S.C. Code Regs. 79-42 - Manufactured Home Installation Requirements
A. Scope and Applicability. All new
manufactured homes in the State of South Carolina must be installed per the
Manufacturers Installation Instructions or in the event the Manufacturers
installation instructions are not available for a new home, the home must be
installed per the requirements of 24 CFR Part 3285. All used manufactured
homes, without manufacturers installation instructions, shall be installed per
the requirements of this Section. The Manufacturers Installation Instructions
and the requirements of this Section shall preempt any existing local standard.
(See paragraph G).
B. Manufactured
Home Installation. The Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety
Standards Program ( 24 CFR 3280, 3282 and 3285 ) requires that all manufactured
homes be provided with installation instructions covering foundation,
anchoring, utility connections, and other items. Where such installation
instructions are provided, they shall be followed and supplemented by this
regulation. In the event that conditions exist that do not meet, or are not
covered in, the Manufacturers Installation instructions, or the installer
chooses an alternative design for an installation, any alternative design must
be prepared by a design professional and approved by the manufacturer and its
Design Approval Primary Inspection Agency (DAPIA) before the home is set.
1. Foundation Systems for Manufactured Homes.
A Manufactured Home Foundation System is one constructed in accordance with the
foundation system included in the manufacturer's installation instructions,
supplemented by the requirements of these regulations. The manufacturer or
homeowner shall be permitted to design for unusual installation not provided
for in the manufacturer's standard installation instructions, provided a
licensed professional engineer or architect approves the design in writing.
When the manufacturer's instructions are not available, Table 1 in Appendix A
indexes information for the design of manufactured home foundation systems
which meet the minimum criteria established in this regulation.
2. Manufactured Homes with Manufacturer's
Instructions. The manufacturer's instructions include a typical foundation
system designed by a registered professional engineer or architect to support
the anticipated loads specified in the manufacturer's installation instructions
for the design zone (including climate) of installation, and shall meet the
requirements of these regulations. These instructions shall be provided with
the home following installation as required by 24 C.F.R., Parts 3280, 3282, and
3285( 42 U.S.C. 5401 et seq.).
3.
Manufactured Home Stabilizing Devices and Design. Each manufactured home, upon
being installed on a manufactured home stand, shall have stabilizing devices,
or shall be installed on a foundation constructed in accordance with the South
Carolina Residential Code. Stabilizing devices not provided with the
manufactured home shall be listed or labeled to meet or exceed the design and
capacity requirements of the manufactured home manufacturer's installation
instructions and these regulations.
a.
Anchoring.
(1) Each manufactured ground anchor
shall be listed and installed in accordance with the terms of its listing and
the anchor manufacturer's instructions and shall include means of attachment of
ties meeting the requirements of paragraph (B) (3) (b) (v). Ground anchor
manufacturer's installation instructions shall include tensioning adjustments
which may be needed to prevent damage to the manufactured home, particularly
damage that can be caused by frost heave.
(2) Each ground anchor shall have the
manufacturer's identification and listed model identification number marked
thereon so that the number is visible after installation. Instructions shall
accompany each listed ground anchor specifying the types of soil for which the
anchor is suitable under the requirements of paragraph (B) (3) (b) (4)
(a).
(3) Ground anchors, including
means for attaching ties, shall be located to effectively match the anchoring
system instructions provided by the manufactured home manufacturer, or, if
there are no instructions, in accordance with the requirements of this
section.
(4) If concrete slabs or
continuous footings are used to transfer the anchoring loads to the ground, the
following shall be required:
(a) Steel rods
cast in concrete shall be capable of resisting loads as specified in paragraph
(B) (3) (b) (4)(a).
(b) Deadman
concrete anchors may be used in place of listed anchors if they meet the
requirements of paragraph (B) (3) (b) (4) (a).
(c) Concrete slabs may be used in place of
ground anchors, provided the slab is constructed so that it provides holding
strength equal to the requirements of paragraph (B) (3) (b) (4)(a).
b. Foundation
Standards.
(1) Support System Spacing. Unless
a professional engineer or architect designs the entire support system, the
support system shall be designed in accordance with this standard.
(2) Footings. Footings shall be sized to
support the loads shown in the manufacturer's instructions and as specified
below. Where no manufacturer's instructions are available, the footings shall
be adequate in size to withstand the uniform live and dead loads of the
manufactured home and any concentrated loads.
(a) The supports shall begin not more than
two feet from the exterior of each end wall. Supports shall be installed
directly under the main frame (chassis) of the manufactured home.
(b) Table 2 in Appendix A shall be applicable
unless the entire support system is designed and calculated by a registered
professional engineer or architect.
