Phone: 952-442-7520

Fax: 952-442-7521
Email: info@mnspect.com

MANUFACTURED (MOBILE) HOMES

A “mobile home” is a prefabricated structure, built to
specific engineering requirements in a factory on a
permanently attached chassis. It is then transported to a
permanent site (either by being towed or on a trailer).

The provisions outlined here are applicable only to a

manufactured mobile home used as a single dwelling unit
installed on a privately owned (non-rental) lot.

 This handout is intended only as a guide. It shall not be considered a complete set of requirements.
 Building permits are required PRIOR to moving a mobile home onto the site.
 Building permit fees are usually a fixed fee and a state surcharge. The fees are designed to cover the cost
of the plan review and the field inspections that will be performed during construction.
 All “used” mobile homes shall be in compliance with the code under which it was built before any
installation can be approved.
 Homes manufactured after June 14, 1976 must have a state construction label attached in accordance with
MN Statute 327.32.
 MN Rules, Chapter 1350.0400 Subpart 1: Construction seals; code compliance; construction compliance
certificates or labels. “After July 1, 1972, no person shall sell or offer for sale in this state any manufactured
home manufactured after July 1, 1972; manufacture any manufactured home in this state; or install for
occupancy any manufactured home manufactured after July 1, 1972, in any manufactured home park in
this state, unless the manufactured home complies with the code and the commissioner's revisions to it,
bears a construction seal issued by the commissioner, and is accompanied by a construction compliance
certificate by the manufacturer or dealer, on a form issued by the commissioner, both evidencing that it
complies with the code, or if manufactured after June 14, 1976, bears a label as required by the secretary.”
 MN Rules, Chapter 1350.3800 Subpart 1: Any alteration of the construction, plumbing, heating, cooling,
fuel-burning system, electrical equipment, installation, or fire safety in a manufactured home that bears a
seal or label, prior to receiving review and approval, and prior to obtaining permits, which include necessary
inspections, shall void the approval, and the seal or label shall be returned to the commissioner.
 The applicant is responsible for securing all other local permits, fees, inspections and approvals
for, but not limited to, zoning, sewer and water access, wells, and on-site sewage disposal systems.
BUILDING Permit Submittal shall include:
Building Permit Application, completed in its entirety, including signature and valuation.
A site plan (or Certificate of Survey if required by municipality) drawn to scale and dimensioned,
identifying lot size; property lines including any easements; building size(s) for all structures on the
property; set-backs of the home to the property lines and other structures on the site; existing and
proposed elevations of the area where the home is to be installed; and grading and drainage plans
for the site. Check with your municipality to determine setback requirements for the property.
A plan showing designs and materials of foundation/support system.
A frost depth pier section drawing, if applicable, that best fits the pier that will be constructed at
the site of installation.
A frame support pier section drawing. The information required for the frame height will need to
be obtained from the home manufacturer. The frame pier must provide a minimum 12” from the
lowest frame member to the grade or slab under the home.
A detailed plan of the deck/landing/stair.
Show the location of plumbing fixtures.
Describe any changes to existing heating and ventilation and air conditioning, along with the
location(s) of these changes.
The completed Specification Sheet (attached).
Additional information may be required by the plan reviewer.
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 PERMIT CARD AND APPROVED PLANS (throughout the project) shall be:
POSTED prior to start of work - VISIBLE from street or driveway - ACCESSIBLE to the inspector
INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS:
Inspections MUST be scheduled during office hours AT LEAST one business day prior to inspection. If a
specific date and time is required, additional notice may be needed. Failure to cancel a scheduled
inspection may result in a reinspection fee.
 Office Hours: Monday - Friday • 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
 Phone: (952) 442-7520 or (888) 446-1801
Inspections: (Refer to your permit card regarding project-specific inspections)
o Footings: After forming and steel reinforcement is in place, but PRIOR TO POURING CONCRETE.
o Support/anchors: Home shall be on approved location with all approved blocking and anchoring
in place.
o Gas line air test: When all the gas lines have been run, gas lines are capped off, and air test is on
the system line. The gauge needs to hold 25 lbs. for 24 hours or ½ the gauge for 10 minutes
(minimum 30 pounds).
o Utility connections: Electrical sticker in box showing electric was inspected, utilities properly
connected.
o Steps and landings: Completed according to approved plans.
o Gas line/manometer final: After all mechanical equipment is installed. Manufacturer’s installation
instructions must be on site.
o Final: When the manufactured home installation is complete, including the installation of all
required building service equipment. All life safety items must be complete, including smoke and
carbon monoxide alarms. Skirting should be on and grading completed. House numbers or
address shall be plainly visible and legible from the street or road fronting the property. We must be
met for this inspection and permit package must be on site.

