In Wake County, the local government takes a proactive approach to maintain public health and safety, particularly within manufactured home communities that house over 3,000 residents. Biannual inspections are a cornerstone of this initiative, ensuring essential services in these communities don't fall through the cracks. Wake County Commissioner Safiyah Jackson emphasized the impact of these inspections, stating, “Like other community spaces, these inspections help to ensure residents have a safe, healthy, and dignified environment to live and play,” as reported by Wake County.
Manufactured home parks are under the jurisdiction of strict regulations with compliance checks in a place like Wake County. For parks equipped with septic systems, there are at least four inspections a year to keep a watchful eye on general safety, and compliance with legal standards. In the summertime, the systems get a rigorous workout and the county doubles down, on its commitment to clean water and solid infrastructure.
During these inspections, the Onsite Water Protection Division of Wake County goes to lengths such as testing the water supply to affirm its safety for drinking and cleaning purposes. Not only are septic systems scrutinized for their ecological impact, but also how garbage is disposed of and pest control is managed gets monitored, according to Evan Kane, Onsite Water Protection director. "Park owners and managers must follow all Wake County rules to keep their communities safe," Kane said, pointing out the responsibility of park operators to quickly remediate any infractions.
The landscape of manufactured home communities has evolved significantly. Since 1976, the term "manufactured home" has been used officially after federal government regulations went into effect to improve safety and build quality. This shift in language coalesced with an improved perception of such housing, distancing it from outdated terms like "trailer park," as detailed by Wake County's release.
