HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Factory-Built Housing (FBH) & Manufactured Housing (Mh) Guidelines

Background

Factory-Built Housing (FBH) is defined and approved by the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) of the State & follows the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 24, California Building Standards Code and FBH laws and regulations. Plan review and inspection duties of FBH projects are shared by the County of Monterey and State HCD. Factory-built and assembled structures and components are reviewed and inspected by an HCD design approval agency. Site-built and assembled structures and components are reviewed and inspected by the local building department.

FBH is residential structures manufactured wholly or partially off-site, in sections or building components which are assembled at the installation site to form a completed unit. FBH may consist of a wall, floor or roof panel utilizing rigid foam insulation enclosed by interior and exterior sheathing materials, or conventionally framed closed-system wall or roof panels containing plumbing, electrical, and other systems enclosed within plywood or steel panels. FBH may also consist of cargo container conversions to building modules. FBH is typically installed on a foundation designed to CCR Title 24 requirements.

California State Law

FBH regulations establish methods of quality control, using HCD’s preemptive statewide authority for the design review and construction approval in the factory via placement of HCD “Insignia of Approval” on each unit or component. The Design Approval Agencies (DAA), certified by HCD, review the FBH designs and supporting calcs per CBC and FBH regulations in Title 25 Chapter 3, Subchapter 1. FBH designs consist of the portions manufactured off-site but may include the entire project.. If the FBH design submitted for State HCD review consists of a closed-system component or comprises only a portion of the entire dwelling, the approved FBH plans will provide all details for transfer of design loads to the remainder of the site-built structure and foundation to allow local building department to review the entire project.

HCD approved designs shall include the scope of work for which the Design Approval Agency (DAA) is responsible & plan review and inspection responsibilities of all building components for both the DAA and local building department to facilitate coordination between the two agencies.

State laws establish two principal roles for the County of Monterey:
a. Design approval portions not subject to approval by HCD or an HCD third-party agency, and
b. Permit issuance and inspection of the installation and assembly of FBH units at the building site. The localbuilding department permitting the use of FBH modules may relegate site use, configuration, installationand utility services and connections of the FBH units.
The State laws per HSC 19981 also state that the local building department may not:
a. Require review of any FBH plans or charge plan check fees when plans have already been approved byHCD or an HCD-approved third-party DAA.
b. Require the alteration of any FBH unit, including any building component system, in order to meet any localcode requirements other than local design loads, or aesthetic/architectural review standards, or location onthe property.

Manufactured/Mobile Home Alterations And Permit Guidelines

This info identifies when a permit, plans, electrical load calcs, and plan certification by a CA- licensed engineer or architect is required to be submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for approval of a manufactured home (MH). Please verify your scope of work with County of Monterey staff, as a County permit is required to place the unit on a permanent foundation, and County permits may be required for work listed below that is not required by State HCD. The info below is divided into 5 areas of: Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Structural, and Structural (Accessory Structure). If the alteration type is not identified below, contact the nearest field operations office*. Per CA Health & Safety Code, Section 18007, a manufactured home is:

Constructed on or after June 15, 1976.
Transportable in (1) or more sections, min. 8’ width,40’ length, or 320+ sq. ft. when erected on site.
Built on permanent chassis & designed as SFD with/without a foundation when connected to the utilities.
Includes plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems.

Electrical

Electrical

Alteration/Type	Permit	Plans	Load Calcs.	Comments
Air Conditioning
Install (Add) – Air Conditioning	Yes	No	*Yes	*Unless home is factory A/C ready. Referalso to Mechanical.
Replace – Air Conditioning	Yes	No	*Yes	*If A/C amperage is increased. Refer alsoto Mechanical.
Appliance
Install (Add) – “Built-in” Electrical Appliance	Yes	No	Yes
Replace – “Built-in” Electrical Appliance	Yes	No	*No	Unless amperage increase.
Ceiling Fan
Install (Add) – Ceiling Fan	Yes	No	No
Receptacle/Switch
Replace – Receptacle/Switch	No	No	No
Misc.
Change – Electrical System (Upgrade/Downgrade)	Yes	No	Yes
Install (Add) – Dedicated Branch Circuit	Yes	No	Yes	Furnace, Water Heater, etc.
Install (Add)/Replace – Electrical Panel	Yes	No	No
Install (Add)/Replace – Electrical Circuit	Yes	No	*	*Load calculations may be required.
Install – Meter Base	Yes	*Yes	No	*HCD detail available.
Replace – Circuit Breaker or Fuse	No	No	No	Must be the same amperage and disconnect type.
Transition – Branch Circuits from aluminum to copper	Yes	No	No	Pigtail, receptacles and switches.

