HUD has proposed changing the definition of “manufactured home” so only the lowest transportable level of a multistory manufactured home must be built on a permanent chassis. Upper-floor sections would no longer need a permanent chassis or brake-equipped axles, which HUD says could save consumers about $4,700 to $6,600. The proposal would not affect modular homes governed by the IRC. HUD is requesting public comment on the rule and possible alternatives, including broader changes to chassis, installation, lifting, and transportation requirements. Comments are due by 11:59pm August 11th, 2026.
On June 11, HUD published the proposed rule in the Federal Register. The rule would amend the definition of “manufactured home” in HUD’s Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (MHCSS), Model Manufactured Home Installation Standards (MMHIS), and Manufactured Home Installation Program (MHIP). Under current regulations, each transportable section of a manufactured home, including upper floors, must be built on a permanent chassis. The proposed rule would revise that interpretation by requiring only the lowest transportable level to be built on a permanent chassis.
A chassis is defined in the regulations as the entire transportation system comprising the following subsystems: drawbar and coupling mechanism, frame, running gear assembly, and lights. Generally, HUD considers the chassis as permanent if, upon installation, the frame remains in place as the substructure of the manufactured home, which, in the vast majority of cases, requires only the maintenance of two steel I-beams and other components welded to the beams. In short, a permanent chassis refers to a non-removable transportation system of a manufactured home.
In an effort to reduce housing costs, HUD reviewed portions for the manufactured housing program and identified savings that could be gained by eliminating the requirement for a permanent chassis on the upper floors of multistory manufactured homes. The analysis provided in the Federal Register announcement asserts that the change could give consumers anywhere from $4.7k to $6.6k in savings. 42 U.S. Code § 5402 defines a “manufactured home” as a “structure transportable in one or more sections…which is built on a permanent chassis”. HUD has previously interpreted this definition as requiring that each transportable section be built on a permanent chassis. HUD proposes changing the definition of manufactured home to provide that the permanent chassis requirement for manufactured home could be met by building only the lowest level transportable sections of a manufactured home on a permanent chassis. Under this proposed rule, transportable sections of a manufactured home used for upper floors would not need to be transported or built on a permanent chassis. The change also removed the need for upper floors in multistory manufactured to have two axles equipped with brake assemblies. The change has no impact on modular homes which are governed by the International Residential Codes (IRC).
HUD is welcoming comments on all aspects of the proposed rule and seeking comments on an alternative approach. The agency is open to alternatives that would apply to single-story and multi-story manufactured homes. In the Federal Register proposed rule HUD is seeking comments that answer questions surrounding further reduction of chassis requirements, installation standards, lifting instructions, transportation requirements, and reliance interests. Questions for Public Comments.
ACMA supports HUD’s efforts to deregulate the manufactured housing industry and unleash supply to meet the growing housing demand in the United States. Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) is used in several components of manufactured housing such as wall paneling and bathroom fixtures. This change reduces the overall costs of multi-story manufactured housing, allowing for such homes to be another option in American home-building. A growing market of manufactured homes presents an opportunity for increased sales of FRP components. In February 2026, ACMA launched a comprehensive program, FRP in Sustainable Buildings Initiative, focused on increasing sales of FRP products in the built environment. FRP components in housing allow for sustainable, resilient, and affordable housing.
For any additional questions regarding ACMA’s FRP in Sustainable Buildings Initiative please contact John Schweitzer at jschweitzer@acmanet.org. For questions regarding the Federal Register Notice please contact Brad Lavelle at blavelle@acmanet.org.