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Program Description

The law and regulations administered by the Department are applicable to manufacturers of factory-built homes and factory-built components manufactured for sale in California. These regulated units are specifically defined in the Health and Safety Code and describe the Factory- Built Program elements as follows:

• Factory-Built Housing - a residential building, dwelling unit, individual dwelling room or combination of rooms thereof, or building components, assembly, or system manufactured in such a manner that all concealed parts or processes of manufacturing cannot be inspected before installation.
• Building Component - a subsystem subassembly or other system designed for use in or as part of a structure which may include structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and fire protection systems or any other system affecting health and safety.
• The statutory definition of a factory-built home may be found in California Health & Safety Code § 19971, and of a building component in California Health & Safety Code § 19967.

Upon completion of the manufacture of a factory-built home or building component, insignia is issued by the Quality Assurance Agency and affixed by the manufacturer to each factory-built housing unit or component indicating compliance with Department regulations. With the insignia in place local building officials can determine that the unit has been inspected and approved in accordance with the approved plans. Installation of factory-built housing or building components is subject to inspection by the local building department. Alterations made to factory-built housing may be made, after installation, under approval of the local building department. Alterations to factory-built housing after manufacture, but prior to installation, may not be made without the approval of the Department.