).
Pre-Cut Homes
Building materials are factory-cut to design specifications, transported to the site, and then assembled. Pre-cut homes include kit, dome, and log homes.
LOG HOME GUIDE - provides an example of pre-cut homes, how to inspect, diagnose, and repair problems on log houses; how to identify and determine the age of different types of log homes: traditional log homes, manufactured log homes, slab-sided log homes, and alternative log homes using concrete logs and fiberglass logs.
SEARS KIT HOME IDENTIFICATION provides the most famous example of pre-cut home construction.
Mobile Homes
This is the term used for factory-built homes produced prior to when the HUD Code went into effect.
A mobile home is a factory-built dwelling built prior to June 15, 1976, to standards other than the HUD Code [cited above] that were acceptable under applicable U.S. State Codes (or equivalent in other countries) in effect at the time of construction or introduction of the home into the state. E.g. U.S. Washington State WAC 296-150-M. - Washington State Government, http://www.lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/FAS/Mobile/ (2014)
See MOBILE HOMES, DOUBLEWIDES, TRAILERS for a detailed look at the wide range of quality and condition of these homes.
See MOBILE HOME ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS for examples of differences in building & electrical code requirements depending on the type of construction.
The following is the opinion of the author and has not had a technical review by other industry experts. Various trailer, mobile home, and modular housing manufacturers may disagree with some of these views. Corrections and content suggestions are welcome.
Excerpts from U.S. HUD CFR › Title 24 › Subtitle B › Chapter XX › Part 3280 › Subpart A › Section 3280.2
§ 3280.2 Definitions.
Definitions in this subpart are those common to all subparts of the standard and are in addition to the definitions provided in individual parts. The definitions are as follows:
Approved, when used in connection with any material, appliance or construction, means complying with the requirements of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Bay window - a window assembly whose maximum horizontal projection is not more than two feet from the plane of an exterior wall and is elevated above the floor level of the home.
Certification label means the approved form of certification by the manufacturer that, under § 3280.8, is permanently affixed to each transportable section of each manufactured home manufactured for sale in the United States.
Dwelling unit means one or more habitable rooms which are designed to be occupied by one family with facilities for living, sleeping, cooking and eating.
Equipment includes materials, appliances, devices, fixtures, fittings or accessories both in the construction of, and in the fire safety, plumbing, heat-producing and electrical systems of manufactured homes.
Federal manufactured home construction and safety standard means a reasonable standard for the construction, design, and performance of a manufactured home which meets the needs of the public including the need for quality, durability, and safety.
Installations means all arrangements and methods of construction, as well as fire safety, plumbing, heat-producing and electrical systems used in manufactured homes.
Labeled means a label, symbol or other identifying mark of a nationally recognized testing laboratory, inspection agency, or other organization concerned with product evaluation that maintains periodic inspection of production of labeled equipment or materials, and by whose labeling is indicated compliance with nationally recognized standards or tests to determine suitable usage in a specified manner.
Length of a manufactured home means its largest overall length in the traveling mode, including cabinets and other projections which contain interior space. Length does not include bay windows, roof projections, overhangs, or eaves under which there is no interior space, nor does it include drawbars, couplings or hitches.
Listed or certified means included in a list published by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, inspection agency, or other organization concerned with product evaluation that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials, and whose listing states either that the equipment or material meets nationally recognized standards or has been tested and found suitable for use in a specified manner.
Manufacturer means any person engaged in manufacturing or assembling manufactured homes, including any person engaged in importing manufactured homes for resale.
Manufactured home means a structure, transportable in one or more sections, which in the traveling mode is 8 body feet or more in width or 40 body feet or more in length or which when erected on-site is 320 or more square feet, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, and electrical systems contained in the structure.
This term includes all structures that meet the above requirements except the size requirements and with respect to which the manufacturer voluntarily files a certification pursuant to § 3282.13 of this chapter and complies with the construction and safety standards set forth in this part 3280.
The term does not include any self-propelled recreational vehicle. Calculations used to determine the number of square feet in a structure will include the total of square feet for each transportable section comprising the completed structure and will be based on the structure's exterior dimensions measured at the largest horizontal projections when erected on site.
These dimensions will include all expandable rooms, cabinets, and other projections containing interior space, but do not include bay windows. Nothing in this definition should be interpreted to mean that a manufactured home necessarily meets the requirements of HUD's Minimum Property Standards (HUD Handbook 4900.1) or that it is automatically eligible for financing under 12 U.S.C. 1709(b).
Manufactured home construction means all activities relating to the assembly and manufacture of a manufactured home including, but not limited to, those relating to durability, quality and safety.
Manufactured home safety means the performance of a manufactured home in such a manner that the public is protected against any unreasonable risk of the occurrence of accidents due to the design or construction of such manufactured home, or any unreasonable risk of death or injury to the user or to the public if such accidents do occur.
Registered Engineer or Architect means a person licensed to practice engineering or architecture in a state and subject to all laws and limitations imposed by the state's Board of Engineering and Architecture Examiners and who is engaged in the professional practice of rendering service or creative work requiring education, training and experience in engineering sciences and the application of special knowledge of the mathematical, physical and engineering sciences in such professional or creative work as consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning or design and supervision of construction for the purpose of securing compliance with specifications and design for any such work.
