Housing and Community Development (HCD) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a requirement before altering a manufactured home's safety systems?

1. Approval from any governmental agency

2. Approval from a county building commissioner

3. Local community approval

4. Approval and permit from HCD

The correct answer is: Approval and permit from HCD

The requirement for obtaining approval and a permit from HCD (Housing and Community Development) before altering a manufactured home's safety systems is rooted in established regulations that are designed to ensure the safety, integrity, and compliance of such homes with state and federal standards. This involves maintaining the structural and safety features that have been initially certified when the home was manufactured. HCD is the authoritative body responsible for the enforcement of specific construction codes and safety regulations pertinent to manufactured homes. Altering safety systems — such as electrical, plumbing, or ventilation — can significantly impact the home’s compliance with safety standards. Therefore, the involvement of HCD is crucial to verify that any modifications do not compromise safety, which is essential for protecting the occupants of the home. While local community approval and approvals from county building commissioners might also be relevant in some contexts, they do not have the same level of regulatory oversight concerning manufactured homes and their safety systems as HCD does. Approval from any governmental agency is too broad and does not specifically address the specialized requirements that manufactured homes necessitate. Hence, seeking approval and a permit from HCD is the correct protocol to follow for any alterations to ensure compliance with safety regulations.