CR_14-017 Revises Chapters SPS 320, 321, and 326, relating to manufactured homes and manufactured home communities.  

  • Explanation of agency authority
    Section 227.11 (2) (a) of the Statutes authorizes the Department to promulgate rules interpreting any statute that is enforced or administered by the Department, if the rule is considered necessary to effectuate the purpose of the statute.
    Sections 101.63 (intro.) and (1) (intro.) require the Department to adopt rules which establish standards for the construction and inspection of one- and two-family dwellings and components thereof. No set of rules may be adopted that has not taken into account the costs of specific code provisions to home buyers in relationship to the benefits derived from the provisions.
    Related statute or rule
    Various other statutes and rules promulgated by the Department address construction and inspection of public buildings and places of employment, and some of those rules likewise address designing those structures to withstand wind loads.
    Plain language analysis
    These rule revisions would clarify and simplify the prescriptive methods in ch. SPS 321 for designing wall bracing for one- and two-family homes, to adequately withstand wind loads.
    Summary of, and comparison with, existing or proposed federal regulation
    An Internet-based search of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and the Federal Register did not find any federal regulations relating to the rule revisions herein for one- and two-family dwellings — other than the preemptive construction, installation, and safety standards for manufactured homes in 24 CFR Parts 3280 and 3285 .
    Comparison with rules in adjacent states
    Illinois : An Internet-based search did not reveal the existence of a statewide one- and two-family dwelling code. Dwelling regulation appears to be left up to the individual local units of government.
    Iowa: An Internet-based search did not reveal the existence of a statewide one- and two-family dwelling code. Dwelling regulation appears to be left up to the individual local units of government.
    Michigan : An Internet-based search revealed a mandatory, statewide one- and two-family dwelling code. The Residential Construction Code under the Construction Code Commission's General Rules, in section 408.305, contains the state amendments to the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) developed by the International Code Council, and includes wall-bracing requirements that are similar to the requirements which would be replaced by the rule revisions contained herein.
    Minnesota: An Internet-based search revealed a mandatory, statewide one- and two-family dwelling code. The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, in Chapter 1309, adopts the 2006 IRC, chapters 2-10 and 43. Chapters 2 - 10 contain the general construction provisions of the IRC, which include wall-bracing requirements that are similar to the requirements which would be replaced by the rule revisions contained herein.
    Summary of factual data and analytical methodologies
    The Department received input during several meetings with the Dwelling Code Council. The makeup of this Council is established under section 15.407 (10) of the Statutes and consists of members who are appointed by the Governor. The Council includes representatives of several types of small businesses. Through this Council, the Department was able to gather information on the potential impacts of the rule revisions contained herein.
    Analysis and supporting documents used to determine effect on small business or in preparation of economic impact analysis
    The rule revisions are not expected to significantly impact small business because they would clarify and simplify current requirements rather than impose new restrictions.
    Fiscal Estimate and Economic Impact Analysis
    The Fiscal Estimate and Economic Impact Analysis is attached.
    Effect on Small Business
    These rule revisions are not expected to have an economic impact on small businesses, as defined in section 227.114 (1) of the Statutes. The Department's Regulatory Review Coordinator may be contacted by e-mail at Tom.Engels@wisconsin.gov , or by calling (608) 266-8608.
    Agency Contact Person
    Sam Rockweiler, Rules Coordinator, at the Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Policy Development, 1400 East Washington Avenue, Room 151, P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI, 53708-8935; or at telephone (608) 266-0797; or e-mail at sam.rockweiler@wi.gov .
