Zoning Glossary

Buffer Strip - A parcel of land located between different land uses. The buffer strip may contain specific types and amounts of plants and/or structures needed to minimize conflict between land uses. Example: A park located between a residential and a commercial area. 
Building - Any structure that has a roof supported by columns or walls and is intended for shelter, housing or enclosure of people, animals or other property. 
Principal Building - The main building on the lot. A connection -- breeze way, porch or carport -- between two buildings, with or without a roof, does not make the two buildings a single, unique building. 
Accessory Building - A building that is an addition to, or subordinate to, the principal building and located on the same lot. Example: A garage is an accessory building to your home. 
Building Coverage - The horizontal area measured within the perimeter of the exterior walls of the floor most protruding toward the property lines of all principal and accessory buildings on a lot. 
Building Permit - A document or certificate issued by a county or city authorizing the construction, enlargement, alteration, moving or demolition of a building or structure. 
Carport - A building used for storing your vehicles and which has no enclosure other than its roof and support. Your carport must present only minimal- obstruction of air, light and view. 
Certificate of Occupancy - You must get this certificate before you can legally live in your home. It is issued after the final inspection by the county or city building official. 
Comprehensive Plan - A plan that gives a complete idea of the present and future developments of the land economics and land policies of a region. 
Covenants - A legal means of controlling the structures and/or activities that can be placed on a parcel of land. They are designed to control land in a limited area, such as a subdivision. They are a private land-use restriction, enforced privately by the courts. They typically run with the land, also known as "restrictive covenants" or "deed restrictions." 
Cluster Zoning - A development design that relaxes conventional zoning and/or subdivision standards to permit modifying lot sizes and shapes. Cluster zoning concentrates single-family homes in specific areas of an overall tract. 
Dwelling - Any building that is used only for humans, including any permitted home occupation but excluding hotels, motels and rooming and boarding houses; a home. 
Dwelling Unit - One or more connected rooms which are a separate, independent housekeeping establishment, with provisions for cooling, eating and sleeping, and which are physically set apart from any other rooms or dwelling units in the same structure. Example: Apartments in the same complex. 
Easement - A grant by a land owner for the specific use of a strip or parcel of land. Such a grant may be made to and accepted by the general public, a corporation or an individual. 
Family - One or more people living together as a single housekeeping unit. Those people may include guests, foster children and domestic servants employed by the homes' inhabitants. 
Flood Plain - A land area next to a river, stream or water course which is likely to be flooded. The flood plain for the major streams in a county can be found on the County Flood Plain Map, which is available from the County Administrator or the County/City Engineer. 
Floor Area Ratio - The gross floor area of all buildings on a lot, divided by the lot's area. 
Lot - A parcel of land designated by a number or other symbol as a part of a legally approved and recorded subdivision or as described by metes and bounds and recorded in the County Probate Office. 
Manufactured Home/Mobile Home Community - A parcel of land under single ownership on which two or more manufactured homes are located. 
Non-Conforming - This term applies to lots, structures, or uses of land or structures that are unlawful, but which were lawful before passage of a specific ordinance. When non-conforming lots, structures or uses are allowed to remain, they are referred to as being "grand-fathered". 

