Health Care Dwellings for At-Home Caregivers
At Hedges Construction, we specialize in installation of manufactured homes and Park Model Trailers under 800 square feet called “Health Care Dwellings” or “Healthcare Trailers." County of San Diego, PDS, Zoning Division defines these as "A trailer coach or mobile home used exclusively for temporary occupancy by either: (a) providers of health services which are required by an occupant of the main dwelling, or (b) relatives of an occupant of the main dwelling who requires physical care.”
“Health Care Dwelling” FAQs
Is a “Health Care Dwelling” also referred to as a “Healthcare Trailer”?
Yes. Health Care Dwellings are also referred to as Healthcare Trailers.
What is the Health Care Trailer Ordinance?
The intent of the health care trailer ordinance is to fulfill the desire of the County to provide homeowners (with limited space in the main dwelling) with the opportunity to install temporary transitional housing for relatives who are mentally or physically impaired or for health care providers who can provide physical care for owners when they become mentally or physically impaired.
Is a Health Care Dwelling/Trailer Intended to be Temporary?
Yes. The permits for health care trailers are intended to be temporary. As such, health care trailer permits shall be granted for three one-year periods subject to annual renewal. If, after the initial three year period; there is a continued need for a health care trailer; ownership has not changed; and, the owner has complied with the provisions of the ordinance, then the Director of Planning & Development Services may grant a permit extension for additional one-year periods subject to annual renewal. Such additional one-year periods shall not exceed a total of two years. The permit may not be extended beyond five years. Applicants whose accessory dwelling health care trailer needs are more permanent in nature should seek a permanent housing solution.
Do I need a doctor's note to have a Health Care Trailer installed on my property?
Yes. Prior to issuance of a building permit for a health care trailer a Certificate of Need signed by a physician licensed to practice medicine in the State of California shall be submitted to and approved by the Director. The Certificate shall confirm that the mentally or physically impaired person requesting the health care trailer requires assistance with one or more of seven activities of daily living described in San Diego County’s Section 6118.b.3. The Certificate shall be renewed annually.
Learn more in San Diego County’s Zoning Code Section 6118
or Contact Us
Alternatives to Health Care Dwellings
If a Healthcare Trailer isn’t right for you, then you may be interested in an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), a manufactured home, or a home remodel. Learn more about your options below.
Working with Kelley Hedges has been a joy.…
""...his professional integrity is beyond reproach and his consideration for his clients is his first priority. He provides a unique combination of creativity and structural/construction knowledge that I find refreshing and uncommon. His logistical and communication skills are seamless. Kelley is able to hear my ideas, envision them, and then bring them to life. Add to that, a person of warmth, sincerity and humor and you have Kelley Hedges. I would, and do, recommend him highly and without reservation."
– Denise C.
Contact Us to Learn More About Installing a Healthcare Trailer
Hedges Construction has installed over 50 health care dwellings in North County. For over 25 years, our dedicated crew has been serving Valley Center, Escondido, San Marcos, Oceanside, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Vista, Fallbrook, and Ramona.