A pivotal discussion on House Bill 160 dominated the Lexington Planning Commission Work Session on July 17, 2025, focusing on the regulation of manufactured homes. The bill, adopted earlier this year, aims to standardize how local governments can treat these homes, ensuring they are not discriminated against in zoning laws compared to traditional single-family residences.

The proposed changes, presented in a detailed packet, outline that manufactured homes meeting specific criteria—such as being installed within five years of construction and affixed to a permanent foundation—must be treated equally to other residential properties. This means local governments cannot impose stricter regulations on these homes than those applied to conventional houses.

Key definitions were clarified during the meeting, distinguishing between mobile homes and manufactured homes based on their construction date, with 1976 marking the cutoff. The discussion highlighted that manufactured homes must meet size requirements, being at least 20 feet wide and over 900 square feet, although exceptions can be made for smaller lots.

Commission members raised concerns about the implications of the new regulations, particularly regarding homeowners associations (HOAs) and the potential for multiple homes on a single lot. It was confirmed that while local governments cannot impose additional restrictions, HOAs can still enforce their own rules regarding architectural standards.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for the commission to initiate the necessary updates to local zoning ordinances, aligning them with state requirements. This process is expected to begin in August, with a deadline to finalize changes by 2026. The overarching goal is to enhance affordable housing options in Lexington, as manufactured homes can provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional construction methods.