Overlay Zones - Applies to an area in which special requirements are imposed in addition to those already specified in the basic zoning district, often used for historic preservation and flood plain districts. 
Owner/Landowner - Any person, firm, corporation or legal entity which has title to, or sufficient proprietary interest, in land sought to be re zoned. 
Parks - Lots or parcels of land devoted to recreation. Facilities can range from open landscaped areas to playgrounds. 
Planned Unit Development (PUD) - A land area where a variety of housing types and/or related commercial and industrial facilities exist in a pre-planned environment. Standards, such as lot sizes and setbacks, are less restrictive than normal. Approval for such a development requires specific standards in addition to those of a standard Subdivision, such as design principals and landscaping plans. 
Plat - A map, plan, or layout that shows the location and boundaries of individual properties and/or facilities. 
Right-of-Way - A strip of land occupied or intended to be occupied by a street, crosswalk, railroad, electric transmission line, oil or gas pipeline, water main, sanitary or storm sewer main, shade trees or for another specified use. 
Sectional Home - A sectional home consists of two or more units that are built in a factory and taken to the home site where they are put on a permanent foundation and joined to make a permanent, single-family home.
Setback Line - The line indicating the minimum distance permitted between the street right-of-way line and any building and its projections, other than steps, eaves, chimneys, bay windows and fire escapes. 
Special Exceptions - Refers to a use that is compatible with and related to the uses that are permitted in a zoning district. Requires additional review and must comply with some additional standards so that it does not have a harmful impact on the surrounding area, also known as conditional uses. 
Structure - Anything constructed or created that must be on the ground or attached to the ground, such as mobile homes, travel trailers, signs, mobile signs, and portable signs. This does not include such things as ornamental pools, planting boxes, bird baths, paved surfaces, walkways, driveways, recreational equipment, flag poles and mail boxes. 
Subdivision - Any division of a tract or parcel of land in two or more lots, building sites, or other divisions to sell or as a development's includes any land division that involves a new public or private street or changing an existing public or private street, includes re-subdivisions. 
Travel Trailer - Any vehicle on wheels, not more than 26 feet long, designed and intended to serve primarily as short-term shelter. 
Variance - Modifying the strict terms of an ordinance. This modification does not authorize a principal or accessory use of the property which is not permitted within the zoning district where the property is located. 
Yard - Open, unoccupied space on the same lot with a principal building. 
Front Yard - Yard situated between the front building line and the front lot line, extending the full width of the lot. 
Rear Yard - Yard situated between the rear building line and the rear lot line, extending the full width of the lot. 
Side Yard - Yard between a side building line and a side lot line, extending from the front yard to the rear yard. 
Zoning Certificate - A certificate from the zoning administrator stating that a proposal to use or occupy a tract of land or building or alter a structure, building or sign fully meets the requirements of the zoning regulations. 

Make A Good Impression

If the City or County zoning official blocks your effort to site your home, you can appeal. Subdivision developments or petitions to re-zone are heard at public hearings, usually before the local Planning Commission. Variances or deviations from zoning ordinance requirements are usually heard by the Board of Zoning Adjustments. The following guidelines will apply to most public hearings. Be prepared.

• Request an application to appear before the authority having jurisdiction (Planning Commission, Board of Adjustments, City Council or other governing body.)
• Complete the application, providing very thorough and accurate information.
• Provide all documentation requested in the application (plats, photos, plans, etc.).
• Pay all processing or application fees.
• Keep up with all the developments that involve your application.
• Prepare for the public hearing.
• Anticipate and prepare for any questions or concerns that may be addressed.
• Know the neighborhood. Has it been abandoned by site-built developers? Is it rural? Are there other manufactured homes? Is it a deteriorating neighborhood where your new home would be an improvement?
• Attend the meeting as scheduled to present your case.
• Show them. A picture is worth a thousand words. Don't let the review board think "trailer". Take photos of the type of manufactured home you are attempting to site. Outline any improvements you plan to make. Help the review board draw a picture in their mind of a nice home, providing excellent housing for the community.
• Do not refer to your home as a "trailer" or "mobile home". Use only the term "manufactured home". Use the term "multi-section" instead of "double-wide" and "single-section" instead of "single-wide". Better yet, let them know it is your home. Don't allow others to label your choice of housing.

