Non-conforming multi-family in R4, zoning/permitting nightmare!

[Nicholas LaGatta]

Hi, all. Someone I know is under contract on a property near the Beltline in West End. It's got 3 units with 3 addresses assigned by Zoning enforcement, although zoning still saying the use as a triplex is nonconforming. Fulton County tax records show the property is a coded as a duplex (style field of Improvement Information box). I understand a duplex may have an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).

The objective is to get a permit to change the windows, put up siding, and add a fence.  The future owner would like to do the work themselves or with an unlicensed (and very affordable) contractor, but to get a permit they need a licensed contractor.  They want to do everything by the book, but don't understand the inspection process and don't want to invite an inspector to come over and throw the book at them.  The place has at least one unpermitted room and a bathroom and a few other building code violations.

Does anyone know how to navigate this hairy situation?  There are plenty of funds for the rehab, but the bureaucracy is a nightmare to deal with.