NOTICE: Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the Building Official, and
such construction or work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved. It is
the responsibility of the permit applicant to be in attendance on site and provide access to the Building Official for all
required inspections. If work is concealed and/or work is not complete at time of inspection, an additional inspection is
required and a reinspection fee may apply.

Note: The State of Minnesota requires all residential building contractors, remodelers, roofers, plumbers, and electricians to obtain a state license,
unless they qualify for a specific exemption. Any person claiming an exemption must provide a copy of a Certificate of Exemption from the
Department of Labor & Industry to the Municipality before a permit will be issued.
Note: To determine contractor requirements, or to check the licensing status of a contractor, please call the Minnesota Department of Labor &
Industry at 651-284-5065 or toll free 1-800-342-5354.
Note: For specific code requirements, contact the Building Inspection Department at 952-442-7520 or 888-446-1801 or e-mail: info@mnspect.com.

PROJECT CHECKLIST:
The following is a guideline to assist in compliance with the requirements of the MN State Building Code.
The home address must be visible from the street.
BEFORE YOU DIG, contact Gopher State One Call to locate buried utilities: (651) 454-0002 or
(800) 252-1166. www.gopherstateonecall.org.
A minimum clearance of 12” shall be maintained beneath the underside of the main frame I-beam and
earth.
Supports shall be placed not more than 10’ apart for mobile homes 12’ wide or less, and not more than
8’ apart for mobile homes over 12’ wide. Doublewide homes will require additional supports under the
centerline at each wall end and at the support columns located at the sides of center wall openings
eight feet in width or greater.
The supports for the doublewide homes shall be constructed to withstand the weight calculated by
multiplying one-half the width of the opening (in feet) times one-half the width of the home (in feet)
multiplied by 37.5 pounds per square foot (30-pound snow load and 7.5 pound roof load).

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 Footings and piers shall be placed level on firm, undisturbed soil free of grass and organic materials
with minimum load bearing capacity of 2,000 pounds per square foot.
Footings shall be of adequate size to withstand combined live and dead loads of 65 psf and any
concentrated loads of the mobile home. Footings shall be at least 16” x 16” x 4” solid concrete or two
8” x 16” x 4” solid concrete blocks.
Piers less than 40” in height shall be constructed of open or closed cell 8” x 16” concrete blocks,
installed perpendicular and centered under main (I-beam) frame. Piers 40”-80” high and all corner piers
over 3 blocks high shall be double blocked with blocks interlocked and capped with a minimum
4”x16”x16” solid concrete block. Subject to the limitations of the section covering piers 40”-80”, piers
over 80 inches in height shall be constructed in compliance with that section, and they shall be laid in
concrete mortar and steel reinforcing bars inserted in block cells filled with concrete. When more than
one fourth of the area of a mobile home is installed so that the bottom of the main frame member is
more than 3’ above grade, the home's stabilizing system shall be designed by a qualified registered
engineer and approved by the Building Inspector.
Wood plates used for blocking shall not exceed 2” in thickness and wood shims shall not exceed 1”.
Shims must be at least 4” wide and 6” long and made from a hardwood (not cedar). 2” or 4” solid
concrete blocks may be used to fill the remainder of the gap between the pier and the wood blocking.
Site-installed and manufacturer-constructed water piping, drain waste piping and fuel supply piping are
required to be pressure tested in accordance with the home manufacturer’s requirements and MN
Rules Chapter 1350.3400, prior to connecting them to the site’s utility services.
Water piping installed below the bottom board of the home is to be protected from freezing. If heat
tapes are used, they must be listed for this use and installed according to their installation instructions.
When the home is installed on a support system that is subject to movement due to freezing and
thawing, an approved flexible connector or semi-rigid copper shall be used.
Drain waste fittings and piping that are “shipped loose” (provided by the manufacturer) are to be
installed and supported as detailed in the designs or instructions provided by the manufactured and the
requirements of 24 CFR 3280.608. When the shipped loose fittings and piping are not installed in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, the piping shall then be installed and supported in
accordance with MN Rules Chapter 4714 – the MN State Plumbing Code.
Approved flexible connectors shall be used on waste piping for homes installed on a support system
subject to ground movement. Waste piping shall be of approved material properly supported.
Gas piping to the manufactured home shall be of adequate capacity rating to supply the connected
load. When the manufactured home is installed on a support system subject to ground movement,
semi-rigid copper pipe or a listed manufactured home gas connector for exterior use only, shall be
installed. Gas piping shall be protected from physical damage.
Crawl spaces must meet the requirements of the MN State Building code for the footing depth, size,
foundation wall size, reinforcement, insulation R-value, and venting requirements. Other specific
requirements from the manufacturer must also be met (special load points, pilasters, or bulkheads).
When the under-floor area is enclosed or “skirted” it must be ventilated at a rate of 1/150; and provided
with a minimum 18” wide by 24” high access opening.
Mobile home skirting shall be properly vented, constructed so as not to prevent frost movement and
resistant to decay within 6” of grade.
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms must installed and operational. (See handout regarding
smoke and CO alarms for requirements.)
Anchoring of the mobile home, when required by manufacturer, park or municipality ordinance, must be
done according to manufacturer's instructions or shall comply with the Building Code.
All exterior stairs and landings shall be built with materials that are resistant to decay. Stair risers and
treads shall have a maximum 7¾” rise and a minimum 10” run. Stairs with four risers or more shall have
a grippable handrail fastened 34-38” above the tread nosing, running continuously the full length of the
stairs and returned at the ends.
A landing must be provided on the exterior of all entrance/exit doors. The length and width of such
landings shall be no less than 36”. If the landing is more than 30” above grade or floor, a 36” high
guardrail must be provided with intermediate rails spaced so that a sphere 4” in diameter cannot pass
through.