(c) Footings shall be at least 144 square
inches of solid concrete, block, or other materials approved for the intended
use by the South Carolina Manufactured Housing Board. (Check Appendix B for
minimum thickness.)
(d) Footings or
pier foundations (unless approved by a registered professional engineer), when
required, shall be placed level on firm undisturbed soil or on controlled fill
which is free of grass and organic materials to minimum load-bearing capacity
of 1000 pounds per square foot. Where unusual conditions exist, the spacing of
piers and the load-bearing capacity of the soil shall be determined
specifically for such conditions (see paragraph (B) (6) (b)).
(3) Piers. Piers or load-bearing
supports or devices shall be designed and constructed to evenly distribute the
loads. Load-bearing supports or devices shall be listed and labeled, shall be
designed by a registered professional engineer or architect, shall be approved
for the use intended, or piers shall be constructed as follows:
(a) Piers less than 36 inches in height shall
be constructed of open or closed cell, eight inches by 16 inches, concrete
blocks (with open cells vertically placed upon the footing). Single-stacked
block piers shall be installed with the 16 inches perpendicular to the main
(Ibeam) frame. The piers shall be covered with a two inches by eight inches by
16 inches wood or concrete cap (See Figure B-10, Appendix B).
(b) Subject to the limitations of paragraph
(B) (4) (b), piers between 36 inches and 80 inches in height and all corner
piers over three blocks high shall be double blocked with blocks interlocked
and capped with a four inches by 16 inches by 16 inches solid concrete block,
or equivalent (See Figure B-11, Appendix B).
(c) Subject to the limitations of paragraph
(B) (4) (b), piers over 80 inches in height shall be constructed as per
paragraph (B) (3) (b) (3) and they shall be laid in concrete mortar and steel
reinforcing bars inserted in block cells with the block cells filled with
concrete (See Figures B-12 (a) and B-12 (b) in Appendix B).
(d) Steel Piers. Steel piers, when used,
shall be in compliance with paragraph (B) (3) (b) (5)(l), after fabrication to
provide corrosion protection (See B-8 in Appendix B).
(e) Walls. Load bearing and nonload-bearing
walls constructed on site shall be constructed of concrete, masonry, or any
other material or system that is recognized by the authority having
jurisdiction. Minimum thickness shall be that required to resist lateral
pressure from adjacent earth and support design loads as determined by
acceptable engineering practice.
(4) Anchors.
(a) Capacity of Anchors. Each approved ground
anchor, when installed, shall be capable of resisting an allowable working load
at least equal to 3,150 pounds in the direction of the tie plus a 50 percent
overload (4,725 pounds) without failure.
(b) Anchoring Equipment. Anchoring equipment,
shall be capable of resisting an allowable working load equal to or exceeding
3,150 pounds and shall be capable of withstanding a 50 percent overload (4,725
pounds) without failure of either the anchoring equipment or the attachment
point on the manufactured home. When the stabilizing system is designed by a
qualified registered professional engineer or architect, alternative working
loads may be used provided the anchoring equipment is capable of withstanding a
50 percent overload. All anchoring equipment shall be listed or labeled as
being capable of meeting all the requirements of this section.
(c) Anchor Installation Specifications. Each
type anchor suitable for this purpose shall have specification data showing the
soil classification(s) for which it qualifies.
(d) Anchors designed for connection of
multiple ties shall be capable of resisting the combined working load and
overload consistent with the intent expressed herein, and shall be installed to
resist resultant forces.
(e)
Selection of Anchors. Anchor selection shall be based on a determination of the
soil class at the depth the anchor helical plate will be installed.
(f) Other Anchoring Devices. Other anchoring
devices meeting the requirements of this section shall be permitted if
acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
(g) Depth of Anchors. All anchors shall be
installed to the full depth shown in the anchor manufacturer's installation
instructions. The load-carrying portion of the ground anchors shall extend
below the frost line.
(5) Ties. Strappings or other approved
methods or material shall be used for ties. All ties shall be fastened to
ground anchors and drawn tight with turnbuckles or other adjustable tensioning
devices or devices supplied with the ground anchor.
(a) Tie materials shall be capable of
resisting an allowable working load of 3,150 pounds with no more than two
percent elongation and shall withstand a 50 percent overload (4,725 pounds
total). Ties shall comply with the weathering requirements of paragraph (B) (3)
(b) (v) l).
(b) Ties shall connect
the ground anchor and the main structural steel frame (I-beam or other shape)
which runs lengthwise under the manufactured home. Ties shall not connect to
steel outrigger beams which fasten to and intersect the main structural frame
unless specifically stated in the manufacturer's installation
instructions.
