Planning and Permitting for Modular Homes in Sonoma County

Since the wild fires destroyed homes all over California over the past few years, there has been an increase in demand for manufactured and modular homes. These homes are occasionally a great fit for fire victims and they are affordable. Modular homes come in many shapes and sizes providing a wide range of options in both price and style for clients. Some of the other benefits include shorter build time, quality of materials and construction, and energy savings on production. Since the homes are built in a facility, the process goes much faster and there ​is substantially less waste associated. 



​These homes sit on a permanent foundation that make the homes resemble a traditionally built home. The difference between manufactured and modular homes are the governing building codes. Manufactured homes are built in a factory and governed by a federal building code. Modular homes on the other hand, are built in a factory but are governed by local or state building codes. Since modular homes are already built to state building codes, the permitting process is more streamlined than that of a typical stick built home.
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Obtaining a Building Permit for Modular Homes:

There are different requirements and procedures to apply for a building permit for a modular home. This is due to the plans meeting state and local building codes. This process is also different if your property was damaged during the wild fires.

Fire Damaged Property Here in Sonoma County:

If the home was lost in the October 2017 wild fires, you will need to submit your building permit application to the Sonoma County Resiliency Permit Center. Most of the required documents are provided through the modular home company. There are however, 5 additional documents that will need to be submitted along with the modular home manuals and plans;

• A site plan prepared by a license professional
• A geotechnical report
• Geotechnical plan review letter
• A special inspection form
• A grading permit questionnaire

Once all the required documentation is provided you can submit the building permit application and due to the expedited permitting process at the Resiliency Permit Center, you can expect plan review to be completed within 10 business days.

Fire Damaged Home Outside Sonoma County

There has been over 20 wildfires that have caused damage to structures all over California since 2018. If you are looking to rebuild using a manufactured home it is best to reach out to us here at BC Engineering Group to see what services, if any, are provided for fire victims in your specific County. The modular home building permit process can change slightly depending on the County specific requirements. If you or someone you know has been affected by these wildfires and want to know more about a specific County’s process, contact the BC Engineering Group team on line via our contact page or by phone at 707-5424321
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New Modular Home Project (non-fire damage related) in Sonoma County:

If you are developing a property and choose to purchase a modular home, you will need to submit your building permit application to the Sonoma County Permit and Resource Management Department. The required documentation does not differ from a fire damaged property. However, there is a possibility to avoid the requirement of the geotechnical report and review letter. Permit Sonoma conducts Site Evaluations, which is a way for the County to determine the existing site conditions and whether or not a geotechnical investigation will be needed. In order to schedule a site evaluation, submit two site plans, pay fees, and provide an application to the governing jurisdiction. Depending on the County staff’s availability, the site evaluation is typically scheduled within 2 to 4 weeks. BC Engineering Group can coordinate the County Site Evaluation work for you, simply reach out to us for help.​

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Planning your Modular Home Project

​The BC Engineering Group staff has developed numerous modular home plan sets and can guide you through every step of the permitting process.  As a leading civil engineering design firm, feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have regarding your housing project. Take advantage of our experience and contact us today for your land development needs, we are here to help.
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For more information on the modular home building permit process, fire rebuild permitting, or other land planning services, please contact us at 707-542-4321, or find us on Facebook and LinkedIn. You can also stay up to date with civil engineering and land planning issues by subscribing to our blog.