On average, you can fit 6-10 single-wide homes or 4-6 double-wide homes on an acre of land, but these numbers can vary.

To truly maximize your space, you need to consider key factors, such as the shape of the land, required setbacks, and the infrastructure needed for utilities. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know—covering mobile home sizes, space optimization strategies, and legal considerations you must keep in mind.

How many acres of land do you need for a mobile home?  

The amount of land needed for a mobile home depends on local zoning laws, the size of the home, utility requirements, and your intended use (e.g., single residence vs. multiple homes). 

Zoning and Lot Size

Rural Areas: Many counties require 0.25–1 acre (10,890–43,560 sq ft) per mobile home for a single residence, especially if using a septic system and well. Some allow as little as 0.1–0.2 acres (4,356–8,712 sq ft) if utilities are pre-existing.

Mobile Home Parks: Lot sizes shrink to 2,500–5,000 sq ft (0.06–0.11 acres) per home due to shared infrastructure, but this applies to park settings, not individual ownership.

Suburban/Urban: 0.1–0.5 acres (4,356–21,780 sq ft) is common, depending on density rules and utility access.

Typical Mobile Home Sizes and Space Requirements

Single-wide mobile homes: Typically 14 feet wide and 70-80 feet long, with a total area of ​​about 980 to 1,120 square feet. Due to their smaller size, you can build more homes on an acre of land. On flat land, you can fit up to 8-10 single-wide homes, depending on zoning laws and setbacks.

Double-wide mobile homes: About 24 feet wide and up to 1,500 square feet. Due to the larger area of ​​double-wide homes, fewer homes can fit on the same acre of land. Typically, only 4 – 6 double-wide homes can be built on an acre of land, leaving limited space for roads, parking, or amenities.

Other types of mobile homes: Tiny homes and modular units are smaller alternatives. Tiny homes range from 100 square feet to 400 square feet, while modular homes are larger than single-wide homes but smaller than double-wide homes. By choosing a smaller home like a micro home, you can fit more units — up to 15 or more per acre, depending on size and layout. This is ideal for high-density housing or mobile home parks.

Setbacks and Buffers

• Typical rules: 5–20 ft between homes, 10–25 ft from property lines, 10–50 ft from roads or water features.
• Example: A single-wide (14 ft x 70 ft) with 10-ft setbacks on all sides needs a lot of at least 34 ft x 90 ft (3,060 sq ft, or 0.07 acres).

Utilities

• Septic System: Requires 5,000–20,000 sq ft (0.11–0.46 acres) depending on soil percolation and local codes, often pushing rural minimums to 0.5–1 acre.
• Well: Adds 2,500–5,000 sq ft (0.06–0.11 acres) for setbacks from septic and home.
• Existing Hookups: Reduces land needs to the home footprint plus setbacks (e.g., 0.1–0.25 acres).

How many mobile homes can you put on 1 acre of land?

The quantity of mobile homes permissible on a single acre of land is contingent upon local zoning regulations, minimum lot size stipulations, setback guidelines, as well as pragmatic factors such as utility availability and accessibility.

Zoning and Local Regulations

Zoning laws dictate the maximum number of mobile homes that can be placed on an acre and may also regulate the type of homes allowed. Residential or agricultural zones often have stricter limits, while commercial zones or designated mobile home parks can offer more flexibility. It’s crucial to consistently review local zoning regulations to guarantee adherence to them.

Minimum Lot Size for Mobile Home: Many areas require a minimum lot size per mobile home, typically ranging from 2,000 sq ft to 10,000 sq ft or more, depending on the zoning area (e.g., rural, suburban, or mobile home park).

Setbacks: Regulations often specify the distance between homes, property lines, and roads. Common setbacks include:

• 5–20 feet between homes
  
• 10–25 feet from property lines
  
• 10–50 feet from roads or water features

Density Limits: Zoning may limit the number of homes per acre. For example:

• Mobile home parks may allow 4–10 homes per acre.
  
• Rural areas may allow 1–2 homes per acre.

Practical Layout Considerations

• Land Shape and Size: Rectangular or square plots are more efficient for space utilization, while irregularly shaped land can limit the number of homes. Additionally, sloped areas or wetlands may reduce usable space, making flat, clear land more suitable for placing multiple homes.

• Roads and Driveways: Typically 10–20 feet wide, reducing usable space.
  
• Utility Easements: These usually take up 5–10 feet of space, further reducing the available area.
  
