Homes on Land

Placing a manufactured home on private land in San Diego County.

Placing a manufactured home on private land starts with the parcel’s actual jurisdiction, zoning, access, utilities, site constraints, unit eligibility, foundation design, and permits. In unincorporated San Diego County, current County PDS103 explains the Section 6506 path. Incorporated cities have their own authorities and requirements, so a County checklist must not be applied to a city parcel.

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Rural San Diego County parcel with a manufactured home on a graded pad surrounded by native landscaping

What this covers

Walk you through County Zoning Ordinance Section 6506 requirements for manufactured home placement
Help you understand what zoning designations allow residential manufactured home placement
Explain the permit process for unincorporated San Diego County and key city jurisdictions
Help you understand what a site assessment needs to cover: soils, slope, utilities, access
Explain well and septic requirements for rural parcels without existing utility service
Walk you through the HCD Form 433A process for converting the home to real property
Connect you with independent local contractors and engineers who work on manufactured-home placements

Homes on Land guide illustration for San Diego County manufactured home buyers

When this applies to you

You own a parcel and want to know if a manufactured home can legally go on it
You're buying land specifically to place a manufactured home
You're in an unincorporated rural area of San Diego County with no existing utilities
You want to understand what permits and inspections are required before you buy the home
You've been told a manufactured home can't go on your land and want to understand why

What buyers ask about Homes on Land

What does San Diego County Zoning Ordinance Section 6506 require?

Current County PDS103 applies to private lots in unincorporated San Diego County. It identifies eligible mobilehomes built from September 15, 1971 through June 14, 1976 and qualifying manufactured homes built on or after June 15, 1976, then lists zoning, foundation, exterior, fire-area, permit, and other requirements. Its 2:12 roof-pitch and one-foot-overhang provisions include stated exceptions and Director waiver paths. Confirm the current document and parcel interpretation with County PDS.

What foundation type is required?

HUD Permanent Foundation Guidelines require that the foundation be engineered to resist the loads of the home and site conditions, be built of durable materials, and be attached to the home with approved anchoring systems. In San Diego County, a concrete perimeter foundation is the most common approach. An engineered foundation plan is typically required, and the design may need to address expansive soils or seismic zone requirements depending on the parcel.

What if my land does not have water or sewer service?

First ask the responsible water, sewer, environmental-health, and planning agencies what service or onsite systems are allowed for the parcel. A private system may require testing, design, permits, access, and ongoing maintenance. Do not buy the land based on an allowance; obtain feasibility findings and written provider estimates for the proposed use.

How does the permit process work for unincorporated San Diego County?

For an unincorporated parcel, begin with San Diego County Planning & Development Services and request the current parcel-specific submittal path. PDS103 says a building permit is required before installation on a designated foundation system. Grading, utility, fire, environmental, or discretionary reviews depend on the site and proposal. Ask the County to identify required plans, departments, fees, and review steps in writing.

Can I use a manufactured home as the only dwelling on agricultural land?

In some agricultural zones in unincorporated San Diego County, a manufactured home can serve as the primary residence if it meets all of the Section 6506 standards and the parcel meets minimum size requirements. The specific allowances depend on the zone designation. Some agricultural zones require a farm dwelling use permit. Check with San Diego County Planning and Development Services before purchasing agricultural land for this purpose.