    STATE OF WISCONSIN
    DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
    DOA-2049 (R03/2012)
    Division of Executive Budget and Finance
    101 East Wilson Street, 10th Floor
    P.O. Box 7864
    Madison, WI 53707-7864
    FAX: (608) 267-0372
    ADMINISTRATIVE RULES
    Fiscal Estimate & Economic Impact Analysis
    1. Type of Estimate and Analysis
    X Original   Updated   Corrected
    2. Administrative Rule Chapter, Title and Number
    SPS 321, and 320 to 325 Appendix — Uniform Dwelling Code
    3. Subject
    Wall Bracing for One- and Two-Family Dwellings
    4. Fund Sources Affected
    5. Chapter 20, Stats. Appropriations Affected
    GPR   FED   PRO   PRS   SEG   SEG-S
    20.165 (2) (j)
    6. Fiscal Effect of Implementing the Rule
    X No Fiscal Effect
    Indeterminate
    Increase Existing Revenues
    Decrease Existing Revenues
    Increase Costs
    Could Absorb Within Agency's Budget
    Decrease Cost
    7. The Rule Will Impact the Following (Check All That Apply)
    State's Economy
    Local Government Units
    Specific Businesses/Sectors
    Public Utility Rate Payers
    Small Businesses (if checked, complete Attachment A)
    8. Would Implementation and Compliance Costs Be Greater Than $20 million?
    Yes   X No
    9. Policy Problem Addressed by the Rule
    The proposed rule revisions primarily would clarify and simplify the prescriptive methods in chapter SPS 321 for designing wall bracing for one- and two-family homes, to adequately withstand wind loads.
    10. Summary of the businesses, business sectors, associations representing business, local governmental units, and individuals that may be affected by the proposed rule that were contacted for comments.
    Representatives of each of the following: building-trade labor organizations; certified building inspectors employed by local units of government; building contractors actively engaged in on-site construction of one- and two-family housing; manufacturers, retailers, or installers of manufactured or modular one- and 2-family housing; architects, engineers, or designers who are registered under chapter 443 of the Statutes and who are actively engaged in the design or evaluation of one- and two-family housing; the construction material supply industry; remodeling contractors actively engaged in the remodeling of one- and two-family housing; persons with disabilities, as defined in section 106.50 (1m) (g) of the Statutes; and fire prevention professionals.
    11. Identify the local governmental units that participated in the development of this EIA.
    City of Wausau
    12. Summary of Rule's Economic and Fiscal Impact on Specific Businesses, Business Sectors, Public Utility Rate Payers, Local Governmental Units and the State's Economy as a Whole (Include Implementation and Compliance Costs Expected to be Incurred)
    No significant negative economic or fiscal impact is expected.
    13. Benefits of Implementing the Rule and Alternative(s) to Implementing the Rule
    Design, construction, and inspection of wall bracing would be clarified and simplified – which should reduce costs and delays. The current costs and delays would continue if the rule is not implemented.
    14. Long Range Implications of Implementing the Rule
    Clarity and ease of use of the requirements would be improved.
    15. Compare With Approaches Being Used by Federal Government
    See comparison in the rule analysis that accompanies the proposed rule revisions.
    16. Compare With Approaches Being Used by Neighboring States (Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Minnesota)
    See comparison in the rule analysis that accompanies the proposed rule revisions.
    17. Contact Name
    18. Contact Phone Number
    Sam Rockweiler
    608-266-0797
    This document can be made available in alternate formats to individuals with disabilities upon request.
    Notice of Hearing
    Safety and Professional Services
    Uniform Dwelling Code, Chs. 320—325
    General Part II, Chs. 326—360
    NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to authority vested in the Department of Safety and Professional Services by sections 101.935 (3), 101.937 (1), 101.96 (1) (a) and (b), and 227.11 (2) (a) of the Wisconsin Statutes, and interpreting sections 101.935 (3), 101.937 (1), and 101.96 (1) (a) and (b) of the Wisconsin Statutes, the Department will hold a public hearing at the time and place indicated below to consider the proposed order to revise Chapters SPS 320 , 321 , and 326 , relating to manufactured homes and manufactured home communities.
    Hearing Information
    Date:   Friday, March 14, 2014
    Time:  
    Commencing at 9:30 a.m.
