Question 1: What does Utah’s Modular Building Program regulate?

The Utah Modular Building Program is administered by the state’s Division of Facilities Construction and Management under the Factory Built Housing and Modular Units Administration Act. It establishes a statewide regulatory process for modular units intended for installation in Utah. The process covers manufacturer approval, plan review, factory inspection, third-party oversight and certification decals. It operates independently from the division’s management of state-owned facilities and is intended to verify off-site construction before units reach their installation sites.

Question 2: What must an overseas manufacturer complete before shipment?

A manufacturer must obtain Utah approval before shipping modular units into the state for installation. Once approved, it must work with a recognized third-party inspection agency that reviews the plans, inspects factory production and confirms that construction matches the approved documentation. Approval should begin before manufacturing is completed because structural connections, insulation, building services and fire-resistant assemblies may become inaccessible after walls and ceilings are closed.

Question 3: What are the responsibilities of inspection agencies and individual inspectors?

Third-party inspection agencies must apply separately for Utah approval. Their core responsibilities include modular-unit plan review, required factory inspections and application of state-approved certification decals before shipment. Individual inspectors must be employed by an approved inspection agency and submit their own applications to the state. Only approved agencies and inspectors are authorized to issue or apply certification decals; manufacturers cannot create their own decals or substitute ordinary factory quality labels.

Question 4: What fees are currently listed for the program?

The fee schedule updated on 10 April 2026 lists a $1,600 initial manufacturer registration fee and an $800 annual renewal fee. Initial registration for a third-party inspection agency is $2,000, with a $1,000 annual renewal, while an individual third-party inspector pays $500 annually. Plan registration costs $50 per plan, and plan review is charged at $125 per hour. The listed decal registration fee for a commercial modular unit is $100, with additional charges possible for on-site and factory audits.

Question 5: How does the program affect Chinese modular-building exporters?

Chinese manufacturers planning to supply Utah projects should include state registration, third-party plan review, factory inspection and certification decals in their pricing and delivery schedules. Contracts should identify whether the buyer or manufacturer pays registration, review, inspection, travel and decal costs, while also allowing time for corrective work. Module identification, material batches, welding records, concealed-work photographs and inspection results should be traceable. Compliance accepted by another US state or an international standard should not be assumed to provide automatic Utah approval.