Buildings >> Mobile & Manufactured Homes

Mobile & Manufactured Homes

The State’s Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) regulates the installation and alteration of mobile or manufactured homes. An agreement between HCD and California Building Officials (CALBO) gives the local building official the authority to evaluate the safety of mobile homes following an earthquake or other disaster.

HCD inspection offices:

  • Sacramento (916) 255-2501
  • Riverside (909) 782-4420

Generally, mobile homes can prove hazardous after a disaster because of damaged:

  • Utilities

  • Support systems

  • Accessories (e.g., room additions, awnings, carports, porches)
However, some damaged mobile homes may continue to be occupied because there is no life safety hazard.

Many mobile home parks are like small cities, with master gas, water, sewer, and electrical systems. Utilities installed under and over mobile homes create unique hazards to occupants and inspectors. For example:
  • An energized overhead electrical conductor that falls on a metal roof can energize the exterior of the home.

  • A broken underground gas line beneath homes poses both a hazard and an access challenge.

  • Large waterline breaks within mobile home parks can undermine roadways and deactivate hydrants.
The process and procedure for evaluating mobile homes is basically the same as for any other structure. The main difference between other structures and mobile homes is that most damage is visible from the exterior of the mobile homes, making them quicker to evaluate.

Mobile homes are most susceptible to six basic types of damage:
  1. Partially or totally off its piers, blocks, or jack stands

  2. Piers penetrating the interior floor decking

  3. Full or partial burning

  4. Utilities damaged or turned off

  5. Water heater movement affecting the water heater vent or gas supply; and

  6. Accessories (e.g., decks, awnings, carports, garages) are destroyed or hazardous
Note: Earthquake damage is easily mitigated by providing seismic bracing under the mobile home, thereby restricting the free movement of the mobile unit on its jack stands. Seismic bracing stabilizes the jack stands and provides a continuation of the load path all the way to the ground.

Click the links below for procedures and posting instructions:

Evaluation Procedures: Mobile Homes

Posting Mobile Homes

 
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