    Location:
      1400 East Washington Avenue
      (Enter at 55 North Dickinson Street)
      Room 121C
      Madison, Wisconsin
    Appearance at the Hearing
    Interested persons are invited to present information at the hearing. Persons appearing may make an oral presentation but are urged to submit facts, opinions, and arguments in writing as well. Facts, opinions, and arguments may also be submitted in writing without a personal appearance, by e-mail to sam.rockweiler@wi.gov or by mail addressed to the Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Policy Development, P.O. Box 8366, Madison, Wisconsin 53708-8366. Written comments must be received at or before the public hearing to be included in the record of rulemaking proceedings.
    Place Where Comments are to be Submitted and Deadline for Submission
    Comments may be submitted to Sam Rockweiler, Rules Coordinator, at the Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Policy Development, 1400 East Washington Avenue, Room 151, P.O. Box 8366, Madison, WI, 53708-8366; or by e-mail to sam.rockweiler@wi.gov . Comments must be received on or before March 14, 2014 , to be included in the record of rulemaking proceedings.
    Copies of Rule
    Copies of this proposed rule are available upon request to Sam Rockweiler, Rules Coordinator, at the Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Policy Development, 1400 East Washington Avenue, P.O. Box 8366, Madison, Wisconsin 53708-8366; or by email at sam.rockweiler@wi.gov ; or on the following website: http://dsps.wi.gov/Default.aspx?Page=44e541e8-abdd-49da-8fde-046713617e9e .
    Proposed Order
    An order of the Department of Safety and Professional Services to repeal SPS 326.10 (4); 326.32 (3) (b), (7), and (8); 326.34 (1) (a) (Note) and (6); 326.36 (1) (b) 2.; 326.37; and 326.38 (1) (c);
    to renumber SPS 326.10 (5) to (20), 326.16, 326.32 (3) (c) to (e), 326.34 (7) and (8), and 326.36 (1) (b) 3. and 4.;
    to renumber and amend SPS 326.33 (1) (a);
    to amend SPS 321.40 (2) (b) 8.; 326.12 (1) (c) (intro.), 1., and 2.; 326.16 (Note); 326.19 (intro.) and (1); 326.28; 326.30 (1) (a), (b), and (2) (Note); 326.34 (1) (a) and (2); 326.36 (1) (intro.), (c), and (i), and (2); 326.38 (1) (intro.); 326.44 (intro.); and 326.49 (1) (intro.);
    to repeal and recreate SPS 321.40 (1) and (Note [1]);
    and to create SPS 320.07 (52m) (Note [2]), 321.40 (2) (title), 326.16 (2) and (3), and SPS 326.20 relating to manufactured homes and manufactured home communities.
    Analysis Prepared by the Department of Safety and Professional Services
    Statutes interpreted
    Sections 101.935 (3) , 101.937 (1) , and 101.96 (1) (a) and (b) , Stats.
    Statutory authority
    Explanation of agency authority
    Section 101.935 (3) , Stats., authorizes the Department to promulgate rules for administering and enforcing the permit process that the section requires for manufactured home communities.
    Section 101.937 (1) , Stats., requires the Department to promulgate rules establishing prescribed standards for providing water or sewer service to a manufactured home community occupant.
    Sections 101.96 (1) (a) and (b) , Stats., require the Department to promulgate rules establishing standards for safe installation of manufactured homes, and for ensuring compliance with the standards.
    Section 227.11 (2) (a) , Stats., authorizes the Department to promulgate rules interpreting any statute that is enforced or administered by the Department, if the rule is considered necessary to effectuate the purpose of the statute.
    Related statute or rule
    The Department has related rules elsewhere in chs. SPS 320 to 325 addressing (1) building permits for manufactured homes, (2) construction of footings and foundations, and (3) other structures that are attached to these homes.
    The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has rules in ch. ATCP 125 relating to mobile home parks, and covering such items as rental agreements, transfer of tenancy, and termination of tenancy.
    Plain language analysis
    The proposed rule revisions primarily would update the installation standards for manufactured homes by incorporating the current, federal model standards in Title 24, Part 3285 of the Code of Federal Regulations — after approval for incorporating these standards is received from the Attorney General.
