The purpose of this information bulletin is to describe how to obtain a permit for the installation of a manufactured/mobile home (MH) or accessory structure located within a mobile home park in the City of San Diego.  Please note that alterations to an MH may require a permit from the State of California, Housing Community and Development (HCD) pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 18029. You may find more information by visiting the HCD website, or by calling (800-952-8356). California law governing mobile home parks is entitled the "Mobile Home Parks Act" and may be found in Section, Part 2.1 of the California Health and Safety Code, commencing with Section 18200.

I. When Is a Permit Required?

Title 25, Chapter 2, Section 1018 states that no person shall erect, construct, reconstruct, install, replace, relocate, or alter any building, structure, accessory building or structure, or building component; any electrical, mechanical, or plumbing equipment; any fuel gas equipment and installations, or fire protection equipment; or the installation of, within, a park, or a lot without first obtaining a written construction permit from the enforcement agency.

A permit is not required to construct the following work when the construction is performed in a workmanlike manner, does not present a hazard, and is not required for:

1. Minor maintenance and repair of existing utility metering devices.
2. Previously installed portable air conditioning equipment reinstalled with the unit installation.
3. The installation of a storage cabinet less than 100 sq. ft. on a lot as defined by Title 25 section 1002(s)(12).
4. Construction of a stairway with a landing not exceeding twelve (12) square feet.
5. A landing not more than twelve (12) square feet in area.
6. Construction or installation of a window or door awning.
7. Construction or installation of removable insect screening, flexible plastic or canvas-type material used as an awning or as carport enclosures.
8. Construction or installation of a retaining wall less than four (4) feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless it is supporting a surcharge load.
9. Construction or installation of a patio, as defined in Title 25, Section 1002(p)(3).
10. Fences not over six (6) feet in height.
11. Canvas or cloth awning provided they meet the setback and separation requirements for combustible materials contained in Title 25, Section 1428.

II. Categories of Mobile Home Permits

Mobile home permits are divided into two categories: Category 1 and Category 2. See below for the scope of work for each Category permit

1. Category 1- Permit Description

   1. Manufactured/mobile home installations.
   2. All accessory structures requiring a permit pursuant to Title 25, Section 1018, and are located within the individual lot/space. Common accessory structures are cabanas, ramadas, enclosed or unenclosed awnings, decks, porches, landings, stairs, ramps and earthquake-bracing-resistant systems.
   3. Solar photovoltaic systems installed on top of a manufactured/mobile home will first require plan submittal, permit, and inspection approval from HCD. A separate Electrical Permit is required for all electrical work that is not attached or supported by the manufactured/mobile home.

2. Category 2 -Permits

   • Any new park infrastructure improvements, such as underground utility projects.
   • New or remodeled permanent buildings and/or swimming pools.
   • Lot line changes or modifications to the park's conditional use permit.
   • New street lighting.
   • New general park awnings.
   • Solar photovoltaic system installations are installed in locations other than manufactured/mobile homes.

III. Submittal Requirements

1. Category I Permits

   1. Required Forms and Documents
      1. Project Contacts Information (DS-345)
      2. Owner-Builder Form (DS-3042) if you are not a licensed contractor and plan on doing the work yourself.
      3. Completed plot plan form (DS-360 or DS-365) signed by the Park Manager/Operator.
      4. If a carport awning will be installed, submit the Standard Plan Approval (SPA).
      5. All accessory structure submittals will require every item noted above except the manufacturer installation book. If an SPA will not be used and the structure will be built on-site, plans must be prepared, and the plan submittal is required.
      6. Manufactured/ mobile home installation will require the manufacturer installation book to be onsite during every scheduled inspection for review.
      7. If the scope of work does not have a standard plan approval (SPA),  such as for cabanas or ramadas, plans in accordance with Project Submittal Requirements, Section 2A shall be provided.
   2. Submittal Method
      Mobile Home applications must be submitted through your online permitting account. Under the ‘Building Applications’ category, please select ‘Mobile Home’ and follow the instructions. Please visit our website for more information regarding online permits. The information required in the electronic application must be complete, and the required documents must be submitted so that staff can provide a complete plan check. Please note that an incomplete submission may be rejected until all required information and documents are provided.

2. Category II Permits

   1. Required Forms and Documents
      The plan submittal must be in accordance with the Project Submittal Requirements, Section 2A.
   2. Submittal Method
      Permit applications and submittal documents for Category 2 projects shall be submitted as building permits as described on the Building Permits webpage.

IV. Fee Schedule

Fees are based on whether the mobile home or accessory is being installed using a State of California "Standard Plan Approval" or some other construction technique.

1. Category I Permits

   1. Mobile/ Manufactured Home Installation
      • Single-wide inspection fee: $238.00 first whole hour, $ 102.00 second and subsequent whole hours, $51.00 for each additional ½ hour.
      • Double-wide inspection fee: $340.00 first whole hour, $102.00 second and subsequent whole hours, $51.00 for each additional ½ hour.
      • Triple-wide inspection fee: $442.00 first whole hour, $102.00 second and subsequent whole hours, $51.00 for each additional ½ hour.
   2. Standard Plan Approval Foundation System Permit Fee
      • Inspection fee: $238.00 first whole hour, $102.00  second and subsequent whole hours, $51.00 for each additional ½ hour.
   3. Earthquake-Resistant Bracing System
      • Inspection fee: $238.00 first whole hour, $102.00 second and subsequent whole hours, $51.00 for each additional ½ hour.
   4. Mobile/ Manufactured Home Accessory Structures with a Standard Plan Approval
      • Inspection fee: $238.00 first whole hour, $102.00 second and subsequent whole hours, $51.00 for each additional ½ hour.
   5. Mobile/ Manufactured Home Accessory Structure without a Standard Plan Approval
      • Plan review fee: $223.00.
      • Inspection fee: $238.00 first whole hour, $102.00 second and subsequent whole hours, $51.00 for each additional ½ hour.
   6. Mobile/ Manufactured Home Lot Utility
      • Inspection fee: $238.00 first whole hour, $102.00 second and subsequent whole hours, $51.00 for each additional ½ hour.
   7. Mobile/ Manufactured Home Miscellaneous Fees
      • Reinspection fee: $223.00 first whole hour, $102.00 second and subsequent whole hours, $51.00 for each additional ½ hour.
      • Penalty fee construction without a permit: $475.00.
      • Technical service fee: $238.00 first whole hour, $102.00 second and subsequent whole hours, $51.00 for each additional ½ hour.

2. Category II Permits

   Building Permit fees are listed in Information Bulletin 501. Fees for Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing permits are listed in Information Bulletin 103. 

Previous Versions of this Information Bulletin

This section contains previous versions of this Information Bulletin, by the last day they were effective. 

• 2025-06-30 I IB-147