Are manufactured homes required to conform to model building codes?

Manufactured homes are not required to conform to model building codes in the same way that traditional site-built homes are. Instead, they are governed by federal regulations, specifically the HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) codes, which establish standards for the design and construction of manufactured homes. These standards focus on various aspects of safety, quality, durability, and energy efficiency.

While local jurisdictions may impose additional requirements, these do not invalidate the federal regulations that manufactured homes must adhere to. Therefore, the national standard takes precedence, and compliance with model building codes can vary widely depending on the specific regulations of the local area. This distinction is crucial because it highlights the unique framework under which manufactured homes are built and regulated, separating them from conventional residential construction that typically adheres closely to more local and state-specific building codes.