Mechanical

Mechanical

Alteration/Type	Permit	Plans	Engineered Plans	Comments
Air Conditioning/Evaporative Cooler
Install – Air Conditioning (New or Replacement)	Yes	No	No	Refer also to ELECTRICAL classification.
Install – Evaporative Cooler	Yes	No	No
Furnace / Heater / Heat Pump / Stove
Replace – Furnace (No system changes)	Yes	No	No
Replace – Furnace (Any changes or outside MH)	Yes	Yes	No
Replace or Install – Heater (Freestanding Gas or Oil Burning)	Yes	No	No
Replace or Install – Heat Pump	Yes	No	No
Replace or Install – Wood or Pellet Burning Stove	Yes	No	No
Gas Line
Install/Add to Length/Modify – Gas Line	Yes	Yes	No
Range, Oven, or Cooktop (Gas)
Replace – Built-in oven, range, cooktop, or freestanding range.	Yes	No	No	Same size, location, and BTU rating with no gas line changes.
Range Hood
Replace – Range Hood	*No	No	No	*Same size and location includingventing.
Replace – Range Hood	*Yes	No	No	*Different size or location includingmicrowave.
Water Heater
Replace or Install – Water Heater (Gas or electric)	Yes	No	No	Water heaters installed outside and adjacent to the home, with connections provided from the home and placed in an approved manufactured metal cabinet will not require an Alternate Approval.

Plumbing

Plumbing

Alteration/Type	Permit	Plans	Engineered Plans	Comments
Drain, Waste and Vent
Install/Modify – Drain, Waste and Vent (DWV) or Water System.	*Yes	Yes	No	*Bathtub, Dishwasher, Lavatory,Shower, Sink, Toilet, Washing Machine, etc.
Repair/Replace – DWV Tailpiece or Trap	No	No	No
Replace – Kitchen Sink, Lavatory, or Toilet.		No	No	*Provided no alteration to DWV or water system.
Replace – Mechanical Auto Vent		No	No
Alteration/Type	Permit	Plan Review	Load Calculations Required	Comments
Garbage Disposal
Install (Add) – Garbage Disposal	Yes	No	No
Replace – Garbage Disposal	No	No	No
Washing Machine
Install/Replace – Washing Machine	*No	No	No	*Permit required if water supply and/or drain line notpresent or altered.
Misc.
Gas Lines				See MECHANICAL requirements.
Water Heater				See MECHANICAL requirements.

Structural

Structural

Alteration/Type	Permit	Plan Review	Engineered Plans	Comments
Chassis / Frame
Repair – Chassis/Frame	Yes	Yes	*Yes	*An engineered plan or design is required.
Doors (Exterior)
Replace – Door(s) with same size and type*	*Yes/No	No	No	*Alternate size or type requires permit.
Floors
Repair – Decking	*Yes	No	No	*Required if over 4 square feet.
Repair – Joist	Yes	Yes	No
Replace – Joist	Yes	No	No
Roof
“California Roof”	Yes	Yes	*Yes	*An engineered plan or design is required. HCD planavailable with 30 PSF maximum.
Built-Up or Overlay	Yes	Yes	*Yes/No	*An engineered plan or design is required.
Insulated Roof System*	*Yes	Yes	No	*One inspection required.
Re-Roof* (Existing roof covering removed)	*Yes	No	No	*Two inspections required (Underlayment and final).This does not include coating metal roof with approvedroof coating material.
Repair – Rafter or Truss	Yes	Yes	No
Repair/Replace – Sheathing	Yes	No	No
Replace – Truss	Yes	Yes	*Yes/No	*An engineered plan or design is required.
Walls
Modify/Remove – Bearing Wall	Yes	Yes	*Yes/No	*An engineered plan or design is required.
Modify/Remove – Non-bearing Wall(s)	Yes	Yes	No
Wall Covering – Exterior	Yes	Yes	*Yes/No	*An engineered plan or design is required.
Wall Covering – Interior	Yes	No	No	Maximum flame spread 200 required. (Details available for flame spread requirements)
Sidewall or Endwall Opening (New or enlarged)	Yes	Yes	Yes/*No	If Endwall shear is affected. *Use HCD header schedule.
Windows
Replace – Windows (Same size/type)	*Yes/No	No	No	*Permit required when openings are enlarged orreduced; when bedroom egress window is replaced; orwhen structural change to window framing or header isnecessary. No permit required when replacing singlepane window with dual pane window or when installation of bay window(s) requires no additional support.
Structural (Accessory Structure)
Alteration Type	Permit	Plan Review	Load Calculations Required	Comments
Structure Attachment
Attach – *Awning (Wood), Garage, or Porch	**Yes	Yes	***Yes/No	Awning shall comply with T25, Section 1468. MH Alteration Permit required from HCD. Awning,Garage, and Porch construction is a separate permitissued by the enforcement agency having jurisdiction.Alternate Approval from HCD may be required forattachment. **An engineered plan or design is required.
NOTE: When multiple alterations are being done such as plumbing, electrical and structural, the alterations may be included on the same Application for Permit (HCD 415). This form can be found at: HCD MH 415 Application for: Alteration, Addition or Conversion, Alternate Approval, Technical Services, Inspection to Obtain Insignia; form HCD MH 415 under Manufactured Homes and Commercial Modulars.