• Be prepared to make an emotional appeal. Don't let the Planning Commission or other governing body forget they are dealing with real people – you & your family.
• Don't be intimidated by the process. Government officials are only people. You have a right to make an appeal, and variances and other zoning changes are often granted. It might be to your benefit to have written approval from adjacent property owners. Also, you may want to bring those in support of your petition to the meeting.
• Try to schedule an appointment with the Planning Commissioner or City Council member from your district. Introduce yourself and share information about your home and manufactured housing in general. Get a preliminary vote of approval. It's usually more difficult to reject a request in person. If the official from your district votes to approve your petition, often the other members will concur.
• If the Planning Commission or Board of Adjustments denies your petition, you still have other avenues of appeal. Within most municipalities, the City Council will usually hear appeals of Planning Commission or Board of Adjustments decisions. Plan for the City Council meeting in the same way you did for the initial hearing.
• If your request is denied after exhausting all administrative appeals, legal action may be your only remaining option. You may want to consult a local attorney who is familiar with land-use law.

Now You Can Begin

If you have any questions about placement of a manufactured home on your property, make certain you get the following information from a local zoning official or Register of Deeds office: 

• A legal description of your property.
• Any site improvements necessary for your property.
• Location of easements or flood plains which may affect placement.
• Zoning district or designation of the proposed manufactured home site.
• Zoning regulations for the district (lot size required, set-backs, etc.)
• Permit requirements.
• Special conditions or requirements for siting manufactured homes.
• Availability of utilities and requirements for utility connections.
• Deed restrictions or subdivision requirements that may apply.

If your request to site your manufactured home is denied, ask for a detailed reason for the denial to be stated in writing. Manufactured homes built after 1976 come under a preemptive Federal building code (HUD Code). This means it is against Federal regulations to discriminate against the placement of a HUD-Code home based on the building codes. The local building code cannot supersede the Federal code.

Three Key Points

When planning to site your new home, remember these three key points:

1. Anticipate problems beforehand. 

Costly delays and expenditures can often be avoided by obtaining useful information through good research. Know what your expenses are. Have a plan. Put in writing what it will take to properly site your new home. 

2. Play by the rules. 

Follow the local government's permit and approval system. Document each step taken. Do not proceed on the basis of what some government official may have said; put it in writing. Verify phone conversations with memos or handwritten notes. Always know who you are talking to and what authority he or she has. 

3. Evaluate your commitment. 

This is not an overnight process. Placing a manufactured home may be a very time-consuming process. Make sure you are willing to pursue an appeal or legal challenge should current zoning policy block your attempts to site your manufactured home. Make sure your retailer is committed to assist you in changing unfair laws or regulations. At the same time, do not be discouraged by discriminatory zoning policies. Go ahead and try to locate your home on the lot of your choice. Despite some perceptions, manufactured homes are not inferior to site-built houses. Changes and exceptions to zoning policies are common.

Where Can I Live?

Despite the vast structural and aesthetic improvements in manufactured homes during recent years, many Oklahoma cities and counties still restrict such homes in residential districts. 

The Manufactured Housing Association of Oklahoma has developed this guide to help you, the home owner, find a place for you and your family--in your new manufactured home. 

This guide provides information that should be useful in dealing with discriminatory zoning policies against manufactured homes. Developing and understanding the zoning process and the political forces involved can be an important factor in gaining approval for siting your manufactured home. 

MHAO is working to change the outdated attitudes and perceptions of manufactured housing that have resulted in zoning and land-use regulations that are barriers to manufactured home owners. You will greatly increase your chances of successfully siting your home by familiarizing yourself with this information and then closely following the suggested format. 

When you have questions or need additional assistance, contact your manufactured home retailer. 

Life of Manufactured Homes

Myth:

Manufactured homes are not built as well as other forms of housing. Manufactured homes do not last as long as site-built homes.

Reality:

Manufactured homes are built with virtually the same construction materials and techniques as site-built homes. The only difference is that manufactured homes are built in a factory environment, where building materials are protected from weather damage and vandalism. Manufactured homes are built to the federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, better know as the HUD Code, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 

The HUD Code is unique since it is specifically designed for compatibility with the factory production process. Performance standards for heating, plumbing, air conditioning, thermal, and electrical systems are set in the code. In addition, performance requirements are established for structural design, construction, fire safety, energy efficiency, and transportation from the factory to the customer's home site. To ensure quality, the design and construction of the home is monitored by both HUD and its monitoring contractor, the National Conference of States on Building Codes and Standards (NCS/BCS). The familiar red seal (the certification label) attached to the exterior of a manufactured home indicates that it has passed perhaps the most thorough inspection process in the homebuilding industry. 

