Kentucky Enacts HB 160 to Promote Equal Treatment of Manufactured Homes
On April 1, 2025, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear signed House Bill 160 into law, marking a significant advancement for the manufactured housing industry in Kentucky. This legislation, based on similar legislation in Indiana, prohibits local governments from adopting or enforcing zoning regulations that discriminate against manufactured homes compared to site-built, single-family residences.
Key Provisions of HB 160:
Equal Zoning Treatment: Local governments must treat manufactured homes the same as site-built homes in single-family residential zones.
Architectural Standards: Any architectural standards applied to site-built homes must also apply to manufactured homes, ensuring uniformity in aesthetic regulations.
Lot Accommodation: The bill allows for the placement of smaller manufactured homes on lots where larger homes cannot be accommodated, provided any home meets the requirements established, promoting efficient land use.
Implications for Manufactured Housing in Kentucky:
HB 160 is poised to have a transformative impact on the manufactured housing sector by:
Expanding Market Opportunities: By eliminating discriminatory zoning practices, manufacturers and retailers can access a broader range of residential markets, potentially increasing sales and production.
Enhancing Consumer Confidence: Equal treatment under zoning laws may reduce the stigma associated with manufactured homes, encouraging more consumers to consider MH as a viable housing option.
Encouraging Innovation: Manufacturers will be incentivized to develop designs that seamlessly integrate with existing neighborhoods, adhering to local architectural standards.
The enactment of HB 160 underscores Kentucky’s commitment to promoting affordable housing solutions and positions manufactured housing as a key component in addressing housing shortages. Industry stakeholders should prepare to leverage these new opportunities by aligning their offerings with the evolving regulatory landscape.
