HUD announced on September 11 an extensive update to its “Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards” (HUD Code). The update is meant to improve the efficiency of new home production and ensure that consumers have better access to commonly sought-after home features.
“Manufactured homes are an affordable housing option for Americans across the country,” said HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman in a statement on the new guidance. “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.”
Established in 1974, the HUD Code has evolved over the past 50 years to incorporate updated safety, energy, and structural standards. The latest revision includes 90 new or updated standards, which are intended to eliminate the need for manufacturers to obtain alternative approvals for certain materials and design features, making the construction process more efficient.
Key additions and updates to the HUD Code include:
- Allowing up to four dwelling units in single family manufactured homes.
- Accessibility improvements, including modifications to standards for accessible showers.
- Updated standards allowing modern and energy-saving appliances.
- Updated design standards allowing for more modern home features.
The Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI), a national trade organization for the factory-build housing industry, has commended HUD for the “long-awaited” updates to the HUD Code.
More than 20 million individuals live in manufactured homes in the U.S. These homes are an important source of affordable housing, especially for people with low incomes living in rural areas. Supporting the production and availability of high-quality manufactured housing is an important component of the effort to solve the nation’s affordable housing crisis.