Cities and towns; manufactured homes; municipal regulatory authority; effective date.
Impact
The intent behind HB3578 is to standardize the regulations surrounding manufactured homes, reducing the variability in local ordinances that could complicate compliance for homeowners and builders. By prohibiting municipalities from setting their own standards, this bill aims to streamline the process for placing manufactured homes, thus potentially increasing affordable housing availability in the state. Local governments may still impose reasonable regulations related to placement, which may include conditions akin to those for traditional single-family homes.
Summary
House Bill 3578 introduces new regulations concerning the placement and standards for manufactured homes in Oklahoma. The bill defines key terms such as 'manufactured home' and 'mobile home' and stipulates that municipalities cannot create ordinances that deviate from federal standards governing manufactured home construction and installation. It mandates that local governments allow the placement of manufactured homes on individually owned lots within residential districts, opposing restrictive measures that limit them to mobile home parks or similar areas.
Contention
While the bill is seen as beneficial for promoting manufactured homes, there are concerns regarding local control over housing standards. Critics argue that it undermines the authority of municipalities to enforce regulations that address specific community needs, particularly in relation to neighborhood aesthetics and safety standards. Additionally, exemptions for historic districts and covenants are pointed out as notable aspects that may limit the bill's reach, raising questions about its efficacy in uniformly promoting manufactured housing in diverse community settings.