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Commission moves manufactured‑home ordinance updates to public hearing after state rule change
Summary
In response to House Bill 655 (effective July 1, 2026), the Rockbridge County Planning Commission voted July 8 to send zoning‑text changes on manufactured homes to public hearing; the law limits local restrictions so manufactured homes cannot be treated more restrictively than comparable site‑built houses except in limited districts.
The Rockbridge County Planning Commission voted July 8 to take a zoning text amendment on manufactured homes to public hearing after staff summarized House Bill 655, which became effective July 1, 2026 and narrows the circumstances under which local ordinances can treat manufactured homes more restrictively than site‑built single‑family dwellings.
Staff explained the state change means local codes cannot impose greater restrictions on manufactured homes solely because they are manufacturer‑built; exceptions remain for locations such as historic districts or where private HOA covenants apply. The staff presentation clarified that, under the state code, a manufactured home may be considered real property once it is placed on a permanent foundation and removed of towing apparatus within five years of construction.
Commissioners discussed how other localities are responding — for example by setting minimum width requirements or design standards in historic areas — and noted that private covenants (HOAs) can still prohibit manufactured homes even when county code does not. The commission moved the text amendment to public hearing; the motion passed unanimously.
