
Our Process
What information do I need to get started?
We suggest you have this site-specific information on hand before you begin this process.
Site-specific
- Parcel Address: Street, City, County (if rural), State, ZIP
- Parcel #
- What square footage am I interested in adding?
- Is the intended use as an ADU or a primary residence?
- Denizen: 20’ x 16’ = 320 sq. ft. with 8’ x 13’ (100 sq. ft.) deck perimeter and 5’ x 4’ (20 sq. ft.) entry porch
- Citizen: 40’ x 16’ = 640 sq. ft. with 7’ 9” x 20’ 6” (150 sq. ft.) deck perimeter and 5’ x 4’ (20 sq. ft.) entry porch
- Denizen: approximately 16,000 lb / 8-ton (4-ton / module)
- Citizen: approximately 32,000 lb / 16-ton (8-ton / module)
Building Codes
ZenniHomes are built to 2018 International Residential Code (2009 ICC, 2008 NEC). This is a higher standard than HUD standard for manufactured housing. Any standard sewer or septic system should be compatible with our models.
Construction and Life Safety Codes
ZenniHome models have not currently been designed as tornado shelters and do not currently meet Florida hurricane standards for residential buildings (i.e., they do not have impact windows). Note: this does not mean a ZenniHome cannot be installed in tornado prone areas - however we would recommend access to a separate tornado shelter.
The wind load is 120 MPH with 3-second gusts. The roof snow load is 20 psf. The structure is built to Exposure Category C and Seismic Risk Category DII.
Floor Plans
Foundation RequirementThe typical foundation system is a set of cast-in-place concrete piers supporting steel columns fastened to the modules. ZenniHome will provide installation instructions for a typical foundation system upon initial deposit. Unique sites require local contractor/architect/engineer design. All foundation components are the responsibility of the owner.
- Denizen: 6 concrete pier footings
- Citizen: 9 concrete pier footings
STEP 1: Zoning
You will need to contact your city’s or county’s Planning and Zoning/Development Department for a Parcel Report to verify whether a ZenniHome model is allowed to be placed on your property. Note: There may be different requirements and restrictions for an ADU versus a primary residence. There may also be some additional restrictions that apply such as: setback, access (driveways), parking, aesthetics, structure type, etc. If there is a Homeowners Association (HOA) with its own rules regarding properties, or if you are in a historical district, you will need to check on these as well.
STEP 2: Reserve Your Spot in the Queue
After you have confirmed that a ZenniHome can be placed on your property, now is the time for you to reserve your place in line on our Production Calendar. First, customize your home on our reserve-now order page (Citizen or Denizen) by choosing your home’s external and internal design schemes and optional features. Then, just make your reservation with a nonrefundable $100 fee. Your Production Start Date will be MINIMALLY 120 days from this point. Don’t worry we will keep you in the loop.
~~~ Should you wish to cancel your reservation you may submit a request to us. Note, however, the reservation fee is nonrefundable under any circumstances. ~~~
STEP 3 (optional): Financing
If you plan to finance your ZenniHome, now would be the time to start on that process. We will have partnered with Intercap Lending and have a dedicated loan officer who can help you obtain a mortgage for your new ZenniHome.
STEP 4: Production Deposit 1 & Permit Drawing Package
Upon receipt of your $2,500 payment, we will provide you with the Permit Drawing Package, a full set of signed and sealed construction documents for the modular portion of the project including architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, foundation and installation details:
- Floor plans
- Elevations
- Building sections
- Wall sections and details
- Foundation design and instructions for a standard typical installation
- General Installation Instructions
At a minimum you will need to make this payment 90 days prior to your production start date.
~~~ Your initial $2,500 production deposit is refundable up to 2 weeks before your manufacture start date. ~~~
STEP 5: Permitting*
STEP 6a: Production Deposit 2, Final Changes, & Production Start Date
Contingent upon receipt of your approved site plans and permits, we will email you 30 days out from your Production Start Date to collect the second portion of your deposit. This $7,500 is due within 2 weeks of Production Start Date. Upon receipt of your Deposit 2, your order will enter into Pre-Production.
STEP 6b: Site Preparation
As soon as you have your permits you will need to schedule the building of your foundation and utility access. You are responsible to hire the contractor(s) to prepare your site and to install your ZenniHome.
Foundation
Your ZenniHome will need to be secured to a solid foundation of either 6 (Denizen) or 9 (Citizen) concrete piers (or alternative approved foundation). This foundation is normally built by a local contractor in compliance with ZenniHome specifications and local government requirements. The foundation will need to already be in place, inspected, and approved before your ZenniHome arrives at the site.
Utility Access
Sewer, water, and electrical connections will need to be installed or extended to the foundation so that your ZenniHome can be hooked up to these services once it is placed. If you are not grid-tied, you will be responsible for providing your own propane tank to supply the stove, cooktop, and water heater. A 500-gallon propane tank is normal.
STEP 7: Shipping
STEP 8: Final Payment
The balance of your payment will be due when your ZenniHome arrives at your site.
STEP 9: Site Installation
Your installation crew will need to be present in order to remove the unit from the truck, secure the modules to the foundation, mate and seal the components together, install the porches, gabion walls and the robotic furniture. If approved by local authorities, this same crew may be able to perform the utility hookups.
Utility Hookup
Sewer, water, electrical, and hookups will be performed by your licensed contractor and are subject to inspection and approval by local utilities or governmental authorities.
STEP 10: Move in! Live Transformed!


