Manufactured Housing Installation & Permitting in South Carolina Guidance for Retail Dealers and Local Jurisdictions

Bottom Line

A licensed manufactured home retail dealer in South Carolina may perform installation of manufactured homes they sell, provided that:

  • – Installation is performed by direct employees of the dealer
  • – Employees are covered under the dealer’s surety bond
  • – Employees work exclusively for that dealer

No separate installer or contractor license is required for these employees under state law.

Key Legal Authority

S.C. Code §40-29-20(12)
Defines “manufactured home installer” and explicitly excludes:

Employees of a licensed manufactured home retail dealer

Regulation 79–24(E)
States:

A license is not required for individuals working as direct employees of a licensed manufacturer or dealer, provided they are covered by the employer’s bond and perform work exclusively for the employer

Regulation 79–14(C)
States:

The retail dealer is responsible for ensuring installation and anchoring meet all applicable requirements

What This Means in Practice

  • – A retail dealer may install manufactured homes it sells
  • – A dealer may use its own employees for installation
  • – Those employees do not need separate installer licenses
  • – The dealer assumes full responsibility and liability for the installation

If a dealer contracts with a licensed installer or contractor, then:

  • – The licensed installer/contractor is responsible for the work they perform

Where Confusion May Arise

Some local jurisdictions may:

  • – Require permits to be pulled only by licensed installers or contractors
  • – Decline to issue permits to retail dealers

However:

  • – State law does not require a separate installer license for dealer employees operating under the conditions outlined above
  • – Local jurisdictions retain authority over permitting processes, which may lead to differing interpretations or requirements

Important Clarification

  • – The term “direct employee” is not explicitly defined in statute or regulation
  • – Determination of employment status may be subject to local jurisdiction review

Dealers should ensure employees are clearly classified and documented as direct employees and covered under the dealer’s bond.

If a Permit Is Denied

Retailers may consider the following steps:

  1. 1. File a complaint with LLR against the building official
  2. 2. Seek legal action by consulting an attorney
  3. 3. Reach out to the City Administrator and/or City Council to express concerns, which will hopefully prompt a review by the city attorney’s

Summary

South Carolina law allows licensed retail dealers to perform installation of manufactured homes they sell through their direct employees without requiring additional installer licensure. Dealers remain fully responsible for compliance with installation standards.

Disclaimer: This document is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult qualified legal counsel or the appropriate regulatory authority for guidance on specific situations.