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LOCATING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
Perhaps you want to place your home on your own lot. This depends entirely on the regulations, and restrictions, of the county and township where you want to locate. Check into this thoroughly before taking other preliminary steps. In some locations permission can be obtained without too much difficulty; but in others it may be impossible. As a first step, go to the court house, or city hall, and obtain a copy of the zoning ordinances that apply to the area in which you are interested. Ask about obtaining a variance in the zoning, if one will be needed. Seek the advice of a local attorney, if you are confused about the regulations. In any event, do not buy a manufactured home until you know you can satisfy the local restrictions.

If you have been looking at homes, remember that the retailer may be able to give you valuable guidance about locating on private property, especially if he is not trying to get tenants for a community of his own.

After you find a private site that suits you, and know you can obtain any necessary approval, there are some other considerations:

How far away are utilities? Will zoning ordinances allow you to add on to your home at a later date? How much will you have to pay in property taxes?
You will have to arrange for certain site preparations. They include: properly prepared concrete strips or a slab to support the necessary piers on which the home will sit; or an approved foundation, depending on local conditions; adequate tie-down and anchorage provisions; and connections to electric, gas and telephone lines, and to water and sewer mains, if available.

In some areas the utility companies require that connections be made by their own technicians. In any case, be sure that the connecting is done by a qualified professional. If water and/or sewer hook-ups are not available, then you may have to dig your own well and install your own septic system. Check local regulations concerning these points.

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