The Manufactured Housing Institute conducted a study in 1990 to examine how long manufactured homes are habitable. The study found that the habitable life of manufactured homes depends on the year of manufacture. This habitable life has increased from 10.4 years for homes built in 1945 to 55.8 years for homes shipped in 1964. This figure has held steady at the 55.8 year figure through 1994, and is expected to remain at that level into the future. 

Home Appreciation

Myth:

Manufactured homes do not appreciate in value like other forms of housing. Instead, manufactured homes depreciate in market value, similar to the way automobiles lose value each day. 

Reality:

While there is no one easy answer, recent data seems to suggest that manufactured homes can appreciate just like other forms of housing. 

Datacomp Appraisal Systems recently completed a study that looked at 185 manufactured homes in Michigan, comparing the average sale price when new to the average resale price several years later. The study found the average value of the home had increased by $190, from $26,422 new to $26,612 used. This average figure is misleading, in that 97 of the homes increased in value by an average of $2,985, while the remaining 88 decreased in value by an average of $2,822. 

The only accurate conclusion is that some homes appreciate and some don't. Based on an analysis of 88,000 actual sales, Datacomp found that there are specific reasons why some homes appreciate while other depreciate. These reasons include: 

• The housing market in which the home is located, will have a significant impact on the future value of the home.
• The community in which the home is located, has a similarly significant impact on the home's future value.
• The initial price paid for the home.
• The age of the home.
• The inflation rate.
• The availability and cost of community sites, which reflects the supply and demand influences on the home's value.
• The extent of an organized resale network, where an organized network will usually result in homes selling for a higher price than in markets without such an organized network. 

The appreciation in value of manufactured homes comes back to the old real estate axiom -- location, location, location. When properly sited and maintained, manufactured homes will appreciate at the same rate as other homes in surrounding neighborhoods. 

Energy Efficiency

Myth:

Manufactured homes are less energy efficient than site-built homes. 

Reality:

On October 24,1994 a new minimum energy conversation standard became effective. The new energy standards are resulting in lower monthly energy bills, a factor industry officials say will enhance the affordability of manufactured housing and, perhaps, improve mortgage underwriting terms. Improved home ventilation standards have also been adopted in conjunction with the energy standards, a step that will improve indoor air quality and condensation control in manufactured homes. 

The new standards rely on computer modeling to identify the optimum cost-effective conservation level for a home located in any one of three regions in the nation. In developing the standards, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development followed Congress mandate to establish standards that "minimize the sum of construction and operating costs" over the life of the home. This emphasis on "lifecycle" energy costs is unique among national energy standards. 

A new thermal zone map for manufactured housing identifies three regions: the southeastern states are grouped from South Carolina to Texas in Zone I; the mid-zone of the nation is grouped from North Carolina across to California in Zone II; and the remaining northern part of the country is grouped together in Zone III. 

HUD's new standards require that manufactured homes comply with one of three alternative options: design the home's overall thermal efficiency to account for heat loss through the insulted surfaces of the thermal envelope (better known as Uo-values) for three zones; adjust Uo values with credits for high efficiency heating and cooling equipment; or by totally redesigning the home with new innovative technologies that use no more energy than published Uo values. Zone II, including Oklahoma, requires a Uo of 0.096. These efforts are ensuring that manufactured homes remain affordable, not only in start-up costs, but for the life of the home.

Storm Safety

Myth:

Manufactured homes are particularly vulnerable to the destructive force of strong winds and tornadoes. Manufactured homes seem to attract tornadoes. 

Reality:

Hurricane Andrew struck the southern tip of Florida and the Gulf Coast regions of Louisiana in late August 1992 with devastating winds in excess of 150 miles-per-hour. The third strongest hurricane ever to strike the United States, Andrew was designated a Category 4. Thousands of homes, both site built and manufactured, suffered extensive damage and destruction from the force of the storm. 