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 The Certification Label (also known as an HUD tag) is a metal plate that is affixed to the outside of the
manufactured home. 24 CFR Section 3280.11(b) states, "The label shall be approximately 2 in. by 4 in.
in size and shall be permanently attached to the manufactured home by means of 4 blind rivets, drive
screws, or other means that render it difficult to remove without defacing it. It shall be etched on 0.32 in.
thick aluminum plate. The label number shall be etched or stamped with a 3 letter designation which
identifies the production inspection primary inspection agency and which the Secretary shall assign.
Each label shall be marked with a 6 digit number which the label supplier shall furnish. The labels shall
be stamped with numbers sequentially."
The Data Plate is a paper label affixed inside the home and is located in a kitchen cabinet, an electrical
panel, or a bedroom closet. The Data Plate will contain the following information: (a) the name and
address of the manufacturing plant in which the home was manufactured, (b) the serial numbers and
model designation, and the date the unit was manufactured, (c) a statement which references that the
home was built in accordance to the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, (d) a list
of the certification label number(s), (e) a list of factory-installed equipment, including the manufacturer's
name and the model designation of each appliance, (f) a reference to the Roof Load Zone and Wind
Zone to which the home was designed, (h) and the name of the agency that approved the design.
Additional Resources:

 https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=327.32#stat.327.32.1

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Manufactured (Mobile) Homes Handout Page 5 of 9 Copyright © MNSPECT 2020, Rev. April 2020
 Code Verification Sign-Off
Following is a list of the most common manufactured home code non-compliant items found in used or
altered manufactured homes. These are only the most commonly found items, and non-compliances are
not limited to the items in this list. The items listed usually happen after the home was labeled/certified and
left the manufacturer’s production facility.
This form must be completed by a certified building inspector or a licensed manufactured home dealer in
the State of MN. Dates should be entered in areas of compliance, correction required, correction completed
for each item. This form is required to be completed and submitted with application for a manufactured
replacement construction label in the State of MN.
1. Exterior receptacles require weatherproof protector covers; this includes heat tape receptacles mounted
under the home. CFR 3280.808 (a) and NEC 406.8 (a) or (b).
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

2. NM-cable type wiring that is added under or on the exterior of the home shall be protected by rigid metal
conduit and the conductors shall be suitable for wet locations. CFR 3280.808 (k) and NEC 550.15 (h).
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

3. Electrical boxes, fittings, and cables shall be securely fastened in place and supported by a structural
member or a substantial brace. Common examples are duplex receptacle boxes, electric range and clothes
dryer receptacles that have been added. CFR 3280.808 (n) and NEC 550.15 (I).
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

4. NM-type cable located within 15” or less above the floor or in areas where storage is used shall be protected
from physical damage. Common examples are wiring added for range or clothes dryer, and NM-type cable
run in closets or cabinet storage areas. CFR 3280.808 (c) and NEC 550.15 (B).
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

