Bought as a two family but the city says single

[Sooyeon Kim]

Hi bp experts,

My friend recently purchased a two family house in the union city, nj. When he applied for permit to separate electric panel, the city said it is a single family and gave him violation for the non-conforming unit.

The tax record shows that it is a 2 family and previous owner paid tax as a 2 family for the past 28years.

But the city would not grant it.

If it is the case, whose responsibility is it? The buyer’s attorney? Title company? Buyer’s or seller’s broker? The city?

Thank you in advance for your valuable advices.

Soo