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New York Agrees to Test Third-Party Modular Approvals

While many other states already rely on third-parties, New York has traditionally kept the approval process in-house. While modular producers have been able to apply for a “systems approval” for standard designs coming out of manufacturing facilities, custom projects and those not included in a company’s stock portfolio have been subject to more onerous state approval.

With modular homes gaining in popularity in recent years, New York has been experiencing approval backlogs of six to eight months, a major headache for producers.

“Housing starts and modular housing starts have increased in New York,” said John Colucci, chairman of the Building Systems Councils (BSC) Advocacy Committee and a modular home producer in the state. “With custom and unique plans having to be hand-reviewed by the state, the efficiency and quick turn-around provided by modular housing have been compromised for both builders and consumers.”

Even with a systems approval from the state, Colucci said that his company, Westchester Modular Homes, has had to turn down projects because of the prolonged approval process.

NAHB’s Building Systems Councils, along with a coalition of associations representing factory-crafted homes, successfully lobbied the New York State Government to draft and enact the third-party approvals process.

To qualify for an expedited approval, producers must have had at least 30 successful site installations in the state over the previous 12 months, among other requirements. Companies must also have at least one employee who has completed three courses sponsored by the American Forest & Paper Association.

The complete list of prerequisites is available from the Building Systems Councils at 800-368-5242 x8576.

The pilot program, according to Phil LaRocque, executive vice president of the New York State Builders Association, “will help expedite the building process and benefit consumers, as well.” He noted that there is clearly a market for modular homes in New York, including workers who are looking for affordably priced housing.

Pat Fricchione, Jr., CEO of Pennsylvania-based Simplex Homes and BSC vice-chairman sends many of his homes to New York and ispleased with the new approach. “The approvals program will allow consumers to realize the full benefits of modular housing — a high-quality home constructed with tremendous time and cost advantages.”

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