317-232-1407
ibinspections@dhs.in.govAbout the Industrialized Building Systems (Modular) and Mobile Structures Program
The Code Enforcement Section is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Industrialized Building Systems (Modular) and Mobile Structures certification program. See 675 IAC, Article 15 for the rules adopted by the Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission that govern the administration and enforcement of the program. View the IDHS schedule of fines and civil penalties for violations of laws, rules and requirements of federal programs administered by the agency.
The certification program includes the review and release of plans for each system under which industrialized building systems and mobile structures are to be built, as well as in-plant inspection. A system is based upon the units completed width and number of stories. A certification label is required for each unit comprising a completed structure.
Construction design releases are reviewed by the Building Plan Review Section. To apply for a release and to purchase certification labels (seals), visit the Industrialized Building System or Mobile Structure Application page.
The in-plant inspections are conducted by either personnel from the Code Enforcement Section or by an authorized third-party inspection company. Each unit must be inspected at one point during construction to be eligible to receive a certification label (seal). Each certification label has a unique serial number and is placed upon the electric service panel to identify the unit as certified for use in Indiana. The Indiana certification label is a die cut sticker in the shape of the state in blue for mobile structures and gold for industrialized building systems (modular).
Seal Identification
Each type of home has its own specific code, and the codes must be applied accordingly. Supervision of the work undertaken to site or install any of these units is the responsibility of the local building official, with the possible exception of manufactured homes sited within a mobile home park (which is controlled by the Department of Health). Any questions or concerns of the local building official in regards to construction of any of these units should be voiced to the Code Enforcement Section.
- Modular Seal (P)
Modular residential units are reviewed, constructed and inspected to the Indiana One- and Two-Family Dwelling Code. Modular commercial units are reviewed, constructed and inspected to the Indiana Building Code. Units constructed to either code will have Indiana Modular seals (gold). These seals can be found inside the cover of the electrical service panel and typically inside a closet on units not containing an electrical panel. When ordering seals, a "P" seal means a Modular seal.
- Mobile Seal (M)
The Indiana Mobile Structures Code is applicable to single mobile commercial and residential add-on structures up to and including 16-foot-wide units. Commercial mobile units that consist of more than one unit are structurally compliant to the Indiana Mobile Structures Code, while use requirements are dictated by the Indiana Building Code. The Indiana Mobile seals (blue) will be located inside the electrical service panel cover, with one for each section of a structure. When ordering seals, an "M" seal means a Mobile seal.
- Manufactured Home Seal
HUD Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards are applicable to HUD-manufactured homes and are specifically for manufactured homes (mobile homes). The HUD-manufactured home seals (red) are located at the rear of each section of the home, mounted on the siding approximately 12 inches above the chassis and 12 inches inward from the rear of the home.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an industrialized building system?
According to Indiana Code 22-12-1-14, "industrialized building system" means any part of a building or other structure that is in whole or in substantial part fabricated in an off-site manufacturing facility for installation or assembly at the building site as part of a Class 1 structure, a Class 2 structure or another building or structure. However, the term does not include a mobile structure or a system that is capable of inspection at the building site.
- What is a mobile structure?
According to Indiana Code 22-12-1-17, "mobile structure" means any part of a fabricated unit that is designed to be: (1) towed on its own chassis; and (2) connected to utilities for year-round occupancy or use as a Class 1 structure, a Class 2 structure or another structure.
- What is a modular structure?
According to 675 IAC, Article 15, "modular structure" means an industrialized building system other than a mobile structure intended to be placed upon a permanent foundation.
- What is a permanent foundation?
According to 675 IAC, Article 15, "permanent foundation" means any structural system capable of transposing loads from a structure to the earth at a depth below the established frost line without exceeding the safe bearing capacity of the supporting soil.
- What is the fee schedule?
See 675 IAC, Article 15, Rule 1.6 for the fee schedule for industrialized building systems and mobile structures.