Legislation sponsored by Rep. Deb Manjarrez to modernize and streamline inspections for factory-built housing and commercial structures passed the Washington State House of Representatives unanimously today.
House Bill 2151 aligns Washington’s rules for manufactured and factory-built housing with widely used national standards, a move aimed at improving affordability and efficiency in housing construction.
“Affordability is one of my top priorities this session,” said Manjarrez, R-Wapato. “This bill helps reduce costs, speeds up construction timelines, and cuts unnecessary red tape without compromising safety. With Washington among the most expensive states to buy a home, even modest cost savings can make a real difference for families. Factory-built homes are increasingly common, and our laws need to reflect that reality.”
Washington is the fourth most expensive state in the nation for home purchases, and the state will need more than 1.1 million new homes over the next 20 years to meet demand.
The bill requires the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) to consider national standards from the International Code Council when adopting rules for factory-built housing and commercial structures. It also allows greater flexibility for qualified third-party inspection agencies to conduct factory inspections, helping reduce backlogs and improve turnaround times.
“This is about making the system work better,” Manjarrez said. “Faster inspections and clearer standards mean homes can be built and delivered sooner, while manufacturers and regulators have a more predictable process to follow.”
Manjarrez pointed to the bill’s strong bipartisan support as a key factor in its unanimous passage. The governor also highlighted the proposal in his State of the State address, citing it as a way to expand affordable housing by easing compliance requirements for modular and factory-built homes.
House Bill 2151 now moves to the Senate for consideration. The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn March 12.
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