California law governing manufactured housing is entitled the "Manufactured Housing Act of 1980" and may be found in Division 13, Part 2, of the California Health and Safety Code, commencing with Section 18000.
Federal laws governing manufactured housing built on or after June 15, 1976, are found in Title 42, U.S. Code, Chapter 70, beginning Section 5401.
Manufactured Housing Regulations
Manufactured Housing regulations can be found in California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division I, Chapter 3, Subchapter 2, commencing with section 4000. These regulations establish minimum design and construction standards for all multifamily manufactured homes and mobilehomes built before June 15, 1976, and commercial modular and special purpose commercial modulars to be sold, rented, or leased throughout the State. These regulations are preemptive over any local requirements. Manufactured homes constructed on or after June 15, 1967, are subject to federal laws and regulations.
The following are subject exclusively to HCD regulation, plan review, and inspection throughout the State regardless of their location:
- Alteration of existing manufactured homes bearing or required to bear a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) label
- Multifamily manufactured homes and mobilehomes built on or before June 15, 1976
- Commercial modulars and special purpose commercial modulars bearing or required to bear a HCD insignia
Federal regulations governing manufactured housing built on or after June 15, 1976, are located in Title 24, Code of Federal Regulations, beginning with Section 3282.1. Construction standards for manufactured homes manufactured on or after June 15, 1976, are found in Title 24, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter XX, Part 3280
Manufactured Housing Program Regulations — Fee Realignment
Fee Realignment Express Terms (DOC) — Filed with the Secretary of State on February 27, 2024 — Effective April 1, 2024.
Federal Legal Authorities and Clarification
When federal rules (regulations) are in need of clarification, HUD issues interpretive Bulletins or B-Letters to clarify the requirements. For additional information on federal legal authorities, go to HUD’s Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Program information.