Third-party agencies (PDF) are certified by HCD to perform as a Design Approval Agency (DAA) and / or a Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), enforcing design and construction approval of commercial modulars, special purpose commercial modulars, and multifamily manufactured homes designated for sale in California. For certifications for Factory-built housing, please click here.
Third-party agencies, once approved, provide these services as a small business acting on behalf of HCD.
Third-Party Agency Certification Approval
The following items are required when applying for a DAA or QAA Certification Approval:
- HCD-MH 470 Approval Application (PDF) — Required for all new (original) or renewal applications.
- HCD-MH 471 Absence of Conflict of Interest Statement (PDF) — Required for each person listed in the ownership structure.
- Organizational Structure - An organizational flow chart listing the names and job classifications of all persons subject to approval.
- List of CA Engineer(s) / Architect(s) on DAA staff - Resumes of all staff, managers, supervisors, engineers, and architects who have not been previously approved by HCD.
Monthly reporting requirements
All third-party agencies are required to report monthly to HCD using form HCD-MH 473. The report is due by the 15th of each month. The report provides information on all the activities of the QAA currently under contract in that reporting month. The HCD-MH 473 must be sent with forms HCD-MH 441 and HCD-MH 442, which detail each manufacturer’s production for each unit type (CM, SPCM, MFMH, Factory-Built Housing). If there has been no activity or no production by one of the client manufacturers, enter each manufacturer’s name and write “No inspection / insignia issued this month” on form HCD-MH 473 adjacent to the manufacturer’s name. Refer to California Code of Regulations, title 25, chapter 3, section 4880 for more details.
Quality Assurance Inspector (QAI) Approval
The following are required to apply for approval to inspect commercial modulars, special purpose commercial modulars, and multifamily manufactured homes.
- HCD-MH 001 – QAI Application Approval Checklist (PDF)
- HCD-MH 469 - QAI Approval (PDF) is required for original and renewal applications.
- HCD Form 1 - Notice of Applicant Verification Requirements for Obtaining or Renewing Public Benefits (PDF) is required for original applications only. The application must contain applicant verification fees, and statement of citizenship, birth certificate, and/or other documents
- HCD-MH 471 - Absence of Conflict of Interest Statement (PDF) is required for original and renewal applications.
A QAI original applicant must satisfy the following provisions of California Code of Regulations, title 25, chapter 3, section 4856:
- Applicant shall possess the personal characteristics of tact, integrity, and a sense of authority.
- Applicant shall demonstrate ability to follow detailed instructions and checklists that provide the criteria for construction, including both material and fabrication requirements.
- Completion of a period of orientation and training for which the applicant performs the inspection function. This training shall be under the continuous direction of a supervisor fully qualified under this criteria.
- Demonstrate ability to evaluate the results of well-defined or routine measurements or tests by reason of experience or familiarity with such measurements or tests.
Education: Possess mathematical skills equivalent to those acquired through a high school education.
Experience and Demonstrated Ability:
- Two years of experience in building construction, building code enforcement, or quality control inspection.
- Demonstrate an ability to inspect and monitor the quality control programs for compliance with approved plans, quality control manuals, and California law and regulations regarding mobilehomes, CMs, and SPCMs.
- Demonstrate an ability to prepare inspection reports describing observed violations, corrective action, and making appropriate references to the plans, quality control manuals, California law or regulations, and incorporated documents.
Submit Your Application
Submit your application, including all forms, documents, and fees to:
HCD-Manufactured Housing Program
P.O. Box 278180
Sacramento, CA 95827
After approval of your third-party designation and prior to any work as a third-party agency, you must submit to HCD-Manufactured Housing Program a completed and signed form HCD MH/FBH 443 (PDF) and a copy of your contract for services or termination of your contract for services each time you perform those services or terminate the contract.