Madisonville holds first reading of zoning amendment to allow 'qualified manufactured homes' in residential zones

Madisonville City Council held a first reading on June 1, 2026 of an ordinance to amend Chapter 156 of the city's code to incorporate the state's requirements for "qualified manufactured homes." City Attorney Hillary Croft read the ordinance summary and explained the amendment is intended to bring local zoning regulations into compliance with House Bill 160 and KRS 100.348, which take effect July 1.

Under the summary read by City Attorney Hillary Croft, the ordinance would define "qualified manufactured home" to include homes manufactured no more than five years before installation, homes transported with transport parts removed, homes affixed to a permanent foundation consistent with KRS 227.570, and homes at least 20 feet wide at the narrowest point or two stories, with the main entrance facing the street and a minimum of 900 square feet of living area. The ordinance would also allow some non-qualified manufactured homes to be treated as qualified where lot dimensions or setbacks make compliance impracticable and all other criteria are met.

The ordinance revises the permanent foundation definition to focus on foundation performance (transferring design loads to soil or bedrock under KRS 227.570) rather than a strict concrete-only requirement, requires perimeter enclosure materials compatible with surrounding residences, and clarifies that state installation standards remain binding. The ordinance text, as presented, lists the residential and agricultural zones where qualified manufactured homes would be permitted by right.

This was a first reading; a second reading and further consideration were scheduled for the June 15 council meeting. No formal vote on final adoption occurred on June 1. Council members and staff were invited to contact Zoning Administrator Manny Todd for additional technical questions and clarifications that were referenced during the summary reading.