Within weeks of the storm, the manufactured housing industry endorsed appropriate improvements in the wind resistance/safety of manufactured homes. After many months of effort by the industry to negotiate proper improvements, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued revisions to the wind safety provisions of the HUD Code, which became effective July 13, 1994. 

In areas prone to hurricane-force winds (known as Wind Zones II and III, according to HUD's new Basic Wind Zone Map) the wind safety standards require that manufactured homes be resistant to winds up to 100 miles-per-hour in Wind Zone II and 110 miles-per-hour in Wind Zone III. In both of these zones, the standard for manufactured homes is now more stringent than the current regional and national building codes for site-built homes located in these wind zones. 

An important element in the adequate wind safety of a manufactured home is the proper installation and anchoring of the home according to the manufacturer's instructions. Installation standards are regulated on a state-by-state basis. When properly installed and anchored, the manufactured home's wind resistance is significantly improved. For each new manufactured home sold, the manufacturer must include installation instructions to properly support and anchor the home. This requirement is part of the wind storm protection provisions of the HUD Code. 

There is no meteorological or scientific basis to thinking that manufactured homes attract tornadoes. The reality is one of coincidence: most manufactured homes are located in rural and suburban locations, where meteorological conditions favor the creation of tornadoes. 

A tornado's deadly force does not selectively discriminate between the site-built and manufactured home or "mobile home" (those built prior to the HUD Code's implementation in 1976.) 

In most of the country (non-hurricane-prone areas), manufactured homes are built to withstand sustained winds in the range of 70 miles-per-hour. Above this range, a manufactured home will experience some form of damage. Only in the case of severe weather, such as a tornado, are these areas likely to experience winds in excess of 70 miles-per-hour. 

It is estimated that approximately 40 percent of all tornadoes have winds in excess of 112 miles-per-hour. Tornadoes can have winds in excess of 200 miles-per-hour in extreme cases. Current building codes and practices, for either manufactured homes or site-built homes, are not designed to withstand winds in excess of 110 miles-per-hour. 

A direct hit from a tornado will bring about severe damage or destruction of any home in its path. A tornado's deadly force does not selectively discriminate between the site-built and manufactured home or "mobile homes" (those built prior to the HUD Code's implementation in 1976). 

If a manufactured home has a below-ground basement, the home's residents should seek shelter there. If a home, site-built or manufactured, does not have a below-ground basement, the residents should seek immediate below-ground or other appropriate shelter from the storm's possible effects. During a tornado warning, a tornado has been detected. Residents should seek shelter in an interior room with no windows. 

Fire Safety

Myth:

There is a traditional perception that manufactured housing is more vulnerable to fire than other forms of single-family housing. 

Reality:

The fact is that manufactured homes are no more prone to fire than homes built on site, according to an annual report released by the Oklahoma State Fire Marshall's office.

Similar studies have echoed the above statement made by the Foremost Insurance Company. A national fire safety study conducted by the Foremost Insurance Company shows that site-built homes are more than twice as likely to experience a fire than manufactured homes. According to this study, the number of home fires is 17 per 1,000 for site-built homes, while only eight per 1,000 for manufactured homes. 

What caused the improved fire safety of manufactured homes? Strict construction standards. Foremost Insurance Company's marketing research department took an in-depth look into the fire frequencies of manufactured homes built before the advent of HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) construction and safety standards, as well as homes built after the standards went into effect in 1976. Foremost's researchers found that post-HUD constructed manufactured homes burn less often and have lower fire losses than pre-HUD homes. 

Richard Wettergreen, Assistant Vice President, Marketing Communications and Research at Foremost Insurance Company said, "Manufactured homes are the only homes with a national building code. The fire study indicates that HUD standards, adopted in 1976, have a positive effect on fire safety in manufactured housing. When construction methods and standards are considered, it appears to be a distinct and safe advantage to live in a factory-built home. It's time the myth of high fire potential in manufactured housing is laid to rest once and for all." 

