Hi Everyone! We are looking to make an offer on a property in Atlanta, GA but ran into a zoning concern. The property is a triplex that is zoned as an R5, two-family residential. How difficult would it be for us to have it rezoned to a multi family dwelling? Anyone have experience with zoning in Atlanta?

Is the triplex occupied or vacant? Why do you want to rezone? If it's been vacant for some time it can be more challenging to get rezoned depending on the neighborhood. The zoning board could vote against it. 

Hi Kevin! The triplex is currently occupied and we are planning to keep two of the occupants if they wish to stay and move into one of the unit’s ourselves. We’re worried that getting permits to renovate each unit of the triplex will be difficult due to it being zoned as a duplex and will have to jump through all sorts of hoops. Additionally, we had asked the owner about the zoning and were told that it is “grandfathered” in as a triplex despite the difference in zones now. Have you heard of properties being grandfathered into zones?