Zoning and permit question in Baltimore

[Solomon Morris]

I have a potential deal on the table in baltimore city for a property currently zoned as C-1 and used as a SFH. The property has one external entrance but leads to two doors. One on the main floor to a potential 1bath studio with a kitchen and the other up a flight of stairs to a potential 1bed/bath apartment which also has a kitchen. The property has one water heater, one furnace and one meter. After talking to the owner, he said the main floor used to be a small store of some kind. Upon purchasing, they just utilized the bottom as extra living space!

My interest in the property would be to use as a duplex.  I wouldn't have to knock any walls down or reconfigure the property in any way.  The property does need approx 30-40k worth of work, but the numbers make sense to me if legally utilized as a duplex.  I'd also be interested in the feasibility of adding another meter if possible.

I tried getting some answers from zoning on the authorized applications of C-1 zoned properties.  I was told to get in touch with the permit office to apply for a permit but was not guaranteed success in acceptance (I've tried calling the office and have yet to get them on the phone.. I may have to take my butt up there and show some face!).  

I put in the offer with the contingency they get the permit for me but they countered for less money and for me to do it myself.  My worry is possibly taking the deal and not being able to utilize as a multifamily property.

1. Has anyone in Baltimore encountered a situation like this? what was the outcome

2. I've actually tried reading some of a baltimore zoning pdf (is this still valid?) found at:
https://ca.baltimorecity.gov/codes/Art%2032%20-%20Zoning.pdf

On page 431 of the pdf is a table listing the C-1 zoning classification and purposed uses with multifamily as a "P" (does that mean permitted?  Does this mean I actually wouldn't have to seek a permit to utilize the property as a multifamily? (please see snip below!)

Thank you all for your time.  I'm trying to do as much due diligence before I enter a contract and not fulfill my intentions for the property! any and all advice/guidance is appreciated!

Respectfully,

Solomon