Can you build another house on the same property?

Question

Say I buy a small duplex, on the same property could I build two more "tiny homes" and say the address was 235 a/b oak lane would it just be 235 a/b/c/d? This is probably a dumb question but I know dam well people build large sheds in front of their houses that are just as big as I very small apartment. Can this legally be done? Say I buy a duplex...on the same property can I legally building another smaller duplex on the same property and rent the small apartments out? Is this possible?

Marc Phelps · Answer

Call your local zoning office.  Ask them: 1) Can you build additional homes on the property?  2) Can you build an 'accessory dwelling' on the property?  3) Can you rent out accessory dwellings?  4) What are the size and setback requirements in your zoning district?

I've never met a zoning person who wasn't able to quickly answer those questions.  They typically will give you a firm no or a maybe (they hardly ever say 'yes').

Account Closed · Answer

this was this first thing I read on a zoning person "Prohibit exterior physical changes to the home for the purposes of business" so chances don't seem too good

Kurt Hines · Answer

I think this is primarily a zoning issue. Is the property zoned to allow this, or can you get it allowed? Which means you'll have to get the answer for it locally, with the zoning department.