Key facts
- HUD has proposed a rule to expand the definition of manufactured homes.
- The proposed rule would allow multi-story manufactured housing construction.
- Upper-level sections could be transported and assembled without a permanent chassis.
- This change aims to increase design flexibility and reduce production costs for manufacturers.
- The proposal aligns with a provision in the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has published a proposed rule that could significantly alter the landscape of manufactured housing. The initiative aims to spur the construction of multi-story manufactured homes by expanding the definition of what constitutes a manufactured home.
Central to the proposal is the allowance for upper-level sections of these homes to be transported and assembled without requiring a permanent steel chassis. HUD contends that this flexibility will grant manufacturers greater design options, potentially leading to a wider array of housing choices for consumers and a reduction in overall production expenses.
This proposed regulatory change aligns with legislative efforts in the U.S. House of Representatives, specifically a provision within the revised 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. The act also seeks to eliminate the permanent chassis requirement for manufactured housing.
The elimination of a steel chassis, which can cost between $5,000 and $10,000, is expected to substantially decrease the cost burden associated with manufactured housing, making it more accessible.