HUD outlines 7 steps to update manufactured housing code

In July, the manufactured housing industry secured a major policy win — the removal of the permanent chassis requirement — following the passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. Industry leaders argue the change will help manufactured housing gain greater acceptance in higher-density suburban, urban and infill markets, and better support the construction of multi-story homes. However, they acknowledge that it could take at least a year, if not more, to begin realizing those benefits, as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must first implement any changes to the manufactured housing HUD code before manufacturers can begin selling homes without a permanent chassis. On Wednesday, HUD offered its first indication that it has begun that implementation process, with the release of its “Next Generation Manufactured Housing Action Plan.” HUD’s plan details seven actions to modernize and improve the manufactured housing code, and ensure that the code is in compliance with the guidelines established under the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. Though the agency hasn’t said when implementation will wrap up, releasing the plan is a sign that the work is underway. ...