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commercial modular & moble buildings

Mr. Inspector

SAWHORSE
Joined
Nov 28, 2009
Messages
4,674
Location
Poconos/eastern PA
Here in PA we have rules about mobile and modular homes but there are no rules governing the construction or set up of commercial modular and mobile buildings.
Once in awhile I hear about some legislation but nothing yet. So if they want to set one up we can only say no.

I was wondering how other states handle this.
 
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In the state in which I am currently located, ...the State Fire
Marshall's office is tasked to inspect & [ certify ?? ] that a
mobile \ modular structure is fit to be inhabited.......There is
also a requirement to have the manufacturer' plaque
installed on the structure, certifying that it was manufactured
to some standard.......How each jurisdiction handles installing
the mobile \ modular structure in their locales, is up to them
[ i.e. - a traditional concreted footing with structural anchoring
points vs. "augered in" screw eye bolts, ...Zoning, Property
Maintenance, and on and on and on. ].

From what I've seen, most of the mobile \ modular communities
in this state are [ typically ] just above a 3rd world status, and some
below that.........That said though, I DO understand that some
people just do not have the means to do any better.

Some years ago, there was a manufacturing plant or two in this
state that was manufacturing modular units and having them
inspected during the process........They did not last long, because
they could not compete with the large volume mobile home
dealers.........There was too much cost involved to construct the
units to a minimum, acceptable standard.


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Virginia amended (IBC) Chapter 4; Section 425 Manufactured Homes and Industrialized Buildings

For your convenience a hyperlink is provided below to view the Virginia Codes.
 
Here in NM they are regulated by the State. Must have inspection tag and plaque for standards built to. Modular Homes are built to IRC standards and inspected at the factory, then permits for foundation,plbg.,elec.,etc. are pulled thru local AHJ and inspected and give CO like any other home.

As stated before it all depends on State & Local adopted procedures.:)
 
I was talking about mobile and modular units that are used for commercial occupancies like a used car lot office.

Those Would be Regulated by the State here and would have an approval tag. And if requires a foundation then drawings,placement permits may go thru Local AHJ if an actual building not wheeled.
 
Those Would be Regulated by the State here and would have an approval tag. And if requires a foundation then drawings,placement permits may go thru Local AHJ if an actual building not wheeled.


Yes, that's how IL does it. And don't forget that they have to be ADA-compliant.

Some of those aluminum ramp concoctions they put on these things for ADA cost as much and have as big a foot print as the trailer itself!
 
they fall under the manufactured building regulation in Massachusetts, part of the stater building code, modular class rooms, precast utility building think concrete equipment bunker at the base of a cell tower, modular home all 3 party inspect during construction, then inspection for the setting and competition on site by the local building inspector.
offices trailer for construction also need a building permit for placement and anchorage on the constructionn site
 
In Canada, they must meet the CSA standard for manufactured buildings and comply with the applicable requirements from the building code in relation to life safety, accessibility, etc.
 
IBC Chapter 31 Section 3103 Temporary structures

Section 3103 Temporary Structures
3103.1 General
The provisions of Sections 3103.1 through 3103.4 shall apply to structures erected for a period of less than 180 days. Tents and other membrane structures erected for a period of less than 180 days shall comply with the International Fire Code. Those erected for a longer period of time shall comply with applicable sections of this code.
3103.1.1 Conformance
Temporary structures and uses shall conform to the structural strength, fire safety, means of egress, accessibility, light, ventilation and sanitary requirements of this code as necessary to ensure public health, safety and general welfare.
3103.1.2 Permit Required
Temporary structures that cover an area greater than 120 square feet (11.16 m2), including connecting areas or spaces with a common means of egress or entrance that are used or intended to be used for the gathering together of 10 or more persons, shall not be erected, operated or maintained for any purpose without obtaining a permit from the building official.
3103.2 Construction Documents
A permit application and construction documents shall be submitted for each installation of a temporary structure. The construction documents shall include a site plan indicating the location of the temporary structure and information delineating the means of egress and the occupant load.
3103.3 Location
Temporary structures shall be located in accordance with the requirements of Table 602 based on the fire-resistance rating of the exterior walls for the proposed type of construction.
3103.4 Means of Egress
Temporary structures shall conform to the means of egress requirements of Chapter 10 and shall have an exit access travel distance of 100 feet (30 480 mm) or less.
 
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Thanks but nut concerned with temporary. I have someone that wants to bring a trailer in as a "warming hut" for paddleball courts with accessible restrooms. It will be permanent.
 
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