Building a Safer Idaho

Frequently Asked Questions - Manufactured Housing

What is the difference between a mobile home, a manufactured home, and a modular building?
A mobile home is a structure that was built prior to June 15, 1976, which is the effective date of the Federal Manufactured Housing and Safety Standards Act (HUD Code). For information regarding Mobile Home Rehabilitation, please see the MOBILE HOME REHAB FAQ's. A manufactured home is a structure constructed after June 15, 1976, built according to the Federal Manufactured Housing and Safety Standards Act (HUD Code), and is for residential use only. For an expanded definition of a manufactured home (i.e. length, size, chassis or foundation and utility requirements), see I.C. §39-4105(Make this a link). A modular building is any building, other than a manufactured or mobile home, that is of closed construction and is either entirely or substantially prefabricated or assembled at a place other than the building site. Modular buildings are built for residential or commercial use and the construction is regulated by the codes adopted by the state.
 
 
Who has building code jurisdiction on my project?
Manufactured Homes: Manufactured Homes (HUD) are regulated under the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974, which is preemptive over construction standards established by states and local governments.
 
 
The Division of Building Safety no longer maintains records on data plates or compliance certificates. To obtain this information, please contact the Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS) at (703) 481-2010, visit www.ibts.org or email labels@ibts.org.