Who pays for the permit
The county asks the question in writing, and prints the state's answer next to it.
This is a mechanics question, not an accusation, and Cleveland County is the only county in this library that puts it directly to the homeowner on the form. Knowing the answer before signing anything is the point.
- The application asks: do you, as the home owner, have a written contract between yourself and the dealer or set-up contractor pertaining to the cost associated with obtaining this permit? Yes or no, signed and dated.
- The county quotes Section 1.2.3 of the 2004 State of North Carolina Regulations for Manufactured Homes: no one installs, alters, moves or converts a manufactured home without first obtaining a building permit from the Building Official.
- It states that in North Carolina only three parties may legally set up a manufactured home — the homeowners themselves, dealers, and set-up contractors.
- It states the state's position that because dealers and set-up contractors are licensed to set up homes, permitting and all associated costs are their direct responsibility unless specifically contracted otherwise in writing.
- It states that permitting is a major responsibility that cannot be casually passed on to the untrained and uninformed consumer.
- It states that a homeowner may pick up the permit if they can supply the dealer's or set-up contractor's name and license number, provided the permit is obtained before the home is moved and the cost is not paid by the consumer unless agreed in a written contract.