New York would set standards and reviews for factory-built homes

The uniform building code would adopt three named standards for off-site construction. They cover planning, design, fabrication, assembly, inspection, and building systems, including energy and water conservation.

The named standards would take precedence over conflicting rules for certain homes and buildings in cities with more than one million residents. The rule applies in cities with more than one million residents. This applies to one- or two-family homes and buildings of no more than two stories that are not hotels or motels.

The state would set qualifications for design reviewers and installation inspectors, oversee review agencies through audits, and inspect installations. These provisions cover factory-built homes, development plans and specifications, their installation, and factory-built developments. Qualified licensed architects and engineers could approve plans, with their approval treated like state approval. Local governments would keep authority over zoning, weather-related requirements, fire zones, setbacks, site rules, and appearance.

The department would assess civil penalties for violations of the factory-built home rules in section 381-a. The penalties apply to violations of section 381-a. Penalties would range from $250 to $2,000. The department would consider factors such as repeat violations, bad faith, seriousness, harm, and violations involving older adults, veterans, or people with disabilities. When one citation covers multiple violations tied to the same factory or client, the total could not exceed $10,000.