legal nonconforming Taunton MA

[Sean Doherty]

There is a 4 unit rental property in Taunton MA that I'm considering but after a little due diligence I found out that it was a legal nonconforming property. I was told by a member of the Taunton zoning commision as it is now its a legal small multifamily but the zoning ordinance states that if the property is damaged 65% or more (determined by the building commissioner) through fire, flood, wind ect. then it has to be rebuilt conforming to the current zoning laws, which is single family only for that area. I think the chances of that much damage being done are low but anyways my plan was to owner occupy with an FHA loan and my loan officer told me I can't get the loan because of this issue.

I'm curious what others think of this situation and if anyone has run into an issue like this. Also if anyone has recommendations for an insurance agent please send them my way, I'd like to speak with someone that can explain to me how the situation would be handled if the property did get damaged beyond the 65% threshold.