This document covers the installation of manufactured homes, wherever located, whenever the manufacturer's installation instructions are not available or when the manufacturer's instructions do not adequately cover special conditions required for the installation (for example, but not limited to, installation in a floodplain). It is not intended to be applied retroactively to existing sites except where Kent County considers such application essential for the safety and health of the occupants or users of the sites. An acceptable alternative to this document is a set of plans and specifications for a particular installation prepared and sealed by a registered design professional.
The provisions of this standard are intended to apply to manufactured homes (single-section, multisection or expandable types) for use as single-family dwellings.
Note 1: The Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (MHCSS) cover one-family occupancies only. This chapter makes no provisions for other residential occupancies.
Note 2: This chapter does not apply to manufactured homes used for other than dwelling purposes.
Note 3: The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to recreational vehicles as defined in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 501C, Standard for Recreational Vehicles, or to park trailers as defined by Delaware Code.
A. 
Types of manufactured homes covered. The manufactured homes covered under this chapter are manufactured homes complying with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) MHCSS Program, as set forth in 24 CFR 3280, 3282 and 3283, as mandated in the United States of America and manufactured homes built prior to June 15, 1976, including those complying with the Standard for Mobile Homes, NFPA 501B/ANSI A119.1 Edition, in effect at the time of manufacture.
NOTE: The federal standards, regulations and requirements for manufactured housing, as authorized by 42 U.S.C. § 5401 et seq., are as follows:
Part 3280 - MHCSS
Part 3282 - Manufactured Home Procedural and Enforcement Regulations
Part 3283 - Manufactured Home Consumer Manual Requirements
Hereafter, throughout the sections of this document, "manufactured home" will be used interchangeably with "home."
B. 
Organization of chapter. This chapter consists of sections, generally divided by the kinds of work involved in properly setting up a home.
C. 
Use of this chapter.
(1) 
This chapter contains instructions, including specifications and procedures, for installation and hookup of a manufactured home. It has been written in an objective and easy-to-understand manner so that it can be understood by those who lack extensive technical training. It discusses the installation of the home from preparation of the site through final inspection. It includes tables and figures giving important data for proper installation.
(2) 
Careful adherence to this chapter by the homeowner and installation crew, and consultation with a registered engineer in those unusual circumstances it does not cover, will help ensure the homeowner of a well-built, safe and affordable home for many years to come.
A. 
Prior to locating or relocating a manufactured home, Kent County shall be contacted for installation procedures.
B. 
For private property, installation zoning or development covenants may apply and should also be taken into consideration.
Prior to altering a home, i.e., modifying the electrical, plumbing or heating or cooling systems; adding a room, carport or garage; or making major repairs such replacing a roof, the homeowner shall contact Kent County. Any structural changes or additions to the home will require a building permit and construction to meet the provisions of the CABO One- and Two-Family Dwelling Code referred to as the Kent County Building Code.