5. Electric ranges and clothes dryers shall have 4 conductor cord and 4 wire grounding type plugs. CFR
3280.809 (b) (2) and NEC 250.140.
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

6. Solid fuel-burning fireplaces or stoves shall be listed for use in manufactured homes and installed in
accordance with the listing or standards (i.e. chimney, doors, hearth, combustion air intake, etc.). CFR
3280.707 and CFR 3280.709 (g).
Complies ______ Correction Required____ Correction Completed____

7. Replacement gas water heaters or furnaces must be listed for use in manufactured homes. If listed for use,
verify compliance for separation of combustion system from the interior atmosphere of the home. (This
includes the vents, roof jacks, and chimneys) and installed according to the listings. CFR 3280.707 (a), CFR
3280.709 (a & d), and CFR 3280.710 (a).
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

8. Clothes dryer ducts shall not terminate beneath the manufactured home and shall be constructed of metal
and shall not be connected with screws or other fasteners which extend into the interior of the duct. CFR
3280.708 (a)(3 & 4) (applies only in HUD Regulated Parks, private lots follow IMC 504.8.2)
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

9. Gas appliances (i.e. range, furnace, clothes dryer, water heater, etc.) are required to have shutoff valves
upstream of the union or connector. Shutoff within 6’ of any cooking appliance and within 3’ of any other
appliance. CFR 3280.705 (k) (3).
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

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10. Plastic pipe materials and fittings used for drain lines must be of approved materials and correctly installed.
A common non-compliant item is ABS drain materials/fittings glued together with PVC drain material/fittings.
CFR 3280.610 (b).
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

11. Exterior hose bibs (water faucets) must be installed with a backflow prevention device (vacuum breaker).
The installation of potable water supply piping or fixture or appliance connections shall be made in a manner
to preclude the possibility of backflow. CFR 3280.609 (b) (2 & 7).
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

12. Water heaters must have a pressure-temperature relief valve which will activate at 150 psi and at or below a
water temperature of 210 degrees F. There must also be a full size drain line with a cross section area equal
to that of the relief valve, extended to discharge beneath the manufactured home. CFR 3280.609 (c) (ii & iii).
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

13. Fire blocking (fire stop collars) must be installed around all openings for pipes, vents, flue stacks, and other
penetrations in walls, floors, and ceilings of furnace and water heater spaces. CFR 3280.206 (c). Common
areas found that are non-compliant are flue locations at the ceiling line.
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

14. Cooking appliances shall be ventilated by a metal duct not less than 12.5 square inches in area located
above the appliance and terminating outside of the home, or by listed mechanical ventilating equipment
installed in accordance with the listing installed not more than 10’ horizontal distance from the appliance.
CFR 3280.710 (e) and NFPA 501B section 6.4.5.
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

15. Vertical clearance of 24” to the bottom of combustible cabinets must be maintained above the cooking top.
CFR 3280.204 (e).
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

16. Smoke alarms must be installed in manufactured homes.

 Homes manufactured after July 31, 2002, must have hard wired alarms in each sleeping room and in an
area to protect the living area and kitchen space. CFR 3280.208 (b).
 Homes manufactured from June 14, 1976 to July 31, 2002, must have hard wired alarms located
between the bedroom areas and living areas of the home. CFR 3280.208 (b). If homes have bedrooms
at each end of the home two alarms minimum are required.
 Homes manufactured from July 1, 1972 to June 14, 1976, must have either hard wired or battery
operated alarms located between the bedroom areas and living areas of the home. NFPA 501B,
sections 9.1 & 9.2. If homes have bedrooms at each end of the home two alarms minimum are required.
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

17. Floors are required to support 40 lbs. per square foot live load and a 200 lbs concentrated load on a 1’
diameter disk where deflection is not to exceed 1/8”. CFR 3280.305 (g). Common examples of not code
compliant locations are in bathroom, laundry areas, water heater rooms, and by front or rear entry doors
where floor decking is been exposed to water and softened the decking.
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

18. Floor decking in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry areas, water heater compartments is required to be protected
from moisture. CFR 3280.305 (g) (2) allows for protection by sealing with an approved sealer or an overlay
of nonabsorbent material and all penetrations are to be protected with a sealant.
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

19. Homes manufactured after November 30, 2005 (see data plate-date of manufacture) are required to have
corrosion-resistant water drip collection and drain pan installed under each water heater CFR 3280.709 (h).
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

