Househacking vs Zoning & Town Ordinances

[Jennie Ballard]

How do you figure out if househacking will work versus zoning and such? For example, there is a 5 bed 3 bath house with a 2 bed 1 bath detached apartment on MLS near me. The listing specifically mentions renting out the 2/1 detached unit. It looks like a great opportunity for a duplex or maybe triplex.

However, it is zoned Single Family SF-1 no more than 2.3 houses per acres. Also in the town ordinances, there are parking slot and green space requirements. I think property could meet those. Is there a way to find out if a zoning variance would be allowed BEFORE purchase? What about building permit to do work require to separate the upstairs and down stairs?

My first guess is 1) tour unit and get lots of pictures with measurements 2) sketch up layouts as-is and proposed separation 3) talk to city? It's ALOT of house and I want to ensure that I could at-least rent the 2/1 apartment.