(c) Connection of the
cable frame tie to the manufactured home I-beam or equivalent main structural
frame member shall be by a five-eighths inch drop-forged closed-eye bolt
through a hole drilled in the center of the I-beam web or other approved
methods. The web shall be reinforced if necessary to maintain the designed
I-beam strength.
(d) Cable ends
shall be secured with at least three U bolt-type cable clamps with the U
portion of the clamp installed on the short (dead) end of the cable to assure
strength equal to that required by paragraph (B) (3) (b) (v) a).
(e) Number of Ties. The minimum number of
ties per side for various lengths of manufactured homes in hurricane zone shall
be in accordance with Table 3 in Appendix A.
(f) Location of Ties. When continuous straps
are provided as vertical ties, such ties shall be positioned at rafters and
studs. Where a vertical tie and diagonal tie are located at the same place,
both ties shall be permitted to be connected to a single ground anchor,
provided that either the anchor used is capable of carrying both loadings, or
that the load capacity of the total number of anchors used is equal to 3150
pounds. Working load plus 50 percent overload (4725 pounds.) times the number
of ties specified in Table 3 in Appendix A.
(g) Spacing of Vertical Ties. Vertical ties
shall be as evenly spaced as practicable over rafters or over studs along the
length of the manufactured home with not more than eight feet open-end spacing
on each end.
(h) Special Ties.
Clerestory roofs and add-on sections of expandable manufactured homes shall
have provisions for vertical ties at the exposed ends.
(i) Alternate Method Using Strapping. If the
alternate method incorporating straps specified in Table 3 in Appendix A is
used, the baling straps shall be wrapped completely around the manufactured
home passing under the main steel frame, with both ends of each strap fastened
together under tension. The straps shall be in accordance with paragraph (B)
(3) (b) (v). The method used to connect the ends of the strap shall not reduce
the allowable working load and overload. S traps shall be installed in
accordance with the requirements for ties in paragraph (B) (3) (b) (v) a)
through l).
(j) Tensioning Device
Design. Tensioning devices such as turnbuckles or yoke-type fasteners shall be
ended with a clevis or forged or welded eyes.
(k) Permanency of Connections. Anchoring
equipment shall be designed to prevent self-disconnection when ties are slack.
Open hook ends shall not be used in any part of the anchoring system.
(l) Resistance to Weather Deterioration. All
anchoring equipment exposed to weathering shall have a resistance to weather
deterioration at least equivalent to that provided by a coating of zinc on
steel of not less than 0.30 ounces per square foot on each side of the surface
coated, as determined by ASTM Standard Methods of Test for Weight of Coating on
ZincCoated (Galvanized) Iron or Steel Articles (ASTM A90-B1).
4. Placement
of Manufactured Homes.
a. Clearance Under
Homes. A minimum clearance of 12 inches shall be maintained beneath the lowest
member of the main frame (I-beam or channel beam) in the area of utility
connections. No more than 25 percent of the underside of the main frame of the
home shall be less than 12 inches above grade.
b. Plates and Shims. A wood plate not
exceeding two inches in thickness and shims that transfer loads uniformly not
exceeding one inch in thickness shall be permitted to be used to fill any gap
between the top of the pier and the main frame. Two, two inches or four inches
solid concrete blocks shall be permitted to be used to fill the remainder of
any gap. Shims shall be at least nominal four inches wide and six inches long
and shall be fitted and driven tight between the wood plate or pier and main
frame.
c. Elevated Manufactured
Homes. When the manufactured home is installed on a basement or split entry
type foundation over a habitable lower-level area, or when more than one-fourth
of the area of a manufactured home is installed so that the bottom of the main
frame members are more than three feet above ground level, the foundation
system shall be designed by a registered professional engineer or architect and
the installation shall be approved by the local authority having
jurisdiction.
d. Removal of
Manufactured Home Transportation Components at Time of Installation. No portion
of a manufactured home shall be removed when located on its home site unless it
is designated to be removable and removed in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions.
5.
Ventilation of Manufactured Homes.
a. Access
to and Ventilation of Underfloor Areas.
(1)
Provisions shall be made to minimize condensation in underfloor areas through
ventilation openings or other suitable means.
(2) If combustion air for heat-producing
appliance(s) is taken from within the underfloor areas, ventilation shall be
adequate to assure proper operation of the appliance(s). This requirement shall
take precedence over the provisions of paragraph (B) (5) (a) (i).
(3) Ventilation openings shall be provided
for low profiled manufactured homes that are installed by depressing the
supporting foundation in accordance with paragraph (B) (5) (a) (iv).
(4) A minimum of four ventilation openings
shall be provided from the underfloor space to the exterior. One shall be
placed at or near each corner as high as practicable. Their total net area
shall be calculated by: a = A/150 where: A = the area of the crawl space,
square feet a = the total net free vent area.
