Allowing Manufactured Homes in Every Neighborhood
By Gary Fleisher
Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s ambitious housing package, featuring three pivotal bills, marks a groundbreaking shift in addressing housing affordability and diversity. The centerpiece, the Housing Expansion and Affordability Act, is poised to revolutionize local housing landscapes by allowing for more dense and varied housing developments.
all photos – Eagle River Homes
A key provision of this act is the flexibility it introduces in traditionally single-family zones, potentially paving the way for duplexes, triplexes, or even 30% larger buildings in certain areas. This transformative move is particularly focused on locations within a mile of major transit hubs like Metro, MARC, and Baltimore’s light rail and subway systems, along with lands owned by nonprofits or the state.
The act carries a significant stipulation: a substantial portion of these new developments must be dedicated to subsidized, permanently affordable housing. This means at least 25% near transit areas and a whopping 50% for nonprofit- or state-owned lands. Targeted at households earning 60% or less of the area median income, this initiative translates to tangible housing solutions for families earning between $46,000 to $82,000.
Moreover, the act aims to streamline the development process by limiting local authorities’ ability to block projects due to infrastructure concerns, such as traffic or school capacity. This is a notable shift from previous practices where, for instance, Montgomery County could halt building permits in areas with full schools.
A groundbreaking aspect of this package is the inclusion of manufactured homes.
Built in factories and then delivered to their final location, these homes offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional site-built houses. The bill proposes to allow these manufactured homes in any area zoned for single-family residences, challenging the prevailing stereotypes and zoning restrictions associated with “mobile homes.”
Complementing this is the Housing and Community Development Financing Act of 2024. It proposes the creation of the Maryland Community Investment Corporation (MCIC), a state-backed financial entity aimed at funding community development projects. The MCIC, leveraging federal New Market Tax Credits, will offer low-interest loans to cover up to 20% of a project’s cost, significantly easing the financial challenges of developing affordable housing.
Governor Moore’s housing package is not just policy; it’s a visionary approach to reshaping Maryland’s housing landscape. By embracing manufactured homes and tackling the complexities of affordable housing finance, this initiative stands as a beacon of progress and inclusivity in the housing sector.
Attention: NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) folks
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Gary Fleisher is a renowned blogger and commentator on construction and housing trends, known for his insightful analysis of the industry.