Some resistant features of the HUD code include strict standards for flame spread and smoke generation in materials, egress windows in all bedrooms, smoke detectors and at least two exterior doors, which must be remote from each other and reachable without passage through other doors that are lockable. Site-built homes are required to have only one exterior door and no "reachability" requirement. 

Another report entitled, "Fire Experience in Manufactured Homes," by Dr. John R. Hall, Jr., which appeared in the May/June 1992 National Fire Protection Association Journal, concluded that manufactured homes built to HUD standards present a much lower risk of death and a significantly reduced risk of injury in fires than units that were not built to HUD code requirements. The study showed that in fires occurring between 1980 and 1989 that the fire death toll per 100 fires in post-HUD homes is two-thirds to three-fourths lower than pre- HUD homes. The fire injury is approximately one-third lower than pre-HUD homes for the same period of time. 

Even though the frequency of manufactured home fires is less than that of site-built homes, the manufactured home fire is usually more severe. "Manufactured homes tend to be smaller properties than other homes... This means the median room sizes were much smaller in manufactured homes." said Dr. John R. Hall, Jr. Fires can spread more quickly in smaller-sized manufactured homes and site-built homes. Another explanation of these more severe fires is that there is a significantly higher percentage of manufactured homes in rural areas than in urban areas, while the percentage of site-built homes is much higher in urban areas than in rural areas. A fire in a home located in a rural area has a greater chance of becoming a "total fire" because of the increased amount of time needed for fire equipment to reach the home, since it may be outside a fire protected zone. 

Trailer Terminology is a Thing of the Past!

Did you know that the United States Congress even adopted the manufactured housing name to clearly illustrate that there is no comparison between yesterday's trailer and today's manufactured home. 

Offering state of the art facilities, expanded living space, and all the amenities of site-built homes, manufactured homes are here to stay! Manufactured homes are as varied and individual as site built homes with just as much to offer. Spacious living and dining rooms, elegant bedrooms complete with walk-in closets, bathrooms with recessed tubs and whirlpools, as well as modern kitchens complete with major appliances are commonly found in today's manufactured homes. 

Built to a uniform national building code, manufactured homes are appealing because of enhanced quality, design innovations, and affordability. They are truly homes of which to be proud!

Say "goodbye" to yesterday's trailers.

Say "hello" to today's manufactured homes!

Thanks To The HUD Code, There's No Slacking Off In This Industry

Manufactured homes have to meet or exceed one tough set of standards. These regulations cover nearly every conceivable aspect of home building, including design, construction, strength, durability, fire resistance, energy efficiency, ventilation, wind resistance and installation procedures. 

This so-called HUD Code is the short title of the "National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974." The law establishes "a reasonable standard for construction, design, and performance of a manufactured home, which meets the needs of the public, including the need for quality, durability and safety." 

The HUD Code is both national and preemptive. This means each State or political subdivision of a State must adopt the Code without modification.

The History of Manufactured Housing

We've Come a Long Way, Baby!

The first manufactured home dates back to 1764 when a two-story panelized frame dwelling was shipped from London to Cape Ann, MA. By the early 1900s, the English were building custom vans; and an American devised a fifth-wheel hitch to attach a travel wagon to his roadster. 

Assembly line production began in 1926 in New York; although most mobile homes were used for vacations. The first models had no indoor plumbing. 

Campgrounds, or trailer parks, soon began sprouting up on the outskirts of many towns. During Word War II, production increased as the U.S. government purchased mobile homes so workers could live near plants. 

By the late 1940s, trailer lengths had increased to more than 30 feet and small bathrooms were added. Some people also began making them their permanent homes. 

In the 1960s, two-section mobile homes became popular and a mobile home construction code was developed by the Mobile Home Craftsmen Guild. During the 1970s, one mobile home was built for every three site-built homes. In 1978 the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development established a national building code for manufactured housing, which changed the industry to what we see today... Meeting the demands of todays consumer. 

