HUD Announces Extensive Update to HUD Code

The Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) commends the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for its long-awaited updates to the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (HUD Code). As the nation navigates an affordable housing shortage, manufactured housing offers quality and affordability to Americans who need and deserve both.

MHI CEO Dr. Lesli Gooch notes that “today’s updates to the construction code for manufactured housing will support the industry in delivering homes with innovative designs and modern features, bringing attainable home ownership to more people across the country.”

Recognizing the manufactured housing industry’s continuously innovative efforts, the updates eliminate the need for “Alternative Construction” processes for a number of in-demand features. Gooch applauds “the administrative waiver for the production and immediate delivery of in-demand 1 to 4 unit manufactured homes as a vital move toward addressing housing challenges in high density areas.”

MHI is concerned about the tight 180-day timeline to enact these substantial new changes, including 74 updates to reference standards, 16 new standards, and 3 regulatory text changes.

The proposed revisions and updates to the HUD Code are critical. They clear out the backlog of items previously approved by the Manufactured Housing Consensus Committee (MHCC), which have been pending HUD approval and implementation for years. To avoid future backlogs, MHI urges HUD to provide more regular updates to the HUD Code to alleviate construction challenges and streamline attainable home ownership nationwide.

MHI believes there is no substitute for owning your own home, and as the nation’s most affordable homeownership option, manufactured housing opens the door to homeownership and puts the American Dream within reach for millions of American families.

Note: HUD announced the amendments on September 11, 2024. The amendments will be officially published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2024, when the 180-day implementation period begins.

HUD Officials Embrace the Importance of Manufactured Housing

This update is the most extensive in more than 30 years, and includes 90 new or updated standards.

“Manufactured homes are an affordable housing option for Americans across the country,” said HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. “This update of the HUD Code is long overdue and will help increase production while also ensuring modern designs to suit the needs of families.”

In a press release, HUD said it recognizes “the significant need to increase the supply of safe and quality affordable housing and is committed to fostering increased production and broader consumer acceptance of manufactured housing as a viable, affordable, and comparable alternative to a site-built home.”

 

To make these changes effective as soon as possible, HUD’s Office of Manufactured Housing Programs issued an industry-wide Alternative Construction Letter that provides the terms and conditions for manufacturers to gain approval of designs and build multi-unit manufactured homes immediately, rather than wait for the standards contained in the final rule to become effective.

 

“The changes to the HUD Code we’ve finalized today will expand the choices among manufactured homes available for the nation’s homebuyers, while increasing the production and availability of innovative manufactured home designs that are safer, modern, and comparable to site-built homes,” said Assistant Secretary for Housing Julia Gordon. “These updates will bring the HUD Code in alignment with today’s construction standards and reduce operational complexity for manufacturers.”

 

In addition to the change to allow up to four unit manufactured homes, the new revision includes open floor plans, truss designs, and specifications for attics; ridge roof designs; materials that facilitate modern design approaches and improve quality; accessibility improvements; modern and energy-saving appliances; and additional process efficiencies that save time and reduce costs. View the full list of updates here.