What kind of homes are typically exempt from local building codes?

Manufactured homes that meet federal standards are typically exempt from local building codes due to the regulations set forth by the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974. This act established that manufactured homes must adhere to specific federal standards regarding design, construction, and safety, often overriding local codes to ensure uniformity across the country. Because these homes are built in compliance with these stringent federal guidelines, they do not need to comply with various local building codes that may differ from one jurisdiction to another.

In contrast, site-built homes generally must comply with local building codes, which are tailored to the specific requirements of that area. Homes built prior to 1976 may not meet current safety and construction standards, and thus, may not be afforded the same exemptions. Additionally, multi-family homes usually require adherence to local building codes to ensure safety and livability standards, making them ineligible for any exemptions typically granted to manufactured homes meeting federal standards.