Questions to Ask Before Buying Land for a Tiny Home

• Is a tiny home of my intended type allowed on this property?
• How would this particular home be classified under local rules?
• Is full-time residential occupancy permitted?
• Are there minimum dwelling-size, foundation, or construction requirements?
• What setbacks, height limits, lot coverage rules, or other development restrictions apply?
• Are there limits on the number of dwellings allowed on the property?
• Can a tiny home on wheels be used as a permanent residence here?
• Would a foundation-built tiny home be treated differently?
• Are there restrictions on placing a tiny home in a backyard or using the property as an ADU?
• What permits, approvals, inspections, and supporting documents are required?
• Are there relevant overlays, special districts, recorded restrictions, or other rules I should investigate?
• Can you direct me to the applicable regulations or provide written guidance about this proposed use?

• Are the legal property boundaries clearly established?
• Is there a current survey, and what does it show?
• Does the property have legal access from a public road or through an easement?
• Are there recorded easements or restrictions that could affect placement or construction?
• Is there enough suitable land for the home, access, utilities, and required setbacks?
• Are the slope, soil, and drainage suitable for the proposed installation?
• Would grading, excavation, retaining walls, or tree removal be necessary?
• Are there known flood, wildfire, erosion, or other environmental risks?
• Are there seasonal conditions that could make the property difficult to reach or use?
• Would a delivery vehicle be able to reach the intended building area safely?

• Is a public water connection available at the property?
• If not, is a well feasible, and what testing or approvals would be required?
• Is public sewer available, or would an onsite wastewater system be necessary?
• If a septic system is proposed, has the property been evaluated for suitability?
• Are there local restrictions on alternative toilets or wastewater systems?
• What approvals apply to greywater systems or other proposed reuse methods?
• What would it cost to install the required water and wastewater infrastructure?
• Are there seasonal water-supply, drought, or freezing concerns to account for?

• Is electricity available at the property boundary or nearby?
• What would it cost to connect service to the proposed home location?
• Would trenching, new poles, or other infrastructure be required?
• Are there limitations or delays associated with obtaining service?
• Is cellular coverage adequate at the actual site?
• What internet services are available, and what are their realistic costs?
• If I plan to use solar or another off-grid system, are there local requirements or site limitations to consider?

• Can the intended home be delivered along the available road and driveway?
• Are there restrictions involving vehicle size, weight, bridge capacity, overhead lines, or turning radius?
• Is there enough space to maneuver the home or construction equipment into position?
• Would a crane or specialized delivery equipment be required?
• What preparation is needed before the home arrives?
• Are there restrictions on construction hours, noise, staging, or temporary access?
• Where could materials and equipment be stored during installation?
• Will the site remain accessible during wet weather or other difficult conditions?

• What are the estimated costs for surveys, testing, permits, and professional assessments?
• How much will access, grading, drainage, and site preparation cost?
• What will water, wastewater, electricity, and communications infrastructure cost?
• Are impact fees, utility connection charges, or other local fees applicable?
• Will the property require a foundation, anchoring, or other site-specific structural work?
• What ongoing property taxes, insurance costs, service fees, or maintenance expenses should I expect?
• Which estimates are confirmed, and which are still assumptions?
• What financial contingency should I allow for unresolved site conditions?

• What is the current zoning designation, and is there documentation to support it?
• Has a tiny home or other dwelling previously been approved or placed on the property?
• Are there surveys, soil reports, utility records, permits, or other relevant documents available?
• Are there known easements, access agreements, deed restrictions, or unresolved boundary issues?
• Have previous owners investigated development or utility connections?
• Are there known drainage, access, environmental, or infrastructure problems?
• Are there existing agreements or costs associated with shared roads or services?

Treat seller statements and listing descriptions as information to investigate, not as substitutes for independent verification.

• Have I confirmed that my intended home and use are allowed?
• Have I identified the approvals and requirements that apply to the property?
• Do I understand the legal access and property restrictions?
• Have I investigated whether water, wastewater, electricity, and communications can be provided?
• Do I know whether the site can physically accommodate the home?
• Have I obtained realistic estimates for the major preparation and infrastructure costs?
• Are any important assumptions still unverified?
• Should I seek advice from a surveyor, engineer, septic specialist, land-use professional, or real estate attorney?
• Does the purchase agreement provide appropriate opportunities to investigate unresolved issues before I am committed?