All Forum Posts by: Kyle Kingma

Not too familiar with this, but I think you buying the property and it not being paid means you're on the hook unless the law says the builder needs to pay it. Did this not come up in a title search?

This is true!

some cities will consider it to be a bed and breakfast and may require additional approvals.

Well a third unit makes it a triplex. The zoning is probably limited to two-family (duplex). To make it legal, it may require a zone change (not a variance) as well as providing ingress and egress for the unit on top which yes, could be an outdoor fire escape-like arrangement or walling off an internal stair well. I don't think it would be difficult to renovate to have a legal third unit, but the zoning probably limits it to two, which is why your realtor says it could be storage. 

What makes it a legal living space? Compliance with the zoning code, building code, and fire code. 

Well its probably zoned for duplex, so it could be difficult to get it rezoned for four units (multi-family). The work was likely done without building permits so that's a problem. I wouldn't go into it or pricing it like you'll be able to keep it four units because you probably won't be able to. 

Put a contingency in the sale for the seller to make it legal (zoning, permits, etc.). If not, he gets the duplex price and you keep it as a duplex.

How is the area developed? Are there duplexes in the area or SFR?

Are they all on one lot?

Howdy y'all! Check out my blog post with that discusses REI from a city/city planning perspective...

What City Planners Want REIs To Know

Congrats on the progress!

Ask for the seller to obtain a zoning verification letter from the city stating that the use is conforming and that there are no known zoning violations associated with the property.