Manufactured/Mobile Homes: Alterations

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Manufactured/Mobile Homes: Alterations

What alterations require permits?

Homeowners and contractors: L&I makes sure that changes (alterations) to manufactured/mobile homes meet safety standards. You must obtain a permit before starting an alteration.

Note: Structural alteration permits must be purchased at your local L&I office.

Log on to
Secure Access Washington (SAW)

Important Information
New user must also submit an Application to Access Electronic Permits & Inspection System (EPIS) to receive access to EPIS through SAW.

EPIS changes
EPIS now has the ability for customers to pay additional fees online once they have been added by L&I staff.

EPIS now requires the zip code for all job site addresses.

Does your alteration require a permit and inspection?

Select the item below and if "YES" appears in the "Required?" column the item requires a permit and inspection.

Appliances

Air conditioners/heat pumps

Alteration.	Required?
New installation.	YES
Replacement.	YES
Reconnection after moving home.	YES
Repair.	NO
Adjustment and/or maintenance.	NO
Download Air Conditioner/Heat Pump pre-inspection checklist (90 KB PDF)

Clothes washer

Alteration.	Required?
New installation (pre-plumbed and wired).	NO
Replacement.	NO
Repair with approved parts.	NO
Adjustment and/or maintenance.	NO

Clothes dryer (electric)

Alteration.	Required?
New installation (pre-wired electrical).	NO
Replacement.	NO
Repair with approved parts.	NO
Adjustment and/or maintenance.	NO
Replacement with gas clothes dryer when modifications to electrical or gas systems are performed.	YES

Clothes dryer (gas)

Alteration.	Required?
New installation (pre-plumbed gas).	NO
Replacement.	NO
Repair with approved parts.	NO
Adjustment and/or maintenance.	NO
Replacement with electric clothes dryer when modifications to electrical or gas systems are performed.	YES

Dishwasher

Alteration.	Required?
New installation.	YES
Replacement of cord connect.	NO
Replacement of direct wiring.	YES
Repair.	NO
Adjustment and/or maintenance.	NO

Structural Changes

Roofing

Alteration.	Required?	Might need:
Re-roofing.	YES	Plan review
Applying liquid or mastic roof sealant to a metal roof.	NO	Plan review
Repair of damaged composition shingles.	NO	—
Download Alteration Re-Roofing Permits for Low Slope Roof Application.

Windows

Alteration.	Required?	Might need:
Replacement in same opening with no structural changes.	NO	Bedroom windows must allow exit.
Replacement when structural changes are required.	YES	Plan review
Replacement of glass.	NO	—

Structural changes

Alteration	Required?	Might need:
Adding a dormer.	YES	Plan review
Truss repairs.	YES	Plan review
Add opening in wall.	YES	Plan review
Add gypsum board to walls or ceilings.	YES	Plan review
Repair or replace floor decking or joists.	YES	Plan review

Doors (interior or exterior)

Alteration	Required?	Might need:
Additional door(s)	YES	Plan review
Replacing a door that fits into the same opening	NO	—

Earthquake-resistant bracing structure

Alteration	Required?
Earthquake-resistant bracing systems are not an alteration to a home.	NA
Licensed contractors need to install them.	NA
A certified installer must be onsite when they are installed.	NA
The local building department must inspect the installation.	NA

Water, Electric, Gas, Plumbing

Water heater (electric)

Alteration.	Required?
Replacement with electric water heater.	YES
Repair.	NO
Adjustment and/or maintenance.	NO
Replacement with gas water heater.	YES

Water heater (gas)

Alteration.	Required?
Replacement with gas water heater.	YES
Repair.	NO
Change from LP gas to natrual gas or natural gas to LP gas per its listing.	NO
Adjustment and/or maintenance.	NO
Replacement with electric water heater.	NO
Download Gas water heater pre-inspection checklist (97 KB PDF).

Electrical

Alteration.	Required?
Replacing main electrical panel.	YES
Adding circuits.	YES
Extending existing circuit(s).	YES
Replacing lighting fixtures*.	NO
Replacing circuit breakers/fuses.	NO
Replacing switches, receptacles, light bulbs, flurescent tubes and glass or plastic shades.	NO
Repairing bath exhaust fans.	NO
Repairing fans in kitchen range hoods.	NO

Gas lines

Alteration.	Required?
New installation.	YES
Extend existing gas line.	YES
Repair.	YES
Download Gas line pre-inspection checklist (97 KB PDF).

Plumbing

Alteration	Required?
Adding plumbing fixtures*	YES
Repairing damage*	YES
Replacing fixtures*	NO
Repairing fixtures*	NO
Replacement/repair of shower doors and curtains.	NO
Download Plumbing pre-inspection checklist (97 KB PDF) *Fixtures must be installed per their listing and intended use.

Pellet or Wood Stove, Fireplace

Pellet stove

Alteration.	Required?
New installations.	YES
Replacement.	YES
Repair.	NO
Adjustment and/or maintenance.	NO
Download Pellet stove pre-inspection checklist (67 KB PDF)

Wood stove, or fireplace

Alteration.	Required?
New installations.	YES
Replacement.	YES
Repair.	NO
Adjustment and/or maintenance.	NO
Download Wood stove, or fireplace pre-inspection checklist (67 KB PDF).

If "yes," then go on to the next step Purchase a Permit

Pay Alteration Permit fees Online

Alteration permit fees may now be paid online. The permit number and the code that is printed on the second page of the permit are required for payment.

For more information:
Contractors: Working on a manufactured home? Protect your customers and yourself! (113 KB PDF)

Manufactured Housing/Mobile Home Owners: Protect Your Home! (129 KB PDF)

Get Help Downloading Files.