Secretary means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, or an official of the Department delegated the authority of the Secretary with respect to title VI of Pub. L. 93-383.
State includes each of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, the Canal Zone, and American Samoa.
Width of a manufactured home means its largest overall width in the traveling mode, including cabinets and other projections which contain interior space. Width does not include bay windows, roof projections, overhangs, or eaves under which there is no interior space.
Australian Manufactured Home Codes & Standards
- "National Construction Code (NCC) 2014 (Hard Copy & Online)" Building Code of Australia, Website: https://services.abcb.gov.au/abcbshop/
Abstract:The NCC 2014 Hard Copy, Digital & Online contains all volumes for both commercial and residential construction as detailed below. The digital format utilises a Digital Rights Management (DRM) system which requires the use of the ABCB's NCC Viewer* to access the file.
Please note that the DRM allows for the installation of the Digital format onto 2 computers/notebooks. Online archives for the included volumes extending back 5 years from the date of the current edition are also provided as part of this package, noting that the PCA archives only extend back to 2011 when it was introduced.
HUD PART 3285—MODEL MANUFACTURED HOME INSTALLATION STANDARDS
Here is the complete document as a PDF download
- HUD PART 3285—MODEL MANUFACTURED HOME INSTALLATION STANDARDS (Complete text) [PDF] retrieved 2021/05/6 original source: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=a2c5655a37054c584f7dd6a0ed240fb8&node=pt24.5.3285&rgn=div5%20-
Above on this page you'll find also PDF forms of some of the individual sections listed below.
Subpart A—General
§3285.1 Administration.
§3285.2 Manufacturer installation instructions.
§3285.3 Alterations during initial installation.
§3285.4 Incorporation by reference (IBR).
§3285.5 Definitions.
§3285.6 Final leveling of manufactured home.
Subpart B—Pre-Installation Considerations
§3285.101 Fire separation.
§3285.102 Installation of manufactured homes in flood hazard areas.
§3285.103 Site suitability with design zone maps.
§3285.104 Moving manufactured home to location.
§3285.105 Permits, other alterations, and on-site structures.
Subpart C—Site Preparation
§3285.201 Soil conditions.
§3285.202 Soil classifications and bearing capacity.
§3285.203 Site Drainage.
§3285.204 Ground moisture control.
Subpart D—Foundations
§3285.301 General.
§3285.302 Flood hazard areas.
§3285.303 Piers.
§3285.304 Pier configuration.
§3285.305 Clearance under homes.
§3285.306 Design procedures for concrete block piers.
§3285.307 Perimeter support piers.
§3285.308 Manufactured piers.
§3285.309 [Reserved]
§3285.310 Pier location and spacing.
§3285.311 Required perimeter supports.
§3285.312 Footings.
§3285.313 Combination systems.
§3285.314 [Reserved]
§3285.315 Special snow load conditions.
Subpart E—Anchorage Against Wind
§3285.401 Anchoring instructions.
§3285.402 Ground anchor installations.
§3285.403 Sidewall, over-the-roof, mate-line, and shear wall straps.
§3285.404 Severe climatic conditions.
§3285.405 Severe wind zones.
§3285.406 Flood hazard areas.
Subpart F—Optional Features
§3285.501 Home installation manual supplements.
§3285.502 Expanding rooms.
§3285.503 Optional appliances.
§3285.504 Skirting.
§3285.505 Crawlspace ventilation.
Subpart G—Ductwork and Plumbing and Fuel Supply Systems
§3285.601 Field assembly.
§3285.602 Utility connections.
§3285.603 Water supply.
§3285.604 Drainage system.
§3285.605 Fuel supply system.
§3285.606 Ductwork connections.
Subpart H—Electrical Systems and Equipment
§3285.701 Electrical crossovers.
§3285.702 Miscellaneous lights and fixtures.
§3285.703 Smoke alarms.
§3285.704 Telephone and cable TV.
Subpart I—Exterior and Interior Close-Up
§3285.801 Exterior close-up.
§3285.802 Structural interconnection of multi-section homes.
§3285.803 Interior close-up.
§3285.804 Bottom board repair.
Subpart J—Optional Information for Manufacturer's Installation Instructions
§3285.901 General.
§3285.902 Moving manufactured home to location.
§3285.903 Permits, alterations, and on-site structures.
§3285.904 Utility system connections.
§3285.905 Heating oil systems.
§3285.906 Telephone and cable TV.
§3285.907 Manufacturer additions to installation instructions.
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 3535(d), 5403, 5404, and 5424.
Source: 72 FR 59362, Oct. 19, 2007, unless otherwise noted.
Do the same building codes regulate the construction of modular homes and caravans, trailers, doublewides, mobile homes?
Reply:
In order to sort out the question of what are common construction practices and what is usually included or not with a manufactured home, we first need to get a couple of confusing terms straightened out.
You originally posted question about double-wide mobile home construction in our article on modular construction
See MODULAR HOME CONSTRUCTION) .
In a separate article we define modulars, factory built homes, comparing them with caravans, trailers, mobile homes, doublewides:
see DEFINITIONS of Mobile Home, Doublewide, Modular, Panelized Construction, where we give details about the differences in these types of construction.
