Old Zoning Permits from the 40s for a duplex still valid?

[Forrest Hayashi]

Hi BP'ers,

Currently in the process of submitting an offer on a Philadelphia Duplex zoned RSA5 A.K.A Single Fam. The owner lives in one of the unit and I guess his/her relative lives on the other unit. They didn't have a rental license but I was able to find an ancient zoning permit for 2 family back in the 40s on Atlas Portal. If the deal goes through, would I still need to attain a new variance? and also the dreaded Certificate of Occupancy?

Anyone have similar experience before?

Thanks! :)

[Kevin M.]

You should look up the current rental license and see if it's for 1 or 2 units. Philly has a 'use it or lose it' rule for variances where if you stop using the property in accordance with the variance for 3 years it's gone. 

If the rental license is good for 2 units and there are no open violations I wouldn't be concerned. If the rental license only shows 1 unit or there are open violations I would worry about a variance and CO requirement that could be an administrative headache.