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20. Bottom board materials (belly board) must be sealed to resist the entrance of rodents around pipes, ducts,
repairs, etc. CFR 3280.307 (d) and 3280.705 (a).
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

21. Exterior coverings and exterior doors/windows shall prevent allowing the elements (rain, snow, etc.) from
exposed interior materials. CFR 3280.307 (a & b). This would include joints between dissimilar materials.
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

22. Rooms in homes are required to have windows for minimum natural light and ventilation.
 Each habitable room shall have 8% light and 4% ventilation on HUD labeled units built after June 14,
1976. CFR 3280.103.
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

 Each habitable room shall have 10% light and 5% ventilation on State labeled units built from July 1,
1972, through June 14, 1976. NFPA 501B section 8.1
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

 Kitchen and bathrooms may be provided with artificial light and mechanical ventilation. NFPA 501B
section 8.1 and CFR 3280.103.
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

 Each bathroom must have ventilation by either mechanical method (1 air change every 12 minutes) or
by means of 1.5 square foot of openable window in State labeled homes (7/1/72 – 6/14/76) and HUD
labeled homes (6/15/76 – 10/25/93). NFPA 501B section 8.1.2 and CFR 3280.103
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

 Each bathroom must have a mechanical ventilation system capable of exhausting 50 cfm to the outside
of the home on HUD labeled units (1026/93 – current date of manufacture). CFR 3280.103 (c) (3).
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

23. Homes must have one egress window in each bedroom.

 State labeled homes 7/1/1972 through 6/14/1976, clear opening of 22” in width and height and 5 square
feet in area. Sill height not more than 48’ above the floor. NFPA 501B section 8.3.1 (c).
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

 HUD labeled homes 6/14/1976 to the current date of manufacture, net clear opening of 20” wide and 24”
high, 5 square feet in area, with sill height of window opening no more than 36” above the floor, and tabs
or other operational devices shall not be located more than 54” above the finished floor. CFR 3280.106
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

 HUD labeled homes located in Minnesota shall be equipped with storm windows or insulated glass. CFR
3280.506 (c).
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

24. Manufactured homes shall have two exit doors located remote from each other. NFPA 501B section 8.3.1 (a) and
CFR 3280.105 (a). Manufactured homes exterior exit doors must be at least 12’ from each other in single section
homes and must be at least 20’ from each other in multi-section homes. CFR 3280.105 (a) (2).
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

25. In HUD labeled homes (6/15/76 to present date of manufacture) an exit door shall not be more than 35’ from
each bedroom doorway. CFR 3280.105 (a) (2) (IV).
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

26. Glazing in all entrance doors, sliding glass doors, unbacked mirrored wardrobe doors, shower and bathtub
enclosures to a height of 6’ above the floor, and sidelights within 12” of either side of an entrance door must
be safety glazing materials which comply with ANSI Z97.1-1984.
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____
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27. Gas line piping shall not be used for electrical ground. CFR 3280.705 (l)(5).
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

28. Electrical distribution panel boards shall not be located in bathrooms. There shall be 6” of clearance from
easily ignitable materials maintained in front of the panel board. There shall be a clear working space of 30”
wide and 30” in front of the panel board. CFR 3280.804 (f).
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

29. Manufactured homes built and labeled under the State program (7/1/1972 through 6/14/1976) must have a
State issued construction label on the exterior of the home. MSBC 1350.0400 subpart 1.
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

30. Manufactured homes built and labeled in accordance with the HUD program June 15, 1976 and to present
date of manufacture must have a construction label on each exterior section of the home. CFR 3280.11.
Each manufactured home with HUD certification labels must have a data plate permanently located in the
home. CFR 3280.5. The data plate must contain the manufacturer’s name and production address, date of
manufacture of the home, roof design load, wind design load, heating design, and list all major factory
installed appliances.
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____

31. Manufactured homes with proposed alterations or additions added on must have plans/specifications
approved by LAHJ or CCLD with all permits and inspections required. MSBC 1350.3800. If the home is a
new manufactured home covered under warranty (MS 327B.02 and 327B.03) written permission from the
manufacturer for the alteration or addition must also be obtained.
Complies____ Correction Required____ Correction Completed ____
I have inspected the above items to verify compliance to the manufactured home construction codes to which
the home was required to be constructed.

_______________________________ ____________

Signature of Certified Building Official/Inspector Date

OR

_______________________________ ____________

Signature of Licensed Manufactured Dealer Date

G/word/ms/manufactured Information effective date 3/24/09

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