Double-wides and mobile homes are not built using the same structural materials, codes, standards as modular homes. Details about double-wide homes and mobile homes are discussed separately beginning in the article starting at the top of this page:
See MOBILE HOMES, DOUBLEWIDES, TRAILERS.
So What' the Difference Between a Manufactured Home, Mobile Home, & do the same building codes apply?
Yes and no: some codes contain provisions for manufactured or mobile homes, while in other cases and locations those structures are governed by specific building codes.
A modular home is built using conventional 2x4 or 2x6 wood framing much like a stick built house, but it is constructed in several sections that are then trailered to a building site, set upon a conventional building foundation or slab, and fastened together there.
The floor of each section is built strong enough to be placed on a temporary trailer for transport to the building site where the trailer chassis is removed prior to assembly of each section.
Building codes and standards for modulars are essentially the same as for a stick-built residential home. Even when the modular home is built in a different state from which it is to be assembled, the home must comply with state building codes.
Also see MOBILE HOME ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
What building codes regulate mobile homes & doublewide homes?
A double-wide or mobile home or trailer (also called house trailers or "static caravans") is typically built to different building standards than a conventional stick-built house or modular built house. These homes are completely assembled in a factory and trailered to a site where they are parked.
The structure includes a permanently-attached trailer chassis, axle, wheels, trailer hitch that are used to deliver the home and can (in concept) be used to move it later.
Unlike modular homes whose constructions are regulated by state and local building codes, mobile homes, double-wides and trailers, are regulated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), via the Federal National Mfd. Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974.
This national regulation has allowed many manufacturers to distribute nationwide because they are immune to the jurisdiction of local building authorities. There are, however, wind zones adopted by HUD that home builders must follow.
Depending on where a mobile home is located, these wind zone regulations can require special anchoring or tie downs to reduce the chances of the home being overturned in a storm.
Based on the description in your posted comment/question and your email, you are describing a double-wide mobile home.
Reader comment: NHFireBear offers manufactured homes regulation citations for the U.S. & for individual states
More about relevant mobile home codes, as we expand our local inspection policies:
Where not preempted by the federal code (i.e., things outside of the manufactured home or in mobile homes manufactured prior o 1976), you might want to consult the NFPA 501 Standard on Manufactured Housing, 2013 edition, and NFPA 501A, Standard for Fire Safety Criteria for Manufactured Home Installations, Sites, and Communities, 2013 edition, are both referenced in NFPA 1 (2015). Of course, not all jurisdictions use NFPA 1, preferring International Fire Code or their own home brew of codes.
Furthermore, for those enacting NFPA 1: "New manufactured housing shall comply with Section 20.11 and NFPA 501, Standard on Manufactured Housing." NFPA 1 (2015) National Fire Code, section 20.11.5: Occupancy Fire Safety; One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Housing.
"Manufactured Home Sites. The fire safety requirements for the installation of manufactured homes and manufactured home sites, including accessory buildings, structures, and communities,
shall comply with NFPA 501A, Standard for Fire Safety Criteria for Manufactured Home Installations, Sites, and Communities." Ibid., 27.2.
Where the code says "shall comply" it means everyone has to do it, unless they get a proper waiver from the fire marshal, i.e., show that their alternative provides adequate or equivalent safety as would an installation in strict compliance with the code.
FWIW, NFPA 501 has its own labeling requirement showing certification of compliance with NFPA 501 on a permanent plate mounted on the taillight end of each transportable (mobile) unit, located one foot up from the bottom and one foot in from the "road" side. - NHFireBear is a fire inspector and a frequent contributor to InspectApedia.com - Ed.
This article references "Codes and Standards Act" for manufactured homes at 24 CFR Parts 0-199, 5/1/2001.
This manufactured-home standard contains 10 subparts (listed below) pertaining to General (data plate and certification contents and locations), Plans (dimensions, exits, etc), Fire Safety, Body and Frame, Testing, Thermal Protection, Heating/Cooling and venting systems, Electrical, and Transportation (axles, springs, drawbar).
It's about 90 pages of regulations. Part 3282 discusses pre-emption of state laws, among other things, and requires a new unit to be delivered with a "consumer manual" containing required information about the unit. NH FireBear
Safety Standards for Manufactured or Mobile Homes
The actual Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards begin in
- SUBTITLE B - REGULATIONS RELATING TO HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (CONTINUED) [PDF] at Part 3280, in Vol.5, [That is on page 107 of the PDF given above - Ed.] - original source www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2001-title24-vol5/pdf/CFR-2001-title24-vol5-subtitleB.pdf.
