Manufactured-housing bill draws broad support from advocates and industry, municipalities urge careful drafting

Representative Jason Osborne introduced HB 13 57, arguing manufactured housing is an efficient, cost-effective source of attainable homeownership. Supporters emphasized that modern manufactured homes are considerably less expensive to construct than stick-built houses and can expand options for seniors and first-time buyers.

AARP New Hampshire said the bill would help older residents age in place, while Housing Action New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Association of Realtors pointed to cost differences and market data in support. Bob Quinn of the Realtors noted that newly constructed manufactured homes have much lower median prices and said limited permitting is constraining supply: "They're ready to create this new inventory. They're just looking for the opportunity to do so."

Municipal representatives, including the New Hampshire Municipal Association, urged care on statutory drafting and raised questions about classifications (older mobile homes vs. new manufactured homes) and the adequacy of existing enforcement and siting provisions. NHMA staff said the state already requires municipalities to allow manufactured homes in a majority of residential zones but argued the bill as drafted creates new classifications and potential ambiguity. New Hampshire Housing and other advocates urged the committee to consider manufactured housing as one tool among many to expand homeownership and affordability.

The hearing included extensive technical questions and cross-examination on how local permitting and zoning already treat manufactured housing, and the committee closed the hearing after numerous witnesses urged either adoption or careful amendment.