Onsite Water Protection Staff keep manufactured home parks safe during the hottest months

With more than 3,000 residents living in over 70 manufactured home parks across the county, Wake County conducts biannual inspections to protect public health and maintain safety standards in these often-overlooked communities. During the summer months, when essential systems like wells and septic systems see increased use, the County continues its efforts to ensure residents have access to clean water, working systems and reliable infrastructure.

“Like other community spaces, these inspections help to ensure residents have a safe, healthy, and dignified environment to live and play,” said Wake County Commissioner Safiyah Jackson. “Regular inspections of manufactured home parks help us identify and address issues before they become serious problems, safeguarding not only individual families but the entire community.”

A manufactured home park, often referred to as a mobile home park, is a designated area where two or more manufactured homes are placed on individual spaces. These parks are subject to strict rules and regulations. The inspections include a general review and a compliance check.

Parks with septic systems undergo two general safety inspections and two compliance checks each year. Those without septic systems receive at least one general inspection and one compliance inspection annually. In some cases, both inspections are conducted during the same visit.

During inspections, Wake County’s Onsite Water Protection Division examines key areas such as the water supply to ensure it is safe for drinking, bathing, cooking and cleaning. Water samples are collected and analyzed at the County’s Water Quality Lab. Inspectors also review septic systems to prevent wastewater from surfacing or contaminating the environment.

The County checks how garbage is handled to keep people healthy. They also watch for pests like mosquitoes, flies, rodents, fleas and ticks, and make sure park operators control them properly.

“Park owners and managers must follow all Wake County rules to keep their communities safe,” said Evan Kane, Onsite Water Protection director. “If there is a problem, whether it’s with septic systems, abandoned vehicles, or trash, they are responsible for fixing it promptly to protect residents.”

Many residents of manufactured home parks own their homes but rent the land beneath them. The term “manufactured home” officially replaced “mobile home” in 1976, when the federal government introduced new regulations to improve safety and construction standards.

The name change helped reduce some of the stigma associated with these communities. While terms like “mobile home” or “trailer park” are still used by some, the improved quality of manufactured homes has lessened the negative image. Today, many manufactured homes are even considered part of the growing tiny home movement.