For more information on any issues mentioned, please contact the NMHC at (703) 558-0678 or info@modularcouncil.org

The National Modular Housing Council held its Annual Meeting earlier this fall in September in Orlando, Florida that was widely attended.

First order of business was a discussion on the rebuilding efforts underway in the Gulf Coast region. The Council agreed that the modular industry must initiate and generate interest and activity in the region, and demonstrate to builders, developers, and elected officials in those areas affected how factory-built housing can be utilized to effectively rebuild communities. The Council and staff were charged with making this a priority.

The NMHC was updated on the divisible load petition process. In late May 2005, the NMHC and its coalition partners submitted their petition to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to initiate a rulemaking on the divisible load issue. The NMHC also coordinated letters from members and Congressman to be transmitted to DOT urging a rulemaking. The U.S DOT’s Federal Highway Administration responded and ruled that they do not have authority over the states on this issue, and if states want to issue divisible load permits for the modular industry, they have that authority. The matter now must be determined at the state level. It was determined at this time that Federal legislation mandating states to allow modular divisible loads is not feasible at this time. The NMHC staff will be researching various cargo securement methods, and seek input from the Council and manufacturers on developing guidelines for securing modules and appurtenant structures.

The NMHC also reviewed an issue where the US Dept. of Immigration recently strengthened language in its field manual regarding the modular industry. A few Canadian manufacturers have been sending construction crews across the border with homes that assemble and complete the homes in violation of current law. The new field guidance specifically defines modular home construction and assembly as a violation.

The Council also heard various reports from state associations on their modular activities. These included modular deed restriction legislation in Wisconsin, burdensome plumbing codes in Kentucky, the New York sales tax resolution, and the Minnesota association’s effort to avert effects of a government shutdown.

Staff updated the NMHC on International Residential Code issues. Of note is that the National Modular Housing Council will soon be adding a dedicated staff person to handle building code related issues in the coming year.