There (on start on p. 107 or use your PDF reader to search for "3280") you will find
- Subtitle B Part 3280 Manufactured home construction and safety standards (p. 107) that includes the following sections
- 3280 Subpart A - General
- 3280.101 Subpart B - Planning Considerations
- 3280.201 Subpart C - Fire Safety
- 3280.301 Subpart D - Body and Frame Construction Requirements
- 3280.401 Subpart E - Testing [Structural load, roof trusses, windows, sliding glass doors, egress windows, exterior passage doors, air chamber testing for formaldehyde]
- 3280.501 Subpart F - Thermal Protection [Insulation, air leakage, heat loss, heat gain, comfort, certification
- 3280.601 Subpart G - Plumbing Systems
- 3280.701 Subpart H - Heating, Cooling and Fuel Burning Systems
- 3280.801 Subpart I - Electrical Systems
- 3280.901 Subpart J - Transportation
- Part 3282 Manufactured home procedure and enforcement regulations (p. 197)
- Note: see for articles about each component or topic for manufactured & mobile homes
Reply:
Thank you once again NHFireBear. For the convenience of readers I have excerpted the portions of the HUD document pertaining to manufactured housing and have included a live link to the document in the article above.
(Apr 9, 2015) NHFireBear said:
You guys are AWESOME! Thanks for cheerfully accepting my suggestions! I know many readers couldn't care less where the rules came from, but others may be curious about the source materials. I came across these materials while trying to help an owner dealing with an inspection triggered by a "housing assistance" application by a renter.
... the article [above] does mention "local building codes" (pertaining to MODULAR home, for some reason not relevant to this article), but leaves questions about what other codes may apply, under a section on questions, such as "what Florida codes apply to manufactured home steps" and "What building codes regulate mobile homes & doublewide homes?"
However, it has recently come to my attention the the ICC's International Residential Code (IRC), which is adopted as part of the building code in many states, includes a specific appendix (E) for "Manufactured Homes Used as Dwellings".
The IRC lays out LOCAL CODE applicability to permits and inspections for "Construction, alteration and repair of any foundation system... building services equipment which is necessary for connecting manufactured homes to water, fuel or power supplies and sewage systems, as well as alterations, additions or repairs to existing manufactured homes..."
It also mentions that any "auxiliary structures" associated with a mobile/mfd home installation are covered by "applicable local codes", and not preempted by the federal code on the construction of the dwelling itself.
In other words, the state/county/municipality may have their own codes (e.g., the IRC or local equivalents), which do apply to everything OUTSIDE of the manufactured home (which is pre-empted by federal code), as well as installation and any later modifications.
Similarly, it is quite possible that state/local FIRE CODES (including life-safety codes) will apply to inherently unsafe installations, such as pre-1976 mobile homes that lack adequate escape windows or smoke detectors, among other things, especially under any specific programs requiring fire inspections/compliance.
- by private email from NHFirebear 2016/08/01
Mobile Home Safety Codes, Defects, Standards
- Because there are many trip and fall hazards that maybe present at stairs and railings, see our separate articles STAIRS, RAILINGS, LANDINGS, RAMPS and .
In addition to those specifications for safe steps and railings, most states require safe and securely-attached entry and exit stairs at both the primary entry to the home and also to a secondary safety or fire exit pathway from the home.
- Defects and Deterioration in Buildings: A Practical Guide to the Science and Technology of Material Failure, Barry Richardson, Spon Press; 2d Ed (2001), ISBN-10: 041925210X, ISBN-13: 978-0419252108. Quoting:
A professional reference designed to assist surveyors, engineers, architects and contractors in diagnosing existing problems and avoiding them in new buildings. Fully revised and updated, this edition, in new clearer format, covers developments in building defects, and problems such as sick building syndrome.Well liked for its mixture of theory and practice the new edition will complement Hinks and Cook's student textbook on defects at the practitioner level.
- NFPA, FIRE SAFETY in MANUFACTURED HOMES [PDF] (2016) NFPA Public Education Division, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169 USA Website: https://www.nfpa.org/education retrieved 2019/05/20, original source: https://www.nfpa.org/images/fpw/resources/pdfs/ManufacturedHomesSafetyTips.pdf
- Hall Jr, John R. MANUFACTURED HOME FIRES [PDF] (2013) Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association (2005 - 2013), retrieved 2019/05/20, original source: https://www.manufacturedhomelivingnews.com/ wp-content/uploads/2014/12/ National-Fire-Protection-Association-NFPA-Manufactured-Homes-Fires-Reportcredit-posted-manufacturedhomelivingnews-com-.pdf
See more at MOBILE HOME FIRE SAFETY
Layers of Roofing Permitted on Mobile Homes or Manufactured Homes
While 2 or even 3 layers of asphalt shingles may be permitted on conventional site-built or "stick built" (and probably modular) homes, manufactured homes - assuming we're using the euphemism for mobile home, doublewide, trailer - may be permitted only one layer of shingles at a time on the roof.
Where does this one-layer of shingles on mobile home roofs originate?
Where this one-layer rule is true and appropriate is probably on older mobile / manufactured homes or even new ones if the home was not framed using framing members of the same dimension and strength as a conventional stick built or modular home (typically 2x6, 2x8 or larger rafter or truss roofs of sufficient strength to carry the weight that can, spread over the roof surface, be a ton or more).
For conventional-framed homes regulated by model codes like the IRC figure that two layers is commonly permitted and in some jurisdictions up to 3 layers of asphalt shingle roofing on those structures.
Most experts we consulted and several insurance companies all insist that only one layer of asphalt roof shingles is permitted on manufactured homes, mobile homes, doublewides, trailers, presuming that those structures were built with original framing not intended for the added weight of additional layers of asphalt shingle roofing that can weigh about 100 lbs / square or an additional ton or more of dead load on the structure.
