Ohio Department of Commerce Highlights Role in Keeping Residents Safe Amid Manufactured Home Park Growth Across State

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Manufactured home parks are becoming an increasingly popular housing option for Ohioans seeking affordability and community. With a sharp rise in new and expanded parks across the state, the Ohio Department of Commerce's Manufactured Homes Program (MHP) is emphasizing the critical role it plays in ensuring these communities remain safe, well-regulated, and prepared for severe weather.

The Program oversees the installation of manufactured homes; licenses and regulates park operators, installers, dealers, brokers, and salespeople; and certifies inspectors and inspection agencies. Since July 1, 2024, MHP has received 15 park development applications regarding park expansion and new park development. Twelve of the applications have been approved and three are in the review process. To put that into perspective, that's the volume that the Program experienced in the previous five years combined. As of July 2026, there are nearly 1,500 active operating parks with more than 111,000 lots.

As interest in manufactured housing expands, the Department remains committed to ensuring that development occurs responsibly. Each new park or expansion undergoes a meticulous, safety-focused review that examines grading, drainage, emergency access, utilities, and installation standards to verify compliance with the Ohio Revised Code and Ohio Administrative Code.

"Our focus is on keeping manufactured home parks safe and stable for residents," said Division of Industrial Compliance Superintendent Robb Coventry. "We're committed to being partners with residents, local leaders, and property owners as we maintain safe, stable places for families to call home."

Understanding Safety: Construction Standards and Severe Weather Risks
Today's manufactured homes are built to rigorous federal HUD standards and are designed as durable, long-term housing. However, manufactured homes-regardless of age-remain more vulnerable than permanent structures during tornado-strength winds.

According to long-standing National Weather Service data:

• 72% of tornado-related fatalities occur inside homes.
• More than half of those involve manufactured housing.

Because of these elevated risks, MHP urges residents and prospective residents to understand and plan for severe weather as part of responsible homeownership.

What Residents Should Do During Severe Weather

• Create and practice a severe-weather emergency plan. Families should know where to go, what to take, and how to communicate during a severe weather event. Preparing a basic emergency kit and reviewing the plan seasonally can save lives.
• Identify the nearest hardened shelter. Manufactured homes, while safe for everyday living, cannot provide adequate protection from tornado-strength winds. Residents should know the location of community shelters, reinforced buildings, or designated safe rooms.
• Understand post-storm home safety. If a manufactured home is moved off its foundation, even slightly, it cannot be re-occupied until it is professionally reinstalled and inspected.

The Manufactured Homes Program works closely with the Ohio Severe Weather Awareness Committee to help residents plan ahead and take weather threats seriously.

Supporting Ohioans as Manufactured Home Communities ExpandCommerce encourages prospective residents to visit parks in person to assess conditions such as lighting, drainage, roads, and shared spaces. They are also advised to ask about monthly lot fees, maintenance responsibilities, installation practices, park rules, and lease terms. Verification that a park is properly licensed can be found at https://elicense.ohio.gov/oh_verifylicense.

The Department remains committed to helping manufactured home communities grow sustainably while keeping resident safety, both structural and weather-related, at the forefront.

For more information, visit https://com.ohio.gov/manufacturedhomes.

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About the Division of Industrial Compliance
The Division of Industrial Compliance is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The department is Ohio's chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at com.ohio.gov.