Overview
- HUD published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on Friday that would change the HUD Code definition so upper-floor sections of manufactured homes can be transported or built without a permanent steel chassis.
- The proposal would also revise the Model Manufactured Home Installation Standards and the Manufactured Home Installation Program regulations to address how multistory factory-built units are installed and sited.
- Secretary Scott Turner framed the move as removing legacy barriers to innovation, and industry groups said dropping the chassis requirement could lower production costs and broaden consumer choice.
- Next steps include a public comment period and further rulemaking, alongside HUD outreach and funding efforts to help states, local governments, lenders, and developers adapt zoning, financing, and installation practices.
- HUD notes the potential scale of the change with more than 20 million Americans living in manufactured homes and the agency has already signaled support through policy work and a recent $10 million funding opportunity for robotics and AI in factory-built housing.