Last updated: August 31st, 2026
California’s C-47 General Manufactured Housing Contractor license has a specific scope, and it is important not to confuse that scope with the authority of a B-General, B-2 Residential Remodeling, or specialty contractor.
A B-General contractor does not automatically need to obtain a C-47 license simply because they perform work on a manufactured home.
The key question is what work is actually being performed.
The C-47 classification is the California contractor classification specifically covering the installation, alteration, repair, and preparation for moving of manufactured homes, mobilehomes, and multifamily manufactured homes, including applicable accessory structures and foundations.
For the actual installation of a manufactured home or preparation of the home for moving, contractors should look to the C-47 classification rather than assuming a B-General license by itself provides that authority.
After the manufactured home has been installed, however, other contractor classifications may apply depending on the scope of the subsequent project.
According to the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), a C-47 General Manufactured Housing Contractor may:
On a single-family individual site placement, a C-47 contractor may also provide utility services involving connections for:
You can review the official CSLB C-47 classification for the complete scope.
CSLB’s C-47 definition does not include:
That distinction matters because different structures and projects can fall under different regulatory and licensing rules.
No.
That is the most important correction to the original version of this article.
A contractor does not automatically need C-47 merely because a project involves an existing manufactured home.
Instead, determine what work the contract actually covers.
If the work is the installation of the manufactured home itself or preparing the manufactured home for moving, C-47 is the classification specifically established for that work.
A B-General contractor should not assume that holding a B license alone automatically gives the contractor C-47 manufactured-home installation authority.
Once the manufactured home has been installed, the proper classification depends on the scope of the new work.
That can include a licensed specialty contractor, B-General contractor, or potentially a B-2 Residential Remodeling contractor.
Yes.
After a manufactured home has been installed, a properly licensed specialty contractor may perform work that falls within that contractor’s specialty classification.
For example, depending on the project:
The important point is that the contractor must remain within the scope of the classification they hold.
Working on a manufactured home does not automatically transform every post-installation project into C-47 work.
Yes, when the project falls within the B-General Building Contractor scope.
California’s B-General rules are more specific than simply saying the contractor “manages multiple trades.”
A B-General contractor may take a prime contract or subcontract for framing or carpentry work.
For projects involving other trades, the B-General contractor generally must have at least two unrelated building trades or crafts other than framing or carpentry, unless another applicable specialty-license exception applies.
Framing and carpentry cannot be counted as one of the two unrelated trades for purposes of this rule.
For a prime contract involving a single specialty trade, a B-General contractor may also be able to take the project if the contractor:
You can review CSLB’s B-General Building Contractor classification for the complete rules.
So, for example, a qualifying multi-trade renovation after a manufactured home has already been installed may fall within B-General authority.
That is different from the initial installation or preparation-for-moving work covered by C-47.
Potentially, but only when the project satisfies the B-2 Residential Remodeling Contractor requirements.
B-2 applies to qualifying projects involving an existing residential wood-frame structure where a single contract requires at least three unrelated building trades or crafts.
Examples of work potentially included in a qualifying B-2 project include:
But B-2 has significant restrictions.
A B-2 contractor cannot simply use that classification as a substitute for C-47 installation authority.
B-2 also does not cover structural modifications to load-bearing portions of the structure and has restrictions involving electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
You can review the CSLB B-2 Residential Remodeling classification for the current scope.
Although the C-47 classification itself is not new, CSLB added an important training requirement for new C-47 applicants effective September 30, 2021.
Before obtaining a new C-47 General Manufactured Housing Contractor classification, an applicant must complete a federally approved initial installer training program.
The applicant must submit a Certificate of Completion of Training from a qualified trainer approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The applicant is responsible for making sure the training program is HUD-approved.
CSLB will not issue the new C-47 classification until the required training documentation has been satisfied.
You can learn more through HUD’s Manufactured Home Installation Program.
Existing C-47 license holders are exempt from the initial installer-training requirement simply to continue holding their existing C-47 classification.
The training requirement primarily affects contractors applying to obtain the C-47 classification.
Contractors making changes involving a C-47 qualifier or submitting another type of C-47 application should review the current CSLB application instructions to determine whether the training certificate is required for that transaction.
If your business needs the C-47 classification, the general process includes several steps.
Before applying, make sure the work your business intends to perform actually falls within C-47.
This includes qualifying work involving:
Don’t apply simply because you occasionally perform a trade on an already-installed manufactured home.
A specialty, B-General, or B-2 classification may be the correct authority for that work.
If you are a new C-47 applicant subject to the requirement, complete a federally approved initial installer training course.
The program must be associated with a qualified trainer approved by HUD.
Upon completion, obtain your Certificate of Completion of Training.
Keep this certificate because it must be submitted as part of the C-47 licensing process.
For information about HUD’s installation program, visit the HUD Manufactured Home Installation Program.
Submit the appropriate CSLB application for:
Include the required experience information, personnel information, fees, and C-47 training documentation.
You can review current applications directly through the CSLB Forms and Applications resources.
CSLB will determine which examination requirements apply to your application.
Depending on your licensing history and circumstances, examination waivers or exemptions may apply.
Do not assume every applicant has identical examination requirements.
Before CSLB issues the classification, you may need to complete applicable requirements involving:
CSLB will notify you of the items required for your particular application.
The easiest way to think about the classifications is by scope of work.
Best suited for work such as:
May apply to qualifying post-installation projects involving:
May apply to a qualifying remodeling project when:
May perform qualifying work within the contractor’s specific trade on an already-installed manufactured home.
The correct answer therefore depends on what you’re contracting to do, not simply on the fact that the structure happens to be a manufactured home.
No.
C-47 should not be presented as universally required for every B-General contractor who performs any work on a manufactured home.
The proper classification depends on the scope of the contract.
The C-47 General Manufactured Housing Contractor classification is specifically established for installing manufactured homes and related work within the classification.
A contractor should not assume a B-General license alone substitutes for the C-47 classification for manufactured-home installation.
Preparing a manufactured home, mobilehome, or qualifying multifamily manufactured home for moving falls within the C-47 General Manufactured Housing Contractor scope.
Yes, after installation, a properly licensed specialty contractor can perform work that falls within their classification.
For example, a C-10 contractor can perform qualifying electrical work and a C-36 contractor can perform qualifying plumbing work.
Potentially, yes.
A B-General contractor may perform qualifying work that satisfies the Class B scope, including applicable multi-trade projects.
The project must meet the actual B-General requirements; simply labeling something a “remodel” does not automatically make it B work.
Potentially, if the structure and project satisfy the B-2 requirements.
The project must involve an existing residential wood-frame structure, require at least three unrelated trades under one contract, and remain within the B-2 scope and restrictions.
Yes.
New C-47 applicants must complete the required federally approved initial installer training and submit a Certificate of Completion of Training from a HUD-approved trainer.
Existing C-47 license holders are exempt from the initial training requirement simply to continue holding their existing classification.
If you’re submitting a new C-47 application, adding the classification, or making certain qualifier changes, review the current CSLB application instructions to determine what documentation applies.
The biggest mistake contractors can make with manufactured housing is assuming that one classification fits every type of work.
It doesn’t.
C-47 covers the manufactured-housing work defined by CSLB, including installation and preparation for moving.
After installation, B-General, B-2, or specialty classifications may apply depending on the exact project scope.
If you’re unsure whether you need C-47, need help determining which classification fits your work, or want assistance preparing your CSLB application, contact Contractors License Guru for guidance.
Getting the classification right before you contract for the work can save you from licensing problems later.
