Duplex Question - Permit for a "Camelback"?

[Ashley Pedvin]

Hello everyone!

My husband and I are new to the real estate community and are interested in a Duplex in Southern Indiana as our first buy. The issue that we have is according to zoning/records it is still listed as a single family home. Our realtor has advised that the "addition" is considered what they call a camelback to the home and we should not have any issues with permits - and that the deal we are getting is good. My question is since it is zoned as a single family, no permits on record for the addition as I have contacted the city... is this even worth our time? Realtor has been pretty short with us since we are poking for more information regarding permits/etc. and saying that it isn't an issue, however I don't want this to become OUR issue down the road. Please if you all have any information regarding on these so called camelback additions and zoning please let me know! 

Ashley