    In addition to including several minor clarifications and updates, the proposed rule revisions would also (1) codify the Department's current modifications of the federal installation standards, and (2) update the Department's rules in chapter SPS 326 for manufactured home communities to reflect current administrative and regulatory practices. For example, the current provisions for deferred payment agreements for water and sewer service in a community would be repealed because they are better addressed in lease agreements between landlords and tenants. Also, where a community-wide soil test does not exist and a soil test is required, such as for a proposed frost-free-foundation design, the test would need to determine the soils in the entire community rather than at an individual site.
    Summary of, and comparison with, existing or proposed federal regulation
    Federal construction requirements that preempt state or local requirements for constructing manufactured homes are addressed in Title 42 of the United States Code under sections 5401 to 5425, and in Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations under Part 3280. Federal minimum, model installation requirements for manufactured homes are addressed in 24 CFR Part 3285 .
    Under 24 CFR 3285.1 (a)(1), "States that choose to operate an installation program for manufactured homes in lieu of the federal program must implement installation standards that provide protection to its residents that equals or exceeds the protection provided by these Model Installation Standards." Wisconsin has exercised this choice, through subchapter V of chapter 101 of the Statutes.
    The rule revisions proposed in this order will not infringe on the federal construction requirements in 24 CFR Part 3280 , and will not provide less protection than the federal minimum installation requirements in 24 CFR Part 3285 .
    No current federal regulations were found relating to construction or operation of manufactured-home communities.
    No proposed federal regulations were found relating to either manufactured homes or manufactured home communities.
    Comparison with rules in adjacent states
    An Internet-based search of Web sites from the four adjacent states and telephone contact with program staff there produced the following results relating to these proposed rule changes.
    Illinois: Manufactured homes must be installed under the on-site supervision of a licensed manufactured home installer, in compliance with either the manufacturers instructions, or, where no such instructions are available, in compliance with prescribed standards relating to such items as site location, support systems, electrical connections, and perimeter enclosures. Statewide requirements also address anchoring of the home, the water and sewer connections, and licensing of plumbers and roofers. Licensure of manufactured home communities is comprehensive, covering such items as streets, parking, water and sewer service, fire safety, and waste disposal.
    Iowa: The federal installation standards are applied without any state-level modifications, and the credentialing for installers is similar to Wisconsin's. The only statewide regulations that were found relating to manufactured home communities essentially address only the rental agreements.
    Michigan: The federal installation standards are applied, and the credentialing for installers is similar to Wisconsin's. Regulation of manufactured home communities is comprehensive, covering such items as plan approval, inspections, recreational areas, streets, utilities, fire safety, and business practices.
    Minnesota: The federal installation standards are applied, and the credentialing for installers is similar to Wisconsin's. The regulations for manufactured home communities cover such items as home spacing, water and sewer service, garbage and refuse disposal, fire protection, inspections, and storm shelters.
    Summary of factual data and analytical methodologies
    The data and methodology for developing these rule revisions were derived from and consisted primarily of comparing the current edition of 24 CFR Part 3285 to the 2007 draft final rule of that Part, which the Department has applied since April 1, 2007. The Department's review and assessment process included evaluating the modifications to those federal standards that the Department has likewise applied since April 1, 2007. This comparison and evaluation was performed with the Manufactured Housing Code Council, as created under section 15.407 (13) of the Statutes. The members of the Council include representatives of the major stakeholders, including manufacturers of manufactured homes, dealers, installers, owners and residents of manufactured home communities, inspectors, labor representatives, industry suppliers, and an association of the manufactured housing industry. The Department utilized the Council to obtain information on any potential impacts of both the technical and administrative elements of the rule revisions. A responsibility of Council members is to bring forth concerns their respective organizations may have with the requirements, including concerns regarding economic impacts.
    Analysis and supporting documents used to determine effect on small business or in preparation of economic impact analysis
    The primary document that was used to determine the effect of the proposed rule revisions on small businesses, and to prepare an economic impact analysis was 24 CFR Part 3285 , along with the installation instructions the Department has posted on its Web site since April 2007.