It's interesting that some HUD and FHA documents imply that up to 3 layers of roofing may be permitted, while not always making clear just which building types are being discussed:
- Chapter 9. Building Envelope, at HUD (1985) -
(3) Reroofing.
Depending on local codes, a maximum of three (original and two reroofs or original and one reroof in heavy snow load areas) roofs may be installed before tear-off is mandatory.
However, the decision to reroof shall depend on the structural integrity of the supporting roof structure and the condition of the existing shingled roof. Substrate for reroofing shall be firm. If not available, ventilation shall be provided concurrently with the reroofing. Ridge and soffit ventilation is recommended.
portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=74852c9PIHH.doc - FHA 203K financing:
FHA Single Family Housing Policy Handbook II. Title II Insured Housing Programs Forward Mortgages A. Origination through Post-Closing/Endorsement 8. Products b. 203(k) Consultant - https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=SFH_POLI_203k_CSL.PDF
4. Roof. Describe roof work to be performed, such as: installation of a new built-up 10 roof, with new metal gravel stops; installation of 240 Sealtab asphalt shingles on 11 all roofs with a 3:12 pitch or greater; etc. Roofs that already have two layers of 12 shingles should not be roofed again.
Remove the existing shingles, then roof with 13 new shingles. Most estimates must be based on square footage projections.
- HUD 4905.1 REV-1 Chapter 2 - GENERAL ACCEPTABILITY CRITERIA is quoted:
2-12 ROOF COVERING must prevent entrance of moisture and provide reasonable future utility, durability and economy of maintenance.
When reroofing is needed for a defective roof, already consisting of three layers of shingles, all old shingles must be removed prior to re-roofing.
- https://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/hudclips/handbooks/hsgh/4905.1/49051c2HSGH.pdf - HUD HOC Reference Guide, Roofs & Attics - at https://archives.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/ref/sfhp1-24.cfm
- C. Re-Roofing:
FHA will accept a maximum of 3 layers of existing roofing. If more than 2 layers exist and repair is necessary, then all old roofing must be removed as part of the re-roofing. (4905.1 REV-1, 2-12)
These references, not focused on manufactured housing but published by U.S. agencies HUD & FHA, are perhaps a source of the roof layer confusion we've come across, as those documents refer to HUD appraisals and not specifically to manufactured homes
Other Useful Codes References & Standards for Manufactured Homes & Mobile Homes
- Baar, Kenneth K. "The Right To Sell The" Im" Mobile Manufactured Home In Its Rent Controlled Space In The" Im" Mobile Home Park: Valid Regulation Or Unconstitutional Taking?." The Urban Lawyer (1992): 157-221.
- Bair, Frederick Haigh. Local regulation of mobile home parks: travel trailer parks, and related facilities. Mobile Homes Research Foundation, 1965.
- Bartke, Richard W., and Hilda R. Gage. "Mobile Homes Zoning and Taxation." Cornell L. Rev. 55 (1969): 491.
- Brown, James Milton, and Molly A. Sellman. "Manufactured Housing: The Invalidity of the" Mobility" Standard." The Urban Lawyer (1987): 367-399.
- Budnick, Edward K., and David B. Klein. Mobile home fire studies: summary and recommendations. National Bureau of Standards, 1979.
- Budnick, Edward K. Mobile home living room fire studies: the role of interior finish. Division of Energy, Building Technology and Standards, Office of Policy Development and Research, US Department of Housing and Urban Development, 1978.
- Furman, Matthew, "ERADICATING SUBSTANDARD MANUFACTURED HOMES: REPLACEMENT PROGRAMS AS A STRATEGY", [PDF], submitted to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies and NeighborWorks America (2014), Harvard University, Joint Center for Housing Studies, retrieved 2017/02/14, original source: [lost link]
Abstract:This paper aims to make recommendations for the design of nonprofit-based programs for the replacement of older, substandard manufactured housing. It begins with an introduction to manufactured housing and its promise as a source of affordable housing, followed by an overview of the theoretical case for a national effort to replace older, substandard manufactured housing.
The paper elaborates on this effort’s scope by using Census Bureau data to describe the relevant housing stock and its occupants. On the basis of qualitative research, it then describes and analyzes previous and existing efforts to replace manufactured housing.
Finally, the paper concludes by synthesizing its findings into recommendations for the design of manufactured housing replacement programs and future research.
- Herndon, Thomas W. "Foundation system for manufactured homes." U.S. Patent 4,738,061, issued April 19, 1988.
- Kelly, Eric Damian. "Fair Housing, Good Housing or Expensive Housing-Are Building Codes Part of the Problem or Part of the Solution." J. Marshall L. Rev. 29 (1995): 349.
- Kircher, Charles A., Aladdin A. Nassar, Onder Kustu, and William T. Holmes. "Development of building damage functions for earthquake loss estimation." Earthquake spectra 13, no. 4 (1997): 663-682.
- Lubliner, Michael, and Andrew Gordon. VENTILATION IN US MANUFACTURED HOMES: REQUIREMENTS, ISSUES AND RECOMMENDATIONS [PDF] In21st Annual AIVC Conference, The Hague, Netherlands. Seattle, Wash.: Washington State University Extension Energy Program. 2000.