• Septic Systems: If not connected to a public sewer, each home might need 5,000–10,000 sq ft for a septic system, depending on local regulations and soil conditions.

How to Maximize Space and Layout for Mobile Homes

Effective Land Layout for Maximizing the Number of Homes

• For efficiency, placing homes in rows is a common strategy, as it maximizes space. Alternatively, clustering homes in small groups can work well, especially if your land has irregular shapes. Consider the land’s layout and zoning rules when choosing between these options.

Incorporating Roads, Parking, and Common Areas

• Roads and parking take up space, so plan them carefully. Ensure roads are wide enough for access while leaving room for homes. Parking spaces must also be balanced—enough for each home but not too many to crowd the area. Be mindful of common areas like parks, which add value but shouldn’t take up too much of the land.

Landscaping and Aesthetic Considerations

• Green spaces and recreational areas are important for quality of life, but they shouldn’t sacrifice space for homes. Focus on small, functional green areas that enhance the environment, such as trees for privacy or low-maintenance plants in shared spaces.

Additional Considerations for Mobile Home Park Development

When developing a mobile home park, there are several critical factors beyond just the number of homes. Here’s a look at the key considerations that can impact your project:

Infrastructure Requirements (Water, Electricity, Sewage)

Planning for utilities like water, electricity, and sewage is essential to the success of any mobile home park. These utilities don’t merely have an impact on the project development timeline; they also influence the overall cost and the practicality of executing your project.

• Utility Layout: For a mobile home park on 1 acre, you need to plan how these utilities will be distributed. For instance, each home will require water and electricity hookups, and you’ll need a sewage system or access to municipal waste disposal.
  
• A typical layout would include main utility lines running along the roads with individual hookups for each unit. It’s important to make sure that each utility is easily accessible for maintenance and that you have enough capacity to serve all homes on the property.
  

Compliance with Local Building Codes and Permits

Ensuring that your mobile home park meets local building codes is essential for compliance and avoiding delays.

• Compliance: Local building codes vary, but they often include regulations on things like setbacks, utility installation, and safety standards. It’s critical to understand these requirements before starting construction.
  
• Permits: You will likely need various permits for water, electricity, construction, and even zoning approval. The best way to secure these permits is to work closely with local authorities and get familiar with the permitting process early on. A professional planner or architect can help guide you through this.
  

Managing Risk and Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Developing a mobile home park is a significant investment, and there are common mistakes developers make that can lead to costly errors.

• Common Mistakes: One of the most frequent errors is a lack of complete comprehension regarding zoning and infrastructure prerequisites. Another mistake is neglecting to plan for future expansion or overlooking long-term maintenance expenses.
  
• Avoiding Errors: To avoid these issues, make sure to conduct thorough due diligence, including reviewing zoning laws, utility access, and long-term maintenance plans. Planning for future expansion and ensuring your utilities can handle increased demand will save you from costly fixes later.

Conclusion

Now that you possess the knowledge necessary to make well-informed choices, it’s time to take action. Whether you’re looking to build a new mobile home park, invest in land, or develop a residential community, SteelPRO PEB is here to help. We specialize in providing high-quality, temporary modular homes and offer expert guidance every step of the way to ensure your project meets both your goals and local requirements.

FAQs

How many mobile homes can fit on 2 acres?

On 2 acres, you can typically fit 8-10 single-wide mobile homes or 4-6 double-wide mobile homes, depending on the layout, setbacks, and local zoning regulations.

Is it cheaper to buy land and put a mobile home on it?

Purchasing land and situating a mobile home on it may prove more cost – effective than acquiring a conventional home, particularly in areas where land prices are relatively low. However, you must factor in the costs for utilities, permits, and installation, which can add up.

What is the average lot size for a mobile home?

The average lot size for a mobile home is typically around 1/4 acre (10,000 square feet) for a single-wide home, and 1/3 to 1/2 acre for a double-wide home, depending on local zoning and space requirements.

Can two mobile homes share a septic tank?

Yes, two mobile homes can share a septic tank, but it depends on local regulations and the size of the septic system. The tank needs to possess sufficient capacity to manage the waste generated by both residences.

Can you build two houses on 2 acres?

Yes, you can usually build two houses on 2 acres, but local zoning laws and building codes will determine if it’s allowed. It’s essential for you to consult with your local authorities to ascertain the specific rules and requirements.