Converting a Church to Multi-Family

[Philip McTighe]

Hello all,

I found a commercial property for sale in Frederick, Maryland. It is currently a empty synagogue and a historic building. I am completely uneducated when it comes to what is needed to be known about being able to convert this to multi-family units.

As noted, it is in a historic District so I am assuming like most historic districts, the outside would have to remain the same (which wouldnt be a problem). But the questions I have are in relation to knowing what to do and how to know before I buy if it can be converted. 

I reached out to the broker and she told me and showed me documents saying its a non-conforming DBO zoned commercial building. DBO meaning Downtown Commercial.

I am thinking there is a lot of zoning, permitting, general paperwork and government/historic paperwork and permissions to be given on this. 

Looking for general advise and guidance of anyone who has done this type of conversation in Frederick or in similar circumstances.

Thanks in advance!