3. Q. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF FACTORY-BUILT HOMES?

A. Most factory-built homes are comprised of three-dimensional modules. These modules are transported to a home site and installed on a state approved foundation or support system. California law clearly distinguishes among the types of factory-produced homes by the building code to which the home must comply.

• Manufactured homes (also known as HUD code units)are constructed to comply with the National Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (24 CFR 3280), a uniform federal building code administered and enforced by the U.S. Department of Housing Urban Development. Most factory homes constructed in California each year meet this code.
• Modular homes (also known as FBH units), are constructed to comply with the California Uniform Building Code (CBC Code), which is incorporated into law at Title 25, Chapter 3 of the California Administrative Code.  This is the same Building Code that all Site Built Construction conforms to.
• Mobilehomes were constructed to comply with standards enforced by the State of California prior to June 15, 1976, when the federal preemptive HUD Code became effective. Even though there is a significant number of mobilehomes in the existing housing stock, mobilehomes have not been constructed since this date.