"Manufactured" vs "Mobile"

IT'S A FACT:

Nearly 80% of manufactured houses purchased in Oklahoma each year permanently remain at one home site. That is the reason the term "manufactured house" is now used instead of "mobile home". "Manufactured house" applies to homes built since 1976, the year HUD began a national building code for manufactured housing. Only pre-1976 houses are called "mobile homes".

Manufactured Homes Do Appreciate In Value

Manufactured homes do appreciate in value.

Studies since the early 1980's consistently show that today's modern manufactured homes appreciate in value under the same circumstances as site-built housing such as when the home is placed on a quality home-site and is well maintained. Oklahoma is part of a national trend toward manufactured housing. 

• One out of three new homes sold in the U.S. is a manufactured home.
• Local zoning ordinances, which arbitrarily discriminate against manufactured homes, are subject to legal challenge. 
• Progressive Oklahoma cities are now setting zoning standards based on housing features such as the size and shape of the house, type of siding and type of roof. Currently over 165,966 Oklahoman's live in a manufactured home. 
• Planning officials recognize that residents often cannot tell - nor do they care - whether a house was originally built on site or in a factory. 
• Over half of the new manufactured homes currently coming into Oklahoma are multi-section homes. 
• Properly placed on home site, multi-section homes are often virtually indistinguishable from site-built homes of the same size. 
• Home ownership makes for better citizens. Owners of manufactured housing register and vote at a higher rate than the population at large. 
• Today's manufactured homes are built to tough federal standards for fire and other safety considerations. 
• Tough federal construction and safety standards mean that a manufactured home provides safe, secure and affordable housing. For example, the incidence of fire in a modern manufactured home is lower than for site-built houses. 

Statistically Speaking:

In 2012 the total number of manufactured homes statewide was approximately 165,966.  Of the 165,966 homes, 68,017 manufactured homes are listed as personal property (do not own the land) and approximately 97,949 or 59% on real property (land/home combined) based on OTC-Ad Valorem records. 

According to the latest released (2011) U.S. Census Bureau's Community Survey there are 1,656,132 housing units in Oklahoma.  Of those housing units there were 156,165 declared Manufactured/mobile homes.  Which ever number you choose to use 165,966 or 156,165 it still comes up to 9% of all housing units in Oklahoma are manufactured/mobile homes.

Another interesting statistic is manufactured homes represent about $3.12 Billions IN VALUE and about $32.6 Million in Ad Valorem Tax.

The Manufactured Housing Association of Oklahoma represents all segments of the manufactured housing industry. Members include manufacturers, retailers, community owners/developers, as well as financial, insurance, service and supply companies, which serve the industry.

MHAO's History

For more than 45 years, the Manufactured Housing Association of Oklahoma has led the way as the voice of the manufactured housing industry in Oklahoma. Through determination and pride the manufactured housing industry today has earned its place in Oklahoma's housing market. Today, the industry is known for providing a safe, affordable and innovative housing alternative for thousands of Oklahomans yearly. 

It all started from a handful of pioneering individuals with vision. Today we have nearly 300 members and associates. MHAO has dedicated itself to a spirit of cooperation, striving for quality and excellence in construction, sale and placement of all manufactured homes. 

MHAO members - retailers, manufacturers, finance/insurance, supplier/service, and community owners/developers - work together speaking with one voice through its elected officers, on both state and national levels. 

The Manufactured Housing Association of Oklahoma is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing its members with tools and information needed to help shape a successful business environment and a profitable housing market in home sales. 

As we explore the new millenium, MHAO will continue to develop programs and make opportunities available for its members, fostering growth through professional development seminars, workshops and providing the most up-to-date information available to the industry. The members of MHAO have and will continue to make a difference. MHAO membership is an investment in the future of affordable housing. 

In 1998 MHAO moved into their new building at 6400 S. Shields in Oklahoma City.