State-by-State Guide
Indiana
Indiana has progressive manufactured housing laws. State law prohibits local governments from banning manufactured homes outright, but zoning restrictions vary by county and municipality.
Key Points
- ✓State law protects manufactured home placement rights
- ✓Local zoning can restrict by district, not ban completely
- ✓Modular homes treated same as site-built in most areas
- ✓HUD-code homes allowed in most residential zones
Permits Required
Building permit required. Septic/well permits if applicable. Zoning compliance letter recommended.
Common Restrictions
- •Minimum lot sizes vary by county (typically 1+ acres in rural, smaller in developments)
- •Setback requirements: typically 25-50 feet from property lines
- •Foundation requirements vary by financing type
- •Some historic districts have additional restrictions
Counties We Serve in Indiana
Ohio
Ohio has a manufactured home installation program administered by the Ohio Department of Commerce. Local zoning varies significantly between rural and urban areas.
Key Points
- ✓State installation standards required
- ✓Local zoning varies significantly by municipality
- ✓Some cities restrict manufactured homes to specific zones
- ✓Rural areas generally more permissive
Permits Required
Installation permit from Ohio Division of Industrial Compliance. Local building permit. Septic/well permits.
Common Restrictions
- •Installation must comply with Ohio Administrative Code
- •Some municipalities restrict manufactured homes to certain districts
- •Foundation requirements for permanent placement
- •Agricultural districts typically most permissive
Counties We Serve in Ohio
Michigan
Michigan regulates manufactured homes through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Local zoning can be restrictive in some areas.
Key Points
- ✓State installation code required
- ✓Local zoning varies widely
- ✓Some townships have restrictive ordinances
- ✓Manufactured home communities common alternative
Permits Required
State installation permit. Local building permit. Zoning compliance. Septic/well permits.
Common Restrictions
- •Installation must meet Michigan Construction Code
- •Some townships restrict by minimum square footage
- •Age restrictions in some communities (new homes only)
- •Foundation and skirting requirements
Counties We Serve in Michigan
Common Questions
Can I put a manufactured home on any property?
Not necessarily. While state laws protect your right to place manufactured homes, local zoning can restrict by district, lot size, and other factors. Always check with your local zoning office before purchasing land.
Do I need a permit for a manufactured home?
Yes. All three states require permits. Indiana and Ohio have state-level installation programs, while Michigan requires state and local permits. You'll also need local building permits and possibly septic/well permits.
What's the difference between manufactured and modular for zoning?
Modular homes are typically treated the same as site-built homes in zoning codes. Manufactured (HUD-code) homes may have additional restrictions in some areas, though state laws generally protect placement rights.
How long does the permitting process take?
Varies by location: Indiana typically 2-6 weeks, Ohio 3-8 weeks, Michigan 4-10 weeks. Rural areas are usually faster than municipalities. You or your contractor pull the permits — we can point you to the right local offices.
Can a municipality ban manufactured homes completely?
Generally no. State laws in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan protect the right to place manufactured homes. However, local zoning can restrict by district, minimum lot size, setbacks, and aesthetic requirements.
What about homeowners associations (HOAs)?
HOAs can restrict manufactured homes through covenants, even where zoning allows them. Always review HOA documents before purchasing in a subdivision. We can help you find HOA-friendly communities.
Check Before You Buy Land
Before purchasing land for your manufactured home, verify these items with the local zoning office:
- 1Zoning district allows manufactured homes
- 2Lot meets minimum size requirements
- 3Setbacks allow home placement
- 4Utility access (water, sewer/septic, electric)
- 5No HOA restrictions against manufactured homes
We Can Help
Not sure if your land is suitable? We offer free zoning checks for customers in our service area. We'll contact the local zoning office and verify:
- ✓Zoning compliance
- ✓Permit requirements
- ✓Setback calculations
- ✓Utility availability