Ohio REALTORS® Advocate for Modular Housing Updates
By Anastasia Kotkovskaya, Manager of Advocacy and Research, Ohio REALTORS®
Ohio is currently facing a pressing housing shortage, with an estimated underbuilding gap of over 100,000 single-family homes. A promising solution during this critical time is the construction of modular housing. Modular homes are built in sections in a factory and then transported to the permanent site where they are then assembled, offering a high-quality and cost-effective way of building homes quicker than traditional options.
Ohio’s laws that currently regulate modular housing construction have not been updated in two decades and have outdated requirements that need clarity. Modernizing these regulations is essential to removing unnecessary barriers and creating a more supportive framework for the growth of this innovative housing model.
This week, Ohio REALTORS® submitted a formal letter to the Ohio Board of Building Standards in support of proposed changes to the Ohio Administrative Code that governs modular housing. These proposed updates aim to clarify regulatory requirements, streamline compliance processes, and promote consistent quality with enhanced inspection standards.
Changes include more explicit guidelines for third-party inspections and additional inspection options, which will ensure consistent safety and quality in modular housing. An alternative review process for large-scale developments is another promising update that will assist in expediting plan review for extensive housing projects. These changes will reduce delays overall and make it easier and faster to bring new homes to the market.
These updates come at a crucial time as Ohio’s homeownership rate has dropped from 70% in 2020 to 64% in 2022, with many families struggling to afford homes amidst rising property values. Ohio REALTORS® is committed to helping Ohio take steps to address Ohio’s housing shortage, reduce construction delays, and make homes accessible to families across the state.
For more information on the proposed regulatory changes, click here.
