Florida

Input on proposed amendments to DCA (Dept. of Community Affairs) rules on modular homes inspections and attachment of the DCA compliance decal (modular label) was provided by the Florida MHA earlier this summer.

Existing rules on these matters have entailed considerable, unnecessary time and costs for modular builders. In the meeting, there appeared to be assurance by DCA officials that (1) only one inspection agency will need to acquire the insignia an inspect the home; after which either the agency or the manufacturer can install the insignia; and that (2) the insignias will be available in bulk purchase.

For more information, contact the Florida MHA At (850) 907-9111 or info@fmha.org

Maine

Earlier this summer, Maine law authorized the Dept. of Professional and Financial Regulation to develop a model registration process for home building and home improvement contractors. The model registration process included the development of model home building or home improvement contracts, threshold standards for registration, a process to receive complaints about contractors and communicate those complaints to consumers, and registration fees. The report on these items must be submitted to the Legislature by Feb. 1, 2006.

In other news, the Maine Manufactured Housing Board, which has jurisdiction for establishing requirements on modular housing, has established a working committee to draft a new Energy Standard. The committee recently completed its draft, and now is undergoing an administrative review that will be scheduled for public hear. Manufacturers will have 6 months to comply with the new Maine standards.

For more information, contact the MHA of Maine at (207) 761-4221 or kbrownmohr@att.net

New York

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance recently issued a new Sales Tax Bulletin for Modular Homes. The new bulletin makes significant changes to the tax bulletin for modular houses issued on June 6th. Most importantly, the effective date of the new bulletin has been extended to September 1, 2005. The department also has removed all reference to finishing work and risk of loss.

For more information contact the Modular Building Systems Council of New York at (800) 721-HOME.


Oregon

Following Idaho’s lead in legislation passed last year, the Oregon Legislature passed SB 328 that makes significant changes in state law regarding the building of modular homes. The new law signed by Governor Ted Kulongoski, goes into effect on January 1, 2006.

Current Oregon law requires modular homes to meet Oregon state building codes even if the home is going to be exported to another state. SB 328 exempts modular homes built in Oregon from meeting the Oregon State Building code and the state requirement of licensing journeymen electricians and plumbers if the homes are built solely for export to another state. Those homes would have to meet the building code requirements of the state where they will be sited.)

The Oregon bill will require manufactures who build modular homes under this new law to collect data that will be presented to state legislators in the next legislative session in two years. Click here for a copy of the bill.