APC and county building official advise modular structure permitted only as accessory unless fully certifiable

A couple seeking to site a 24x48 modular structure from Sturdy Built asked the Warrick County APC whether the unit could be used as a residence. County staff and the building supervisor explained differences between HUD‑coded manufactured homes and factory modular/shed units, and said the county must be able to inspect the electrical and plumbing work. The building supervisor said factory‑finished sections that arrive closed do not allow the county to inspect interior wiring and plumbing and therefore cannot be certified for residential occupancy without on‑site inspection and licensed contractor supervision. He recommended either bringing a certified manufactured/mobile home with the HUD plate or permitting the modular unit strictly as an accessory structure without a kitchen (which would render it non‑habitable), or else completing on‑site work under a general contractor who would allow full inspection. The APC said accessory use permits are available if owners remove kitchen facilities and certify non‑residential status, but cautioned that full compliance (footing, foundation, electrical, plumbing and appropriate roofing/siding gauges) will be required before any occupancy is allowed.