Wake County explains inspections, responsibilities for manufactured-home parks

Wake County's Department of Public Health described how the county oversees manufactured-home parks and what tenants and owners should do when they notice problems.

"Presently, there are approximately 70 mobile home or manufactured home parks in Wake County's jurisdiction," Tim Warren, an inspector with Wake County's Department of Public Health, said during an on-site interview at 70 East RV Manufactured Home Park. Warren said the program conducts two inspections per year and typically initiates inspections with two unannounced visits similar to restaurant inspections.

Warren described the inspection focus: water quality (including bacteriological sampling of wells), septic systems, solid-waste control, pest and disease vectors, operator compliance with Wake County's ordinances and general health and safety hazards. He said park owners are generally responsible for water and septic systems while tenants should follow water-wise practices and avoid flushing wipes or pouring grease down drains.

If tenants detect problems such as poor water quality or septic backups, Warren advised they first contact the park owner; if the owner cannot resolve the issue, residents can contact county staff for assistance.