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and the MHCC updated the requirements for ground anchor installations, introduced Subpart M, amended the RV exemption, and revised the formaldehyde notice requirement. Most recently, with the “third set” final rule, manufactured housing officially transitioned to the 2021 HUD Code, which is more current than virtually any other contemporary building code or standard adopted by a U.S. jurisdiction.
Gathering Proposals to Update the HUD Code Like any standard-setting organization (SSO), HUD is not only responsible for reviewing proposals to update the HUD Code but also for establishing the framework and cadence of review. Generally, a SSO will update its codes and standards every three, four, or five years. For example, the International Code Council updates its family of International Codes on a three-year cycle and the National Fire Protection Association updates its standards every three to five years. However, instead of a three, four, or five-year cycle, HUD has implemented a rather ambitious two-year plan.
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Technically, there is no statute or regulation that specifies how frequently the HUD Code must be updated. The 1974 Act only requires HUD to convene the MHCC not less than once during each two-year period to consider revisions. HUD has interpreted this as requiring it to solicit and collect proposals for revising the HUD Code, and then assemble the MHCC as frequently as necessary, but no less than once every two years. However, unlike SSOs, which strictly adhere to their development cycles, just because HUD and the MHCC review proposals on a two-year cycle does not mean the HUD Code is amended every two years. Sometimes it is updated more—or less—frequently. Currently, HUD and the MHCC are in the middle of their 2020-2021 cycle. The submission deadline was June 30, 2020; proposals to amend the HUD Code received after the cutoff will be reviewed as part of the 2022-2023 cycle.
Preparing a Federal Register Notice to Update the HUD Code After the close of a review cycle, the next step is assembling the MHCC. However, to ensure the public has ample opportunity to participate, HUD must publish »
