Arizona requires all mobile homes to have ground-anchored tie-downs.
Economy sometimes brings a cost, and the freestanding mobile home in Arizona comes with requirements for a "tie-down." The manufactured home, built to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) standards, is less expensive than the cost of conventionally building a house. At the home site, mobile homes may attach to a permanent foundation--replacing the need for tie-downs, or sit on piers with skirting, an installation requiring a tie-down. Does this Spark an idea?
Federal Requirements
Federal regulations enacted in 1976 require all states to accept uniform mobile home standards promulgated by HUD. As part of these rules, officials established requirements for the design of tie-down anchors and foundations, the process for certifying inspectors, and standards for inspecting the home once anchored. All mobile home installations must undergo inspections to assure they meet HUD standards and any HUD-authorized state requirements.
Arizona Requirements
Ground anchoring is a requirement in Arizona for all manufactured homes. The HUD-authorized methods vary by either compliance with HUD 2008 standards, or using International Building Code standards for a permanent foundation. For tie-downs, the state allows either a custom designed anchoring prepared by a licensed engineer, or commercial certified tie-downs. Each manufacturer specifies the number and placement of tie-downs. State regulations require special certification of mobile home installers.
Office of Manufactured Housing
1110 West Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007-2957
602-364-003
dfbls.az.gov
Compliant Tie-Downs
Arizona uses Zone 1 tie-downs. Contemporary manufactured homes build the over-the-top and diagonal tie-down straps into the structure of the home. Older homes may require external straps. The entire safety system rests with the anchors. According to My Great Home, published by manufactured home insurance provider, Foremost Insurance Group, soil, frost depth and size of the mobile home dictates anchor style. Some installations require anchoring to concrete set deeply into the ground. Mobile homes up to 84 feet long require a pair of over-the-top straps. The minimum number of diagonal straps is three per side, increasing to four pair at 54 feet long and five pair at 73 feet.
Tags: mobile home, feet long, manufactured home, pair feet
