California Department of Housing and Community Development

RV parks and campgrounds are under the authority of the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The Division of Codes and Standards oversees the Special Occupancy (RV) Parks Act or SOPA. SOPA is broken into two sections: the Health and Safety Codes, which are the laws passed by the legislature, and the regulations, which are promulgated by the authority given to HCD in the Health and Safety Codes.

HCD oversees all aspects of RV park operations, including swimming pools, building permits, layout, and design. However, to confuse matters, local jurisdictions may apply to HCD to assume authority and manage SOPA within their boundaries. To determine who has jurisdiction for any given park, click on the park search link below. HCD has a search tool where you can search by park name, city, or county.

In order to legally operate in California, you need to have been issued a permit to operate either by HCD, or your local jurisdiction only if they have been granted authority in California.
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The Mobilehome Park regulations (updated 4-1-2013) are contained in the California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division I, Chapter 2 commencing with section 1000. The regulations include specific requirements for park construction, maintenance, use, occupancy, and design. Also included are requirements for items such as lot identification, lighting, roadway width, plans, permits, mobilehome installation, accessory structures and buildings, earthquake resistant bracing systems, application procedures, fees, enforcement, and appeal procedures.

The Special Occupancy Park regulations (updated 4-1-2013) apply to Special Occupancy Parks (RV Parks & Campgrounds) and separate designated Recreational Vehicle (RV) sections within a mobilehome park. The requirements are contained in the California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division I, Chapter 2.2 commencing with section 2000. The regulations include specific requirements for park construction, maintenance, use, occupancy, and design. Also included are requirements for items such as lot identification, lighting, roadway width, plans, permits, accessory structures and buildings, application procedures, fees, enforcement, and appeal procedures.