    Fiscal Estimate and Economic Impact Analysis
    The Fiscal Estimate and Economic Impact Analysis is attached.
    Effect on Small Business
    The proposed rule revisions are not expected to have an effect on small businesses because the current edition of 24 CFR Part 3285 , as it would be modified by these rule revisions, is not expected to impose costs that would substantially exceed the costs imposed by the currently applied requirements.
    The Department's Regulatory Review Coordinator may be contacted by e-mail at Tom.Engels@wi.gov , or by calling (608) 266-8608.
    Agency Contact Person
    Sam Rockweiler, Rules Coordinator, at the Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Policy Development, 1400 East Washington Avenue, Room 151, P.O. Box 8366, Madison, WI, 53708-8366; or at telephone (608) 266-0797; or by e-mail at sam.rockweiler@wi.gov .
    STATE OF WISCONSIN
    DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
    DOA-2049 (R03/2012)
    Division of Executive Budget and Finance
    101 East Wilson Street, 10th Floor
    P.O. Box 7864
    Madison, WI 53707-7864
    FAX: (608) 267-0372
    ADMINISTRATIVE RULES
    Fiscal Estimate & Economic Impact Analysis
    1. Type of Estimate and Analysis
    X Original   Updated   Corrected
    2. Administrative Rule Chapter, Title and Number
    SPS 321 and 326, Manufactured Homes, and Manufactured Home Communities
    3. Subject
    Manufactured Homes And Manufactured Home Communities
    4. Fund Sources Affected
    5. Chapter 20, Stats. Appropriations Affected
    GPR   FED   PRO   PRS   SEG   SEG-S
    6. Fiscal Effect of Implementing the Rule
    X No Fiscal Effect
    Indeterminate
    Increase Existing Revenues
    Decrease Existing Revenues
    Increase Costs
    Could Absorb Within Agency's Budget
    Decrease Cost
    7. The Rule Will Impact the Following (Check All That Apply)
    State's Economy
    Local Government Units
    Specific Businesses/Sectors
    Public Utility Rate Payers
    Small Businesses (if checked, complete Attachment A)
    8. Would Implementation and Compliance Costs Be Greater Than $20 million?
    Yes   X No
    9. Policy Problem Addressed by the Rule
    The proposed rule revisions primarily would update the installation standards for manufactured homes by incorporating the current, federal model standards in Title 24, Part 3285 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The proposed rule revisions would also (1) codify the Department's current modifications of the federal installation standards, and (2) update the Department's rules in chapter SPS 326 for manufactured home communities to reflect current administrative and regulatory practices.
    10. Summary of the businesses, business sectors, associations representing business, local governmental units, and individuals that may be affected by the proposed rule that were contacted for comments.
    Representatives of manufacturers of manufactured homes, dealers, installers, owners and residents of manufactured home communities, inspectors, labor representatives, industry suppliers, and an association of the manufactured housing industry.
    11. Identify the local governmental units that participated in the development of this EIA.
    City of Superior
    12. Summary of Rule's Economic and Fiscal Impact on Specific Businesses, Business Sectors, Public Utility Rate Payers, Local Governmental Units and the State's Economy as a Whole (Include Implementation and Compliance Costs Expected to be Incurred)
    No significant negative economic or fiscal impact is expected.
    13. Benefits of Implementing the Rule and Alternative(s) to Implementing the Rule
    Installation of manufactured homes and operation of manufactured home communities would be guided by more up-to-date standards and information.
    14. Long Range Implications of Implementing the Rule
    Clarity and ease of use of the regulations would be improved.
    15. Compare With Approaches Being Used by Federal Government
    See comparison in the rule analysis that accompanies the proposed rule revisions.
    16. Compare With Approaches Being Used by Neighboring States (Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Minnesota)
    See comparison in the rule analysis that accompanies the proposed rule revisions.
    17. Contact Name
    18. Contact Phone Number
    Sam Rockweiler
    608-266-0797
    This document can be made available in alternate formats to individuals with disabilities upon request.