Further Assistance

Building Permit Application Requirements For Existing Manufactured Home To Be Placed On A Permanent Foundation System (Retrofit)

433A (Permanent Foundation – Real Property)

In order to complete the process of recording a home as Real property with the County of Monterey as well as HCD, the county needs to collect and prepare certain documents with the Recorders Office. Required Documents:

Provide evidence that the registered owner(s) of the mobile unit(s) to be installed holds title or ispurchasing the real property on which the installation is to be made along with a copy of the most current Grant Deed with Legal Description.
Provide evidence that the registered owner(s) of the mobile unit(s) are free of any liens or if there is alienholder(s), that the lienholder(s) has consented to the placement of the mobile unit(s) on a permanentfoundation system as an improvement to the underlying property. Note: Enforcement Agency may obtaina title search from HCD’s registration and title records.
If the home is owned by an individual, a current Title (HCD or DMV Title), registration card and any licenseplates or decals issued by HCD or DMV will be required at time of application. DO NOT REMOVE HCD INSIGNIA(S)?HUD LABEL(S) THAT CERTIFY THE COMPLIANCE OF THE UNIT(S).
If the home is sold to the owner by a dealer, a Manufacturers Certificate of Origin (MCO) is providedupon delivery of the home and must be turned into the Building Division prior to scheduling a Finalinspection. This must include manufacturer name, serial number(s), date of manufacture, dealer’s licensenumber and HCD insignia(s)/HUD label number(s).

433B (Notice to Assessor)

In order to complete the process of recording a home as Real property with the County of Monterey as well as HCD, the county needs to collect certain documents with the Recorders Office. Required Documents:

Provide completed 433B form. This form must be completed by the Owner of the manufactured home,mobile home or commercial modular. This document shall contain a physical signature and cannot be aphotocopy. The Building Department will submit this form at time of recordation to County Assessor.

When applying for a permit for a permanent foundation system under an existing mobile/ manufactured home or commercial modular, this process eliminates the mobile/manufactured home or commercial modular title and registration and makes it real property. It is then assessed each year with the parcel by the County tax assessor, same as a wood-frame home. This process eliminates the registration each year of the mobile/manufactured home as personal property through Housing Community Development (HCD). An HCD Form 433A is created and recorded by the Building Department after the final approved inspection of the permit for the mobile/manufactured home or commercial modular has been completed. The recorded HCD Form 433A and a certificate of occupancy (HCD 513C) is then sent to HCD by the County, thus eliminating the title to the mobile/manufactured home or commercial modular. The following information is necessary:

Completed County of Monterey Department building permit application.
Two (2) sets of State approved engineered tie down or foundation plans. (1 copy if digital submittal).
A copy of the current recorded grant deed with the legal description.
A copy of the Title or Registration of the mobile/manufactured home.

After issuance of permit prior to final inspection

The following items are needed to continue with your request:

Provide one money order or check in the amount of $23 dollars per each unit written to “HCD”. Pleasedo not write Monterey County on this check.
Provide one money order or check in the amount of $2 dollars written to “ County of Monterey”. Pleasedo not write HCD on this check.
Required to be surrendered to the local building permit: Certificate of Title and registration cards issued by HCD or DMV.
Required to be surrendered to the local building permit: license plates or license decals issued by HCD or DMV to me. Please do not remove the HCD insignia or HUD labels.
A Certificate of Occupancy will be provided within five (5) business days from final inspection.
After final inspection and the final recording with the County Recorder, you will be provided a USPS tracking number to track the process of the package. The property owner will also be provided with a copy of the entire packet being sent to the State.

Building Permit Application Requirements For Removal Via Relocation Of Manufactured Home, Mobile home Or Commercial Modular On A Permanent Foundation System.

