How Do I Get Set up for Mobile Homes in Ohio?

Manufactured houses in Ohio mobile home parks must be installed by a licensed contractor.

Houses come in all shapes and sizes, most are developed on solid foundations but many are manufactured mobile homes that are built in trailer parks. Ohio law considers "mobile" and "manufactured" to be the same thing, so if you want to set up mobile homes in Ohio, you will need to follow state laws on licensing, installation and locations. You can get licensed yourself or hire someone that is currently certified in the state of Ohio.

Things You'll Need

• Licensed contractor or course training to become certified
• Manufactured Home Installation Guide
• Manufacturer's Home Reference study manual
• Course, study and examination fees

Instructions

Becoming Licensed

1. Sign up for Ohio's recommended manufactured home training course online at the Manufactured Housing website. Students will receive a Manufactured Home Installation Guide and a CD of demonstration videos. Pay the required fees and start the course.

2. Obtain an Ohio Manufacturer's Home Reference study manual through the Ohio Manufactured Homes Commission (OMHC) and pay the required fee.

3. Set up a time to take the licensing test. Testing centers are operated by the International Code Council and are in various locations around Ohio. Pay the examination fee; the test will take about 1 ½ hours and contains approximately 40 questions.

Locations, Laws and Inspections

1. Choose the area where you want to set up the mobile home, there must be at least three manufactured houses on a piece of land to call it a "mobile home park." Local zoning ordinances may apply depending on the site's location and whether you are the home owner, tenant or landlord.

2. Choose a licensed contractor to install the mobile homes or do it yourself if you are certified. Ohio law requires a license for anyone putting in foundation elements such as electrical, mechanical and plumbing materials. Unlicensed contractors are prohibited from installing manufactured houses in mobile home parks or on private properties, however, you can do the work yourself if you live on your own land and plan to occupy the house.

3. 

   Inspections must take place before the occupant can move in.

   Contact the OMHC to arrange for inspections of the mobile home lots, foundations and connections. Ohio law requires that three inspections take place during the installation process. Have a footing (open hole) inspection before any concrete is poured. Have an electrical inspection done before the power is turned on and a final inspection after the home is completed and before anyone moves in.

Tips & Warnings

• The Ohio Manufactured Homes Commission requires that all permits, inspections and inspection seals be issued by the local authority that has jurisdiction where the mobile park is located. Installation permits must be obtained before any installation work can be done. For more information, call the Ohio Manufactured Homes Commission at 614-734-8454 or visit online at the OMHC website.

• You must be licensed in order to install foundations and houses on mobile home park lots. Homeowners on private property can do it themselves if they own the property and plan to live in the home, however, they must physically do the installation and cannot hire unlicensed people to do the work.

References

• Ohio Manufactured Homes Commission: License Search
• Ohio Legal Services: Mobile Home
• Welcome Home Ohio: Frequently Asked Questions About Manufactured Homes
• Ohio Manufactured Homes Commission: Installing Licensing Required in Ohio
• Ohio Manufactured Homes Commission: Notice to Manufactured Home Buyers
• Ohio Manufactured Homes Commission: Manufactured Home Installation -- Online Training Information

Resources

• OMHC: Ohio Manufactured Homes Commission
• The Ohio Manufactured Homes Association: Home
• Ohio Revised Code: Chapter 4781: Manufactured Homes
• International Code Council: Home