- Marshall, Richard D. "Wind Load Provisions of the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards: A Review and Recommendations for Improvement." (1993).
- Moore, Marvin M. "Mobile Home and the Law, The." Akron L. Rev. 6 (1973): 1.
- Nabinger, Steven, and Andrew Persily. "Impacts of airtightening retrofits on ventilation rates and energy consumption in a manufactured home." Energy and Buildings 43, no. 11 (2011): 3059-3067.
- National Fire Protection Association. NFPA 70: National electrical code. NationalFireProtectionAssoc, 2007.
- Persily, A. K., J. Crum, S. Nabinger, and M. Lubliner. "Ventilation characterization of a new manufactured house." In Air Filtration and Ventilation Centre Conference and Building Environment and Thermal Envelope Council Conference, Washington, DC. 2003.
- Runyan, Carol W., Shrikant I. Bangdiwala, Mary A. Linzer, Jeffrey J. Sacks, and John Butts. "Risk factors for fatal residential fires." New England journal of medicine 327, no. 12 (1992): 859-863.
- Simmons, Kevin M., and Daniel Sutter. "Manufactured home building regulations and the February 2, 2007 Florida tornadoes." Natural Hazards 46, no. 3 (2008): 415-425.
- Spengler, John D., and Ken Sexton. "Indoor air pollution: a public health perspective." Science 221, no. 4605 (1983): 9-17. [Discusses IAQ in mobile homes & manufactured homes]
Individual Manufactured or Mobile Home Installation & Owners Manuals
We welcome contributions to this list: if you can contribute a free PDF or hard copy mobile home installation manual for use by others use the page top or bottom CONTACT link to contact us by email.
At InspectAPedia we have no business nor financial connection with any manufacturer or service provider discussed at our website. Independently-placed advertisements & bookstore sales help support the website.
- Cavalier LAKESIDE PARK MODEL MOBILE HOME INSTALLATION MANUAL [PDF] Clayton Homes or Commodore Homes, Contact: Cavalier Homes, 32 Wilson Blvd., Addison, AL 35540 USA Tel: (800) 743-2284
- CHAMPION HOMES HUD INSTALLATION MANUAL [PDF]
- CLAYTON HOMES INSTALLATION MANUAL [PDF] Clayton Manufactured Homes, Inc., 5000 Clayton Road, Maryville, TN 37804 USA, Tel: (865) 380-3000 Web: claytonhomes.com
- Clayton SITE CONSTRUCTION MANUAL [PDF] (2022)
- [PDF] - this is a general guide, not specific to a particluar manufactured or mobile home
- Horizon Manufactured Homes: Horizon Manufactured Homes 7100 West Florida Avenue Hemet, CA 92545 USA Tel: (951) 537-6850 Email: info@horizonmh.com Website: https://www.horizonmh.com/ - note that we found no mobile/manufactured home manuals or wiring diagrams at this website - Ed.
- HUD PROTOTPE INSTALLATION MANUAL for MOBILE HOMES [PDF]
- MANUFACTURED HOME DISPUTE RESOLUTION PDF - this is a general guide, not specific to a particluar manufactured or mobile home
- MFO MANUFACTURED HOME INSTALLATION MANUAL [PDF]
- MHI MANUFACTURED HOME INSTALLATION MANUAL (Model) [PDF] MHI, Manufactured Housing Institute, 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Arlington, VA 22209 USA Tel: 703-558-0400 Email: info@mfghome.org Web: http://www.manufacturedhousing.org/
- NORTHLANDER TRAILER PRODUCT MANUAL [PDF]
- SCHULT HOMES INSTALLATION MANUAL [PDF] General, also for Clayton Homes
- SKYLINE MANUFACTURED HOME INSTALLATION MANUAL[PDF] Skyline Corporation P.O. Box 743 Elkhart, Indiana www.skylinecorp.com
Full Text of Building Codes 2006, 2012
- [PDF] Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, District of Columbia, Georgia, Kentucky, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New HYork, South Carolina, Wyoming, et alia as they adopted their version of the International Residential Code® For One- and Two- Family Dwellings, 2006, Retrieved 2016/09/17 original source: online ref for ICC_IRC (2006) https://law.resource.org/pub/us/code/ibr/icc.irc.2006.pdf (appendix E)
- based on the state or municipality's adoption of ICC or IRC model building codes for that year, [PDF] [17 MB] Retrieved 2016/09/17 original source: online ref for IRC 2012 version https://learnframing.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IRC.pdf
The ICC has free, limited, live, online access to some of the latest codes, but I couldn't find the free link for IRC immediately.
- Also see SUBTITLE B - REGULATIONS RELATING TO HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (CONTINUED) [PDF] - original source www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2001-title24-vol5/pdf/CFR-2001-title24-vol5-subtitleB.pdf.
Moderator reply:
Thanks NH Firebear,
It's a serious problem that shows up at InspectApedia as some reader questions about code compliance, particularly because there is a high correlation between people who place mobile homes on sites AND people who put up modulars and real ignorance of good construction practices, codes, and standards.
Factory built housing is particularly appealing to that class of builders who are not really builders but rather desk-men (and women) who order homes and get them put-up.
