The planning and permitting processes, as well as utility connection, access, and other requirements, are outside of HUD's authority and may be governed by LAHJs. These Model Installation Standards do not attempt to comprehensively address such requirements. However, HUD recommends that the manufacturer's installation instructions include the information and advisories in this Subpart J, in order to protect the manufactured home, as constructed in accordance with the MHCSS.

It is recommended that the installation instructions indicate that the LAHJ be informed before moving the manufactured home to the site. It is also recommended that the installation instructions indicate that the manufactured home is not to be moved to the site until the site is prepared in accordance with subpart C of this part and when the utilities are available as required by the LAHJ. Examples of related areas that might be addressed in the installation instructions for meeting this recommendation include:

(a) Access for the transporter. Before attempting to move a home, ensure that the transportation equipment and home can be routed to the installation site and that all special transportation permits required by the LAHJ have been obtained.

(b) Drainage structures. Ditches and culverts used to drain surface runoff meet the requirements of the LAHJ and are considered in the overall site preparation.

It is recommended that the installation instructions include the following information related to permits, alterations, and on-site structures:

(a) Issuance of permits. All necessary LAHJ fees should be paid and permits should be obtained, which may include verification that LAHJ requirements regarding encroachments in streets, yards, and courts are obeyed and that permissible setback and fire separation distances from property lines and public roads are met.

(b) Alterations. Prior to making any alteration to a home or its installation, contact the LAHJ to determine if plan approval and permits are required.

(c) Installation of an add-on or attached accessory building or structure. Each attached accessory building or structure or add-on is designed to support all of its own live and dead loads, unless the attached accessory building or structure is otherwise included in the installation instructions or designed by a registered professional engineer or registered architect in accordance with this part.

(a) It is recommended that the manufacturer's installation instructions indicate the following procedures be used prior to making any utility system connection:

(1) Where an LAHJ and utility services are available, that the LAHJ and all utility services each be consulted before connecting the manufactured home to any utilities, or

(2) Where no LAHJ exists and utility services are available, that the utilities be consulted before connecting the manufactured home to any utility service; or

(3) In rural areas where no LAHJ or utility services are available, that a professional be consulted prior to making any system connections.

(b) Qualified personnel. Only qualified personnel familiar with local requirements are permitted to make utility site connections and conduct tests.

(c) Drainage system. The main drain line must be connected to the site's sewer hookup, using an elastomeric coupler or by other methods acceptable to the LAHJ, as shown in Figure A to this section.

(d) Fuel supply system. (1) Conversion of gas appliances. A service person acceptable to the LAHJ must convert the appliance from one type of gas to another, following instructions by the manufacturer of each appliance.

(2) Orifices and regulators. Before making any connections to the site supply, the inlet orifices of all gas-burning appliances must be checked to ensure they are correctly set up for the type of gas to be supplied.

(3) Connection procedures. Gas-burning appliance vents must be inspected to ensure that they are connected to the appliance and that roof jacks are properly installed and have not come loose during transit.

(4) Gas appliance start-up procedures. The LAHJ should be consulted concerning the following gas appliance startup procedures:

(i) One at a time, opening equipment shutoff valves, lighting pilot lights when provided, and adjusting burners and spark igniters for automatic ignition systems, in accordance with each appliance manufacturer instructions.

(ii) Checking the operation of the furnace and water heater thermostats.

It is recommended that the installation instructions include the following information related to heating oil systems, when applicable:

(a) Homes equipped with oil burning furnaces should have their oil supply tank and piping installed and tested on-site, in accordance with NFPA 31, Standard for the Installation of Oil Burning Equipment, 2001 (incorporated by reference, see § 3285.4) or the LAHJ, whichever is more stringent.

(b) The oil burning furnace manufacturer's instructions should be consulted for pipe size and installation procedures.

(c) Oil storage tanks and pipe installations should meet all applicable local regulations.

(d) Tank installation requirements. (1) The tank should be located where it is accessible to service and supply and where it is safe from fire and other hazards.

(2) In flood hazard areas, the oil storage tank should be anchored and elevated to or above the design flood elevation, or anchored and designed to prevent flotation, collapse, or permanent lateral movement during the design flood.

(3) Leak test procedure. Before the system is operated, it should be checked for leaks in the tank and supply piping, in accordance with NFPA 31, Standard for the Installation of Oil Burning Equipment, 2001 (incorporated by reference, see § 3285.4) or the requirements of the LAHJ, whichever is more stringent.

It is recommended that the installation instructions explain that telephone and cable TV wiring should be installed in accordance with requirements of the LAHJ and the National Electrical Code, NFPA No. 70-2005 (incorporated by reference, see § 3285.4).

A manufacturer may include in its installation instructions items that are not required by this chapter as long as the items included by the manufacturer are consistent with the Model Installation Standards in this part and do not take the manufactured home out of compliance with the MHCSS.