Iowa

The Iowa Building Code Commissioner is asking for cooperation with the modular industry until specific installation administrative rules can be written and adopted. These rules come in response to numerous installation problems of modular homes being recorded by the state, and also due to the fact that there are now three inspectors.

The forthcoming rules may not come into effect until next year, but in the meantime the commissioner is asking builders and retailers of modular homes to contact the state voluntarily to make sure that the installation of a home is inspected by one of the state inspectors, if there is not a local inspection taking place.

Contact the Iowa MHA with questions at joe@iamha.org

Massachusetts

Last month, the MHI/NMHC staff participated in a discussion moderated by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) on modular construction and the use of polyurethane foam-seal in construction of modular homes at their office in Quincy, Massachusetts. This purpose of the meeting was to engage in an informational discussion on modular construction, common practices, materials, and also to review two specific fire events of modular homes. The heart of the discussion focused on interstitial spaces in two-story homes, the use of foam-seal adhesives in ceiling assemblies, and appropriate fire-blocking and draft-stopping measures required by codes for them and employed by manufacturers.

The MHI/NMHC believes the meeting successfully gave the industry an opportunity to educate fire officials about the fire safety of modular homes, how materials used by the industry are tested, rated, and approved by the appropriate agencies and authorities, and to express industry’s commitment to the construction of safe, quality homes. This dialogue between stakeholders is necessary to fully address any issues with regard to fire safety in modular homes, and to prevent unjustified regulatory actions. MHI/NMHC will continue to be actively involved and we will keep you updated on any future developments.

If you are a member and have any questions, contact Jeff Inks atjinks@mfghome.org

South Carolina

Life has gotten simpler for companies that build modular homes in the South Carolina market – particularly along the coast.

The bottom line is modular homes built to either the 2003 or the 2006 IRC can be place in South Carolina. No city or county will be allowed to adopt either the 2006 IRC – or any portion thereof – as a local building requirement.

The SC Legislature drew a blueprint for confusion in June when it passed a provision halting implementation of the 2006 IRC for one year. But a separate provision allows cities or counties to adopt the newer 2006 code if their National Flood Protection rates would be affected.

This set the stage for a piecemeal adoption of the code on a county by county basis. Ultimately FEMA agreed to issue a letter stating that no rating changes would occur.

Contact the South Carolina Modular Housing Institute at Info@SCModularHome.com