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Clallam County committee hears presentation on manufactured-home duplexes as an affordable-housing option
Summary
John Macias of Wilder RV told the Clallam County Housing Solutions Committee that modern manufactured-home duplexes built to HUD code can be a lower-cost path to new units, noting improved materials and an example project at about $150 per square foot (excluding land). County staff clarified permitting and zoning roles.
The Clallam County Housing Solutions Committee heard a presentation from John Macias of Wilder RV on modern manufactured-home duplexes and whether they can help fill a gap in local affordable housing.
Macías, who identified himself as a local dealer, told the committee newer manufactured homes ship with 2-by-6 exterior walls and higher-quality materials such as fiber-cement siding. "All of my homes get shipped with 2 by 6 walls now," he said, and he described a Diamond Point project that he said came in at about $150 per square foot, not counting the price of land.
Committee members pressed Macias on construction details, zoning and how the homes are sited. County staff clarified that the county's role is limited to permitting foundations and utility hookups while the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries handles structural standards for HUD-code homes. Members also asked about foundations, and Macias described options ranging from poured-concrete slabs to tiedown/pier systems and offered to arrange factory tours of Skyline, a manufacturer he highlighted for using fiber-cement siding.
The discussion covered financing pathways, including owner-occupant mortgages versus commercial financing for investors, and whether housing-choice vouchers can be used in manufactured units. An agency official noted the authority manages budgeted voucher payments rather than a fixed count of “extra” vouchers and that tenant-based vouchers are commonly used in manufactured homes.
Members discussed neighborhood resistance and climate concerns for older models; Macias and other attendees said modern materials and proper maintenance can address historic defects. He also described product flexibility — duplex layouts, roof pitch upgrades and interior finishes — that can help reduce the "trailer park" stigma and better match neighborhood contexts.
The committee did not take any formal action on manufactured homes at the meeting. Members asked staff to gather more detailed cost models and developer-facing financial pro formas ahead of future discussions. Macias said he will follow up with detailed materials and offered to coordinate factory visits for interested members.
The committee moved on to other business; members said they would continue this topic at a later meeting when more detailed cost and financing estimates are available.