Often, perhaps usually, because the builder is relying on the assured-code-compliance of the principal structure, and because they are not themselves educated builders but more they are financial people and order-takers or promoters, there is nobody on-site making sure that other site work and features are correct and safe.
I have seen in modular construction foundation catastrophes, incoming electrical fiascos, incoming water and outgoing sewage snafus, house-to-foundation shape mis-match, and even a house roll-over and another foundation collapse.
Even when the factory insists on sending their own trained site crew to install a home the surrounding work may be incompetent.
Similarly in mobile home set-up, complete failure to install proper support, piers, tie-downs. Mobile homes are in some situations more egregious as the buyers tend to be lower-income with less resources to make things right or even to check that the siting and site infrastructure are safe.
has an example with my friend Steve Vermilye showing a collapsing DIY concrete block access to an open septic tank at a large mobile home facility for farm workers at a famous and expensive NY Pate production facility that we inspected for the farm workers union and for lawyers.
This was just one of many dangerous situations. Electrical was similar.
...
Reader Comments, Questions & Answers About The Article Above
Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.
Reader Q&A - also see
On 2023-12-15 by InspectApedia Publisher - mobile home support piers ("underpinnings")
@Charles,
I think you're asking about mobile home support piers ("underpinnings") or perhaps mobile home tie-downs that secure the home against blowing over in a storm.
We give that information at
MOBILE HOME PIERS
MOBILE HOME PIER INSPECTION
and
MOBILE HOME STABILIZING SYSTEMS
Please find the live links to those pages at the Recommended Articles list on this page.
And thanks for the question; don't hesitate to ask follow-up questions as you need.
Dan
On 2023-12-15 by Charles
What is the codes on under penind
On 2023-07-09 by InspectApedia Publisher - wanting to add a stick built addition to our manufactured home
@Larissa,
I don't think you'll find a HUD code that specifically addresses building additions on to a manufactured home.
But of course you will require a building permit and your addition will have to comply with local and current building codes.
On 2023-07-09 by Larissa
We are wanting to add a stick built addition to our manufactured home and are looking for any specific building codes and regulations from HUD related to this.
On 2023-06-29 by InspectApedia Publisher
@Reginald Byarse,
It's a perfectly-reasonable question but really you wouldn't want to rely on an existing septic tank, drainfield, or well without having those inspected and tested for safe, sanitary use.
On 2023-06-28 by Reginald Byarse
I in the process of purchasing some land that previous owner had a trailer, septic tank that’s still there and a well. Can I put my 2021 ClassA on the land and hook up to the utilitys and have a power poll put on the land
On 2023-05-30 by InspectApedia Publisher - information sheet/blue print for my 1978 Sahara Double wide mobile home
@Jose Caraballo,
I'm not sure that you can, as that's a pretty old home, and I was unable to locate any modern "Baltimore Mobile Home Company" of that name.
Adding to the difficulty of research, the Sahara name is popular among home builders including of modular homes - where Sahara house plans abound - but those are NOT what you need.
There were at least 2 Sahara mobile home/doublewide producers
Sahara - from Home Systems mobile home company - no contact found
Sahara - from Kaufman & Broad mobile home company - Web: kbhome.com/kaufman-and-broad-x70157 Contact us at (888) KB-HOMES
So you could try finding those producers or their successors to see if they have plans for your home still on file.
We did find some Sahara doublewide homes still for sale, such as the one whose floor plan we show below.
I would not assume that 1 1978 home you find today is a perfect match for its original plans as it may well have been modified over its long life.
For ROOF loading - U.S. building codes specify a uniform live load of 20 pounds per square foot (psf) for a typical roof load. Keep in mind that in heavy snow country the required live load numbers will be greater.
For FLOOR loading - U.S. building codes specify a uniform live load of 40 pounds per square foot (psf) for most residential floor designs.
On 2023-05-28 by Jose Caraballo
How much weight psf can my 1978 mobile home support?, it has 37 2x2 trusses, Over a 52' length and the run is 12' with a 2/12 pitch
Where can I aquire an all inclusive information sheet/blue print for my 1978 Sahara Double wide mobile home bult by Boltimore Mobile home
On 2023-04-21 by InspectApedia Publisher
@Latoya Rimple,
No, not the way you put it, but that question is raised a bit too broadly to be clear.
Perhaps you could be more specific about exactly what you or someone wants to do in adding a door, where on the structure, and to what kind of structure.
On 2023-04-21 by Latoya Rimple
Is there a hud code that says you cannot cut any new doors into the structure?
On 2022-12-16 by InspectApedia (Editor) - most HUD regulations have to do with assuring health and safety
@Robert McBrayer,
I understand how frustrating that can be. Most likely changes in those regulations have to do with assuring health and safety.
Any specifics?
On 2022-12-16 by Robert McBrayer
If I put my home on my land by HUD and manufacturer standards then the local government comes tells me that they supercede these standards and they tell you that you have to do thousand's of dollar's of stuff to do or they want let you have water
On 2022-12-05 by Sandi - size limit for putting a shed in my mobile home park lot
How big a Tough Shed can I put in Ramon Mobile Home Park, Palm Springs, Ca.
