Any advice on BRRRRing a SFH and Transforming Into a Multifamily?

[John Culotta]

Hello BP Community - My wife and I are looking at several properties to BRRRR that are on well and septic and have the potential of transforming the house into a multifamily. Plus, build additional MF building ($105sf new construction) on the lot since there is plenty of acreage with each property. We're not experienced in this and wondering if you could share some wise advice from experience?

- Would this be a health issue (septic & well) and would we have to tap into city services first if available?

- Is it possible to rezone from Single to Multi use, and if so, how complicated is it?

- We want to go up / out with construction to add more sq feet on existing homes with basements. Would you do it?

The properties already have basements (some are separate living spaces already) and technically are duplexes. We'd like to build another unit 2nd story to convert to a TriPlex or 4plex. 

Anyone with this type of experience, especially in Boise Idaho area, that could share some wise advise? 

Thank You In Advance!

[Adam Fleck]

Hi John,  I'm looking into doing something similar!  So while I haven't gone through the entire process, I've talked with both Ada county and the city of Boise.  

From what I've been told, the rezoning process is pretty drawn out, but can be done if it fits in with the city's growth plan, Blueprint Boise (or Grow Boise).  It'll really come down to where exactly your property is located, and whther your lot can potentially carry another permitted unit.  Much of the city is already zoned for 4.88 units per acre at a minimum, with much of the interior at 8-ish (R-1C).  From what I've seen, the city just takes your acreage and multiplies it by the zoning overlay to see if you can be MF, so there's not really a need to rezone if your property is already big enough.  Then there's the minimum lot requirements, which are different for Duplexes.  

I'm sure you're aware that the city loosened its ADU requirements, but that does only apply to SFR. The city won't allow ADU's on MF properties, from what I've been told.

All told, it sound like a very major remodel in order to accommodate the new units!

Good luck!