Due to the ever-increasing prices of permanent housing and rentals, mobile homes are becoming a very popular alternative. Mobile homes are a popular housing choice for many people because they are typically more affordable than traditional stick-built homes, and they can be placed in various locations. Mobile homes in Georgia are often used as vacation homes or as temporary housing for people who are displaced by natural disasters. Now, as a resident of Georgia, what are the laws you should know about before buying a mobile home?
Let’s find out.
Who Regulates Mobile Home Code Laws in Georgia
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) regulates mobile homes in the state. These homes are built according to the federal HUD law and are treated as vehicles.
The DCA has specific laws for manufactured home parks and subdivisions. It is required that a manufactured home park or subdivision be registered with the DCA. The registration is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. The registration fee is $50. The registration application can be found on the Georgia DCA‘s website.
The DCA has a Manufactured Home Ombudsman program. The program aims to resolve complaints between manufactured homeowners and park or subdivision owners/operators. The program also provides educational resources to homeowners in Georgia.
Common Local Laws
There are also local laws that manufactured homeowners must follow. These laws are usually created by the county or city where the manufactured home is located. Knowing all about these is of utmost importance before moving to an area with your manufactured home.
Common local laws in Georgia include–
Setbacks – There must be a minimum distance between the home and the property line. This is typically 20 feet but may be more or less depending on the municipality.
Skirting – The area underneath the home must be enclosed with skirting, which can be made of various materials such as lattice, wood, or vinyl. This helps prevent animals and debris from entering underneath the home and provides a finished appearance.
Anchoring – The mobile home must be anchored to the ground to resist wind and earthquake forces. This typically includes attaching the home to metal anchors embedded in concrete footings.
Awnings – Awnings may be required to be installed and must be of a certain material. You may not have an awning on your home that extends more than six feet from the side of the home.
Siding – Many local laws also require that the exterior of homes be covered with weather-resistant siding. The type of siding required may vary, but it is typically either aluminum or vinyl.
Windows – Most local laws also require that homes have double-pane windows that are impact resistant.
Porches – These laws typically require that the porch be constructed of weather-resistant materials, be properly anchored to the ground and the mobile home, and have guardrails that are at least 36 inches high.
Carports – They may be required to be installed and must be of a certain material. It must be at least 10 feet from any property line and must not exceed 20 feet in height.
Other Local Laws
There may be other local laws that apply to manufactured homes. It is important to check with the county or city in which the home is located to find out what ordinances apply. Here are some that are applicable in Georgia.
- Mobile homes shall be constructed in accordance with the requirements of the federal Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended.
- Mobile homes shall be sited on permanent foundations and connected to all utilities per local building codes.
- Mobile homes shall be taxed as real property.
- Mobile homes shall be subject to all local zoning laws.
- Mobile homes shall be subject to all local building codes.
- Mobile homes shall be subject to all local health and safety laws.
Closing Thoughts
The laws governing mobile homes vary from state to state. Some states have very strict laws governing the installation and use of manufactured homes, while others have very lax laws. It is important to check with your local authorities to determine the laws in your area.
So, check the laws of your area – in this case, Georgia – and move in.