Mobilehome Parks ActPermits and Fees
Section § 18500
This law requires that anyone who wants to construct or change a park, or operate it, must first get a valid permit. This includes building new structures, changing existing structures, or planning to rent or lease park lots. It's essential to have the permit before doing any of these activities. However, the rule doesn't apply if the park is a labor camp with a valid annual operation permit.
Section § 18500.5
If you own both a manufactured home or mobilehome and the land it sits on, you can rent it out without needing a special permit or license from any state or local agency.
Section § 18500.6
This law states that if you own a manufactured home or mobile home and rent or lease the land it sits on, you don't need a special permit or license from the government to rent out, lease, or sublease the home and land. The only requirement is that you must follow the terms of any lease or rental agreement for the land.
Section § 18501
When applying for a permit to build or rebuild, you must include a description of the site, detailed plans of the construction, and how you plan to manage water, drainage, and sewage. You also need to pay the required fees and show that you meet all local planning, health, utility, and fire regulations.
Section § 18502
If you're getting a permit for construction or operations related to mobilehome parks, you'll need to pay certain fees. These include construction-related permit fees set by the department, and plan check fees that are half of those construction-related fees. There's also a mandatory annual operating fee of $140 plus $7 for each lot in the park.
An extra $4 per lot fee is used for inspections to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Part of this fee can be passed on to mobilehome owners directly. Additionally, there are fees for changing names or transferring ownership, as well as duplicate or amended permits, each costing $10. The provisions of this section are set to be repealed on January 1, 2030.
Section § 18502
This section outlines the fees for various permits related to construction and operation. First, if you're doing construction, you'll pay fees according to a fee schedule. Plan checking fees are half of what you'd pay for permits, but at least $10. Annual operating permits cost $140, with an extra $7 for each lot. Changing the name on a permit or transferring ownership costs $10 each. Getting a duplicate or amended permit also costs $10. Note, these fees will be in effect starting January 1, 2030.
Section § 18502.5
This law establishes the Mobilehome Parks and Special Occupancy Parks Revolving Fund in California's State Treasury. Money collected from mobilehome and special occupancy parks will go into this fund to support the activities of the state department in managing these parks.
The department is allowed to set fees for permits and activities conducted under this statute, but the total annual fees collected shouldn't exceed the department's costs.
Any proposed fee increase must be announced 45 days in advance to key legislative bodies, and the State Auditor can review it to ensure it's reasonable.
The fund shouldn't hold more money than is needed for a year of department operations; if it does, fee reductions should follow.
Section § 18503
This section outlines that a government department must create a fee schedule for various permits related to construction, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work. These fees need to be paid to the agency in charge of enforcement. Moreover, the fees should align with the standards set in recognized codes like the Uniform Building Code, the Uniform Plumbing Code, and the National Electrical Code.
Section § 18504
If you are supposed to get a permit as required by this chapter or Chapter 5 and you don't do it, you'll have to pay double the normal fees.
Section § 18505
This law explains that after a new park is built, or more lots are added to an existing one, the local enforcement agency must notify the state department to issue an operating permit. When the application for the permit is approved, it allows people to use the new facilities. One copy of the approved permit application goes to the applicant, and another copy is sent to the department.
Section § 18506
The enforcement agency issues permits to operate mobile home or RV parks. If a park's previous permit was suspended, it cannot get a new one until all issues are fixed. Parks existing before September 15, 1961, cannot be denied permits if they followed the law that was replaced by current regulations.
Permits last for 12 months, and how and when to pay is determined by the department. The invoice must inform park operators about related laws covering mobile homes and RV parks. Late permit applications are penalized: 10% extra if late by 30 days, or 100% extra if 60 days or more late, and these must be paid before a new permit is issued.
Section § 18507
If you buy or become the new operator of a park, you must inform the enforcement agency of any changes in the park's ownership, name, or possession. This notification must be in writing and completed within 30 days of the change, along with submitting the necessary fees. The agency will then update its records and issue an amended permit to operate.
If a park's ownership or name changes before finishing construction, no extra fee for the construction permit is needed, as long as the new owner follows previously approved plans. However, if there are significant changes to the plans, the new owner must submit a fresh application with new plans and pay the relevant fees.
Section § 18508
Any time you have a permit for building or using something, it needs to be displayed where everyone can easily see it.
Section § 18509
If you get a permit to build or rebuild something, it expires automatically after six months if you haven't finished the work within that time. However, the agency in charge can give you more time if it seems reasonable.
Section § 18510
If someone with a permit breaks the rules related to that permit, the authority in charge can suspend the permit. But, if it’s a park that was around before September 15, 1961, they can't suspend the permit for any violations that didn't break the old laws replaced by the current ones.
Section § 18511
If someone who holds a permit is found violating any rules or conditions of the permit or related legal codes, the enforcement agency will send them a notice explaining what has been violated. The permit holder has 30 days from the notice date to fix these issues, or their permit might be suspended.
Section § 18512
This law section explains that when a notice needs to be served regarding a permit, it must be done in two ways: one copy should be posted in a visible spot on the premises covered by the permit, and another copy should be mailed via registered mail, with return receipt requested, to the permit holder's address as listed on the permit.
Section § 18513
If someone with a permit gets a notice under Section 18511, they can ask for a hearing about it. They need to send a written request to the enforcement agency explaining why they want the hearing, and they must do this within 10 days of getting the notice.
Section § 18514
When an enforcement agency gets a petition, they must set a hearing date and let the person who sent the petition know when and where it will happen. During this hearing, the person can explain why the notice they received should be changed or canceled.
Section § 18515
This law requires a hearing to start within 10 days of filing a petition. However, if the person who filed the petition has a valid reason, they can ask the enforcement agency to delay the hearing for a reasonable amount of time beyond those 10 days.
Section § 18516
After a hearing, the enforcement agency will decide to keep, change, or cancel a notice based on whether the rules in this part have been followed.
Section § 18517
If someone doesn't follow the instructions in a notice within 30 days of it being mailed and posted, the agency in charge can put the person's permit on hold.
Section § 18518
If you've followed all the rules and provided proof to the enforcement agency, they'll either reinstate your existing permit or issue a new one.