For Demo

1. Provide evidence that the registered owner(s) of the units to be removed holds title of the real property .
2. Provide written evidence that the registered owner(s) owns the unit(s) free of any liens or if there is a lienholder(s)
3. Required to be surrendered to the local building permit: Certificate of Title and registration cards issued by HCD or DMV
4. Required to be surrendered to the local building permit: license plates or license decals issued by HCD or DMV to me. Please do not remove the HCD insignia or HUD labels.
5. Provide one money order or check in the amount of $23 dollars per each unit written to “HCD”. Please do not write Monterey County on this check.
6. Provide one money order or check in the amount of $2 dollars written to “ County of Monterey”. Please do not write HCD on this check.
7. Provide a Salvage Form for each unit being demolished.

Other Permit Requirements

Required Documents

Transportation Permit Applicants or their authorized representatives shall sign and submit a transportation permit application, located on this page under Development Services, along with the appropriate fees. The application should be submitted along with a copy of the State of California (Caltrans) permit, proposed route of travel and Certificate of Liability Insurance.
If the transportation of the unit will require any temporary road closures, lane closures, placement of any signage along any County Road, sidewalk or right of way an encroachment permit would be required.

Manufactured Housing Plan Content Details

Project Data

Site Plan

Property Boundaries with Dimensions & Fronting Streets
North Arrow
Proposed Structure
All existing structures w/ use
Setbacks – distance to property lines and other structures
Septic System Location and Details
Distances between well(s), septic tank, leach field and creek, streams, rivers or lakes
Site Drainage
Contours (2’ min) or Spot Elevations
Finished Floor Elevation
Existing On-site Trees
Utilities, Propane tank, gas & water lines
Electrical wiring & conduit location, size, number, and material
Sewer line location, size, material, slope and cleanouts

Grading

Foundation Plan

Floor Plan

Structural Plans For Site Built Deck, Entry Stairs, Garages, Etc.

Building Elevations

Electrical, Mechanical & Plumbing Plan(s)

Supporting Documentation

Fire Sprinklers

Accessibility

Building Design Criteria

Current Codes

Structural Loading

Structural Masonry

Live Loads

Wind Design

Wind Speed

Wind Exposure Category

Seismic Design

Soils Investigation Report

Soils investigation reports prepared by a CA Registered Design Professional (Civil Engineer or Geotechnical Engineer) per CBC Section 1803 are required upon permit submittal to construct the following:

Non-residential structures other than U or S occupancies used solely for agricultural purposes or minor storage.
Structures located in areas known to contain highly expansive soils. (CBC 1803.5.3)
Structures located on or near slopes greater than 1H:3V without setback per CBC 1808.7.1.
Shallow foundations or slabs on fills exceeding 12” in depth. (CBC 1803.5.8)
Structures in areas where Building Official has reason to doubt classification, strength, or compressibility of soil or where soil load-bearing values higher than specified in CBC are used. (CBC 1803.5.2)

Minimum Foundation Design Values Where Soils Investigation Report Is Not Provided

Foundations shall be designed using the following soil values unless data to substantiate higher design
values are provided by a Registered Design Professional:

Soil Bearing Pressure: 1500 psf (2022 CBC Table 1806.2)
Active Pressure: 60 psf/ft for cantilevered retaining walls (2022 CBC Table 1610.1)
At-Rest Pressure: 100 psf/ft for restrained retaining walls (2022 CBC Table 1610.1)
Coefficient of Friction: 0.25 (2022 CBC Table 1806.2)
Lateral Bearing Pressure (Passive): 150 psf/ft below natural grade (2022 CBC Table 1806.2)
Retaining walls and foundation walls supporting more than 6’ of backfill shall include the effects of seismic. (2022 CBC Section 1803.5.12)

Flood Zone

Click FEMA Flood Map Service Center: Search By Address

See Monterey County Code of Ordinances Chapter 16.16 for construction requirements in FEMA designated flood hazard zones. A flood Elevation Certificate is required for new construction or substantial improvements to existing structures in the flood zone. Substantial Improvement is defined as 50% or more of the market value of the existing structure with depreciation of the existing structure considered.

See National Flood Insurance Program Terminology for definitions. Information about the National Flood Insurance Program can also be obtained from FEMA’s website.

Special Inspections

Special Inspection is required in accordance with 2022 CRC R109.1.5.2 and CBC Chapter 17. Special inspectors must be employed by the owner and approved by the County of Monterey Building Division. Special inspectors not already approved by the County of Monterey Building Division must submit a Statement of Qualifications and verification of current ICC (or equivalent) certification for the particular item they will be inspecting.

Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)

1441 Schilling Place

South 2nd Floor

Salinas, CA 93901

831-755-5025

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