Converting a Single Family to Multi-Unit

[Eduardo Magana]

This is my problem or better yet my question: I purchased a REO single family property and did some major renovations. The city gave me so much trouble but I completed everything the city required. When I finally got the occupancy letter I noticed that the zoning was R3, which give me the idea of converting it to a three unit complex. I got some initial plans drawn up and submitted them to the planning department and their response was that I can convert it only to a two unit or a low income three unit which doesn't make sense to me because they said my lot was too small. My lot it is 16,700 sq ft and the home is 4800 sq ft. Is there anything I can submit to the city to change this verdict from the city planner? The city planner is telling me that for each unit you need 6,000 sq ft so it would be a total of 18,000 sq ft which is ridicules in my opinion because there is so much wasted space especially for a rental. Any suggestion will be greatly appreciated.

[Derreck Wells]

You need to apply for a "variance" and the town board would vote on it at the next town meeting. Where you're close to the required lot size, you might get it.

The abutters will get to speak at the town meeting, either against you or for you. You should talk to them and tell them that the town is already allowing you to go with a "low income 3 unit" but that you want to get better tenants, so you're trying to get them to allow you a "regular 3 unit". I'm sure that if the neighborhood is decent (and with a 4800 sq ft SF, it probably is) that your neighbors would rather you have nicer tenant then the "low income" ones.

You getting the point here? Stress to the neighbors that they have a choice, but it's not whether you go 2 or 3 units, but rather whether you go "low income", (use words like section 8 and welfare) or regular tenants. Make sure they understand that it's going to be a 3 unit, but they have some say in the quality of people living there.