A third of Texas cities must update their zoning codes to comply with new housing law

Texas municipalities are now required to allow manufactured housing in at least one residential zoning district.

1 minute read

September 18, 2026, 5:00 AM PDT

By Zachary Whalen


A manufactured house on the back of a truck driving down a road.

Texas cities must also identify on their zoning maps where manufactured housing is permitted. | Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB

Texas cities can no longer outright ban manufactured housing under a new state law, which “requires municipalities to permit manufactured housing by right in at least one residential zoning district without mandating a specific use permit,” Ryan Kushner writes for Smart Cities Dive. According to a Texas Manufactured Housing Association analysis, about a third of Texas cities must update their zoning codes to comply with the new law. 

“As rising costs push starter homes out of reach for many, manufactured housing — which can cost around $123,000 on average, according to NerdWallet — represents a more affordable option,” Smart Cities Dive reports. 

Under the new law, Texas cities must also identify on their zoning maps where manufactured housing is permitted.

Thursday, September 17, 2026 in Smart Cities Dive

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