On 2022-12-06 by InspectApedia (Editor) - do I need a building permit for an on-site storage shed whose footprint is less than 10 ft
@Sandi,
I'm not sure we can answer this question in a way that would be correct for all situations, but in most jurisdictions you don't need a building permit for an on-site storage shed whose footprint is less than 10 ft.
Remember that you may face other constraints such as property line setbacks. So before spending any money on this topic you should check with your local Building Department.
On 2022-11-27 by Regina Migliore - new roof leaks & is missing flashing
I had my 1985 manufactured home completely re roofed in 2017 in Hemet, California. I now find out that there was no drip edge or any new flashing of any kind installed. Isn't this building code? How did it pass inspection?
I now have leaks from water getting under the fascia board, even with gutters. The lip edge on the overhang is appx. 1/4 " so drip edges were definitely needed.
Having the company come out Nov. 30, but I want to make sure that they don't try to scam me, again, about codes. They have done this to 2 of my neighbors, so we made need a class action lawsuit.
On 2022-11-27 by InspectApedia (Editor) - does building code require flashing or drip edge?
@Regina Migliore,
This isn't a question that should be resolved by referring to it as a building code issue. If you're having leaks from water flowing off the roof Edge and behind the fascia then you need drip edge installed. Space the drip edge a quarter of an inch out from the fascia to be sure that water falls into the gutter.
On 2022-11-18 by Kelly - trailer owner vs park owner: who provides the electrical service?
We recently bought a trailer in a trailer park to find out the breaker box wasn't in the trailer and the wires from the breaker box to the electrical supply wasn't ran! Who is responsible for getting the electric on us or the trailer park?
Is it the power companys responsibility to run the wire from the breaker box to the electric pole!? Need help with this as my father is a veteran and is living there with no electricity and it's getting cold out and he needs heat!
The trailer is in Newburgh Indiana didn't kno if where it was would make a difference in what has/needs to be done to get the electric on
On 2022-11-21 by InspectApedia (Editor) - Who is responsible for getting the electric on - us or the trailer park?
@Kelly,
Usually the building or trailer home owner is responsible for all wiring from the power drop or meter onwards to and in the home.
On 2022-10-29 by Lori A Beeman - damage under mobile home due to improper dryer venting
I just discovered that my 1975 mobile home has the dryer vented beneath the home. Can I recoup any damages and cost to vent dryer properly from the seller and/or the inspector?
On 2022-10-29 by InspectApedia-911 (mod)
@Lori A Beeman,
Suing for damages - there's a question to take to your attorney. However, before even doing that and perhaps incurring legal bills, you might want to get an independent report of just what the damages are and what will be the cost to cure.
On 2022-10-30 by Lori A Beeman
@InspctApedia-911,
Thank you for your reply. I discovered I have mold under the mobile home per inspection by certified mold specialist. She could not definitely say that the mold was caused by the dryer venting location.
However, I do have mold on the flooring directly behind where the dryer is vented. The inspector said this flooring should be replaced.
On 2022-10-30 by InspectApedia (mod)
@Lori A Beeman,
Thank you for that update. I would add that if the insulation, for example insulation located under the floor of the home, is or was exposed to water, leaks, or mold then that too should be replaced.
If you're going to undertake repairs make sure that you identify and perform all of the work required as that will be less trouble and less expense than having to do it over again multiple times.
Be sure to photo document the dryer problem if you think that's likely to have been the cause of mold problems. Furthermore when you begin the repair and molding materials are removed that damage and a pointer to its cause may be more obvious and may also need to be photographed.
On 2022-09-19 by Ken - city requires expert certification of mobile home piers in flood zone
I installed a manufactured home on a lot in Lago Vista TX and after installing it Ithe city is asking for approval of the piers because they fall in the 100 year flood plane. The is ditch in the back that has never flooded but it could I suppose.
I hired an engineering firm who came out and approved the installation but did not mention the flood plane in their report. When I asked them about why not they said they do not know anything about the flood plane.
I am starting over trying to find and engineer who can verify if we are good and to write a report says g so. Does anyone know what direction I should go? Ken
On 2022-09-19 by InspectApedia-911 (mod) - city is asking for approval of the piers because they are in the 100 year flood plane
@Ken,
For sure you want a geotechnical engineer or other local expert who is competent and qualified to certify, in writing, whether or not the new home is in the flood plain.
If it is, then the engineer might have bad news that taller piers or additional tie-downs may be required.
I'd expect your city building department to accept the opinion of a licensed design professional.
Keep me posted.
On 2022-09-01 by Amy - can we support a manufactured home on cinder blocks?
Is it true we can use cynder blocks to suppost a manufacture home? What is the distance have to be ? 12feet apart?
On 2022-09-01 by InspectApedia-911 (mod) - concrete block spacing requirements depend on the home's size and design
@Amy,
We no longer use masonry blocks actually made out of cinders or ash, but the phrase "cinder blocks" is often used by normal people to refer to what masons and builders properly call "concrete blocks"
Concrete blocks can be use to support a manufactured home - the spacing requirements depend on the home's size and design. And the stack of blocks - called a pier - may need reinforcement and must rest on a proper footing.
See details at MOBILE HOME PIERS
and don't hesitate to as follow-up questions as you wish.
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