(a) Openings shall provide cross ventilation
on at least two opposite sides. The openings shall be covered with corrosion
resistant wire mesh not less than one-eighth inch and not more than one-half
inch in any dimension or with screened louvered openings to retard entry of dry
vegetation, waste materials, or rodents.
(b) Intake air for ventilation purposes shall
not be drawn from underfloor spaces of the home.
(c) Moisture producing devices, such as
dryers, shall be vented to the atmosphere in such a manner to insure that
moisture laden air is carried beyond the perimeter of the home.
(d) Curtain Walls. Curtain walls, if used,
although not necessary for stabilizing the home, shall be installed in
accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions. It shall be
secured, as necessary, to assure stability, to minimize vibrations, to minimize
susceptibility to wind damage, and to compensate for possible frost heave.
Access opening(s) not less than 18 inches in any dimension and not less than
three square feet in area shall be provided and shall be located so that any
water supply and sewer drain connections located under the manufactured home
are accessible for inspection. Such access panel(s) or door(s) shall not be
fastened in a manner requiring the use of a special tool to remove or open
same. On-site fabrication of curtain wall shall meet the objectives cited
herein. Materials designed for curtain walls may be used, including, but not
limited to vinyl, treated wood, corrosion resistant metal or masonry products.
Curtain walls constructed or installed in accordance with this provision
satisfy the requirements of the Act.
(5) Maintenance.
(a) Protection of Ties and Manufactured Home
Roofing and Siding. Protection shall be provided at sharp corners where the
anchoring system requires the use of external cables or straps. Protection
shall also be provided to minimize damage to roofing or siding by the cable or
strap.
(b) Maintenance of Anchoring
Systems. The homeowner shall be advised that tie tension should be checked and
adjusted when necessary to prevent damage to the manufactured home from
settling or other unforeseen movements (such as frost heave).
C. Plumbing. Each manufactured home stand
shall be provided with a water supply and sewer located and arranged to permit
attachment to the manufactured home in a workmanlike manner.
D. Mechanical Equipment (Heating and Cooling)
1. Exterior Mechanical Equipment.
a.
Mechanical equipment installed outside of and not attached to a manufactured
home shall be mounted on a level concrete slab not less than three and one-half
inches thick, a precast reinforced concrete slab, treated wood of equivalent
strength, or be mounted in accordance with the equipment manufacturer's
installation instructions.
b.
Mechanical equipment installed outside shall be listed and labeled for outside
installation and installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation
instructions.
c. Mechanical
equipment shall not be installed in a manner that would obstruct any means of
required egress. Mechanical equipment shall not be installed in window openings
which are part of an existing system and shall not obstruct sidewalks or other
means of egress from the manufactured home.
E. Manufactured Home Electrical Connections.
1. When a manufactured home consists of two
or more sections, all utility connections from one section to another shall be
installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation requirements. In
the absence of manufacturer's instructions utility connections shall be made in
accordance with the National Electrical Code.
2. No rigid utility connections shall be made
unless the home is installed on a foundation constructed in accordance with the
South Carolina Residential Code.
3.
All manufactured home utility services shall be connected to the supply sources
only with approved materials.
4.
When a manufactured home is equipped with a meter base from the manufacturer, a
municipality or county cannot require that the home be hooked up in any other
fashion.
F. Dealer Lot
Installation.
1. All manufactured homes stored
on dealership lots shall be installed to such a degree as to not allow damage
to occur while the home is on display.
a.
Piers. Pier requirements for dealer lot installations shall equal one-third the
required piers for field installation in accordance with the manufacturer's
installation instructions. In areas where special pier installations are
required, the dealer shall incorporate these piers in the lot
installation.
b. Used Manufactured
Homes. Used manufactured homes offered for sale on dealership lots shall be
installed to assure that load-bearing supports maintain the integrity of the
home. Dealer lot owners will have the discretion as to what extent installation
is necessary. However, in no situation shall any unit be installed on a dealer
lot without pier support.
G. National Flood Insurance Program. In areas
where a community meets the eligibility requirements for the National Flood
Insurance Program, the local jurisdiction having authority shall have the
authority to change, delete or modify these regulations in order to comply with
the National Flood Insurance Program created by the National Flood Insurance
Act of 1968, as amended. A copy of any different standard adopted under this
paragraph shall be filed with the South Carolina Manufactured Housing
Board.
Notes
State regulations are updated quarterly; we currently have two versions available. Below is a comparison between our most recent version and the prior quarterly release. More comparison features will be added as we have more versions to compare.
No prior version found.