HUD Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards
Introduction
In 1974, Congress passed the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act which authorized the Department of Housing and Urban Development to establish construction standards for manufactured homes. In 2000, Congress updated the 1974 Act.
In passing the two laws, Congress, intended to protect the quality, durability, safety and affordability of manufactured homes; to facilitate the availability of affordable manufactured homes and increase homeownership for all Americans; to provide for the establishment of uniform and performance-based construction standards for manufactured homes; and to encourage cost-effective and innovative construction techniques for manufactured homes.
Congress also authorized the establishment of a Manufactured Housing Consensus Committee (MHCSS) to assist HUD in the development, revision and interpretation of the MHCSS.
In addition, it authorized HUD to establish minimum manufactured home installation standards that could be adopted by states to provide for the initial installation of new manufactured homes and a program to provide for the resolution of disputes between consumers, retailers and manufacturers.
Background
In 1976, HUD established the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (MHCSS), commonly known as the HUD code. These federal standards regulate all aspects of construction, including design and construction strength, durability, transportability, fire resistance, and energy efficiency. The HUD-Code is periodically updated based on recommendations of the Manufactured Housing Consensus Committee, comprised of a balanced group of users, producers, general interest and public officials who meet on a regular basis to work on recommendations for revisions to the MHCSS.
Additional Information
Information About the MH Consensus Committee
Sample Illustrations of Hinged Roof Designs and Alternative Construction (AC) Letter Requirements
MHI Study, “Review of HUD’s Report on the Impact of Hurricane Charley on Manufactured Housing
In 2010 HUD published three major rules in the Federal Register. Below are links to the proposed rules and MHI’s comprehensive comments.
On-Site completion of Construction of Manufactured Housing,On-Site Completion of Construction of Manufactured Housing, June 23, 2010, HUD Federal Register (FR) Notice
Miscellaneous Changes to the MHCSS, July 13, 2010, HUD Federal Register Notice
Miscellaneous Changes to the MHCSS, September 13, 2010, MHI Comments
Test Procedures for Roof Trusses, June 16, 2010, HUD Federal Register Notice
Test Procedures for Roof Trusses, August 16, 2010, MHI Comments
MHI Comments on the President’s Request for Federal Regulatory Reform, May 2, 2011
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