small multifamily zoning

[Jessamyn Smith]

Since small multifamily homes (2-4 units) are considered houses instead of commercial real estate, are they all zoned as commercial or residential? Both? Neither?  Trying to figure out financing options.

[Jeffery Wilen]

Zoning and financing will not be related. Small multi-family (2-4), as you stated are financed like a single family house. When it comes to zoning, it’s an entirely different situation. The local jurisdiction determine what the zoning will be for a particular property. Some residential zoning allows a multi-family, some do not. It depends on the density target and other factors that the zoning officials evaluate. As with all local jurisdiction regulations, this can be all over the map.