How to Buy a Park Model RV Tiny Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

This guide is your roadmap from first questions to move-in day. Everything in one place so you always know what comes next.

Inside you will find:

  • Where park model RVs are allowed and how to research your property
  • Choosing the right model and options for how you plan to use it
  • Financing, timelines, and what to expect during the build
  • Site preparation, delivery, setup, and utility hookups
  • Insurance basics and how to talk to an agent
  • Warranty, service, and long-term care of your home
NW Tiny Homes buying process roadmap

The Full Buying Process, Explained

This short video walks through every step - zoning, customization, timelines, delivery, and what to expect along the way. Watch this first, then dive into the step-by-step details below.

1

Confirm Zoning & Site Access

Zoning

The homes featured in this guide are officially classified as Park Model RVs - sometimes referred to as park models, park model tiny homes, or tiny homes on wheels. The most precise term is Park Model RV. This classification matters because these homes are regulated under RV codes rather than residential building codes.

Park Model RVs are built to the quality and feel of a stick-built home - full kitchens, full bathrooms, real finishes - but their RV classification means simpler permits, no foundation requirement, and streamlined placement on private property.

Before ordering, confirm that your city or county allows an occupied RV or Park Model RV on private property. Every jurisdiction has its own zoning language, so contact your local planning department early. We can help you identify the right office and provide questions to ask.

Note: Park Model RVs can be placed on a permanent foundation if your jurisdiction allows it. The home is still classified as an RV under ANSI A119.5 - foundation type is a placement choice, not a code change. Ask us about your specific site during your visit.

Basic Placement Requirements

Access

16-foot tall clearance, 14-foot wide entrance (larger for Magnolia and Ponderosa), and minimal sharp turns that would prevent backing the unit into the site.

Space

Most park models are up to 399 sq ft and 12-15 feet wide. You need room for the home plus working space during delivery and setup. Setbacks from property lines may apply.

Utilities

If your city allows an occupied RV, they typically allow connections to power, water, and sewer or septic. Hookups can be temporary or permanent depending on local code.

How to Confirm

Call or email your city planner and ask directly whether an occupied Park Model RV is allowed in your zoning district. We have a question list to make this conversation easy.

2

Tour Our Models

Tour

Once you have confirmed your space and zoning, the next step is touring our models in person. We have two display lots in the Pacific Northwest, one in Portland, OR (closest to Portland metro, SW Washington, Salem, Eugene, Bend, and the Gorge) and one in Snohomish, WA (closest to Seattle, Everett, Bellevue, Tacoma, Olympia, and the greater Puget Sound).

During the tour you can walk through every model, compare layouts and finishes, ask questions about setup and delivery, review upgrade and customization options, and learn about financing. Walk-ins are always welcome, though booking ahead means a rep will be ready and waiting for you.

When you are ready to schedule, scroll to the bottom of this guide to pick your location and book a time. Sharing details about your property, project goals, and timeline in the form helps our team tailor the tour to your needs.
3

Customize Your Home

Customize

After your tour you will complete our Customization Form, which lets you personalize every aspect of your home. You can fill it out in person, take it home, or schedule a follow-up consultation with our team.

Customization options include floor plan variations, door and window placement, porch add-ons, roofing, countertops, flooring, and more. We walk through all selections together before sending your estimate to make sure everything is aligned with your budget and vision.

4

Financing & Order Placement

Financing

We accept both cash and financing. Cash buyers receive a 1% discount off the purchase price - the simplest and fastest path to getting your home ordered.

Financing is also accessible for many buyers and you are welcome to use the lender of your choice. If you want a recommendation, we work with 21st Mortgage, a lender experienced specifically in park model tiny home financing. We can introduce you to their team and guide you through the process.

Once financing is approved or a cash payment is completed, we submit your order to the manufacturer. Build times typically run 8 to 14 weeks depending on the manufacturer's schedule and your selected options. We keep you informed throughout.

5

Site Preparation & Insurance

Site Prep

While your home is being built, use this time to get your property ready. Key items to line up:

  • Permits or approvals if your area requires them
  • Utility hookups - power, water, sewer, and gas
  • Pad prep - gravel, concrete pad, or concrete runners
  • Stairs planning and construction
  • Park Model RV insurance in place before move-in

We can work directly with your contractor or connect you with our network of professionals to answer technical questions and provide setup specs.

6

Delivery & Setup

Delivery

As your home nears completion we will reach out to schedule delivery for a date that works for you. Whenever possible a NW Tiny Homes team member will be on-site during delivery to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Once the home is in place we conduct a walkthrough, document any items that need attention, and orient you to the home's systems - electrical panel, water shutoffs, appliances, HVAC, and routine maintenance points. Any warranty items noted during the walkthrough get submitted directly to the manufacturer on your behalf.

From there, the home is yours. Move in, settle in, and enjoy it.

Tip: Have your utilities connected and ready before delivery day. It lets us complete final hookups on-site and hand off a fully functional home.

Take the full guide with you.

Download the complete buyer's guide as a PDF. Save it, share it with your partner or contractor, and come back to it whenever you are ready.

Download PDF
Ready for Your Next Step?

Schedule a tour and find your tiny home.

You now have the complete roadmap from zoning to move-in. Pick the location closest to you and book a time to walk through every model in person.

Jump to a location or
Portland
Oregon
Closest to Portland metro, Vancouver WA, the Gorge, Salem, Eugene, Bend, and SW Washington.
Address
1110 NE Columbia Blvd.
Portland, OR 97211
Hours
Open Daily, 11 am to 6 pm
Snohomish
Washington
Closest to Seattle, Everett, Bellevue, Tacoma, Olympia, and the greater Puget Sound area.
Address
9813 Airport Way
Snohomish, WA 98296
Hours
Wed to Sun, 11 am to 6 pm

Walk-ins always welcome during open hours. Booking ahead means a rep will be ready and waiting for you.