Baltimore SFH zoned properties with multi units? Legal?

Question

There are so many properties in baltimore with SFH zoning but setup at a duplex or triplex. I currently have a SFH under contract that is setup as a duplex. The owner claims this is zoned single family with a permit for an additional kitchen. The property even has separate utilities. My lawyer is looking into this. How was this possible and would I be able to continue renting out as a multiunit? Please share your knowledge and experience. Thanks!

Ned Carey · Answer

@Jae Ham  Many properties have approval for a "Non conforming" use. This could be due to a legal zoning exception or because the current property use was started before the zoning went into affect and is grandfathered in.

Yo don't need an attorney to check this. A phone call to zoning will provide the answer. You can go down to the city to apply for a certificate of zoning so you have paper proof that the current property use is in fact allowed

Chuck Masters · Answer

@Ned Carey Have you had any experience with rehabbing any houses that were grandfathered in for zoning like you mention above? I inherited a house in Baltimore City that I'm beginning to rehab and want to convert it back to a duplex. At one time the house had 2 front doors (found a door from the 1930's in the wall still on it's hinges) and 2 kitchens ( the 2nd kitchen at one time was converted to a bedroom) with all the guts for the plumbing for a kitchen behind the walls. There are many houses in the neighborhood that are configured the same and when I look up the records they are shown as SFH but they are duplexes. I couldn't figure out who to contact about proceeding with the rehab as a duplex until I read this thread. Thanks

Jonathan Tavarez · Answer

Just like mentioned by @Ned Carey call or visit zoning, they will pass you around a few times but they will provide all the necessary answers on what's possible and ideally do it before closing on the property.  You can always move forward and do conversions of all kind with no papers (specially in Baltimore) but just know if something goes south, you most likely will be on the hook for all/most damages.

Joe Norman · Answer

You'll likely need to apply for a zoning variance to permit the non-conforming use. Some on the forums have done this on their own, and in the past I have hired a lawyer to manage this process for me. Good luck!

Fahim Ali · Answer

Hey @Chuck Masters @Jae Ham wanted to see if you were able to find more information regarding this. I am also looking to covert a SFH into a triplex in Baltimore County. Any help on the process of conversion would be greatly appreciated!

Ned Carey · Answer

@Chuck Masters not really. most of the property we get we wholesale to others to rehab.

Rich Baer · Answer

@Jae Ham

It is possible because owners over the years do things improperly without permits and inspections. If you rent out without proper zoning & permits you are asking for trouble if something happens. I convert everything back to one unit. Others don't care and will continue to rent as is.

Rich Baer, Esq.

Baltimore SFH zoned properties with multi units? Legal?

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