Duplex to triplex convert in Pittsburgh

[Heather Moore]

Hi all, we've just recently purchased our first multi family home last Thursday. We've moved into the smaller unit to rehab & househack until we can get into the upper unit to do some upgrading in September of 2018. The property is zoned as a triplex but functions as a duplex. The utilities are separated into threes & there are three entrances along with a partially done kitchen on the second floor (for the "third" unit). Everything is set for a triplex, but current tenants occupy the "first, second & third floors" but after speaking with the previous owners they didn't convert it into a tri because the city of Pittsburgh considers a triplex a "commercial" building. I was under the impression that anything below a fourplex was residential? Looking for suggestions! Who do I call to see about converting it back to the triplex?

[Alex Deacon]

@Heather Moore to go from a duplex to a triplex changes things drastically. You may need fire escapes, sprinkler systems fire rated doors etc.. etc... It will depend on which borough or city you are in that will dictate what is needed for approval. Check with your local code enforcement officer before making any changes. What you are thinking about is how a bank treats a 2,3 and 4 units. typically if you are buying a 4 unit or under NOT in a corporate name then its considered a residential mortgage. Terms and conditions are different from commercial verses residential loans. If you buy anything in a corporate name then its considered a commercial mortgage.