Single family zoned but clearly looks like a Multi-Family

[Reed Meyer]

I am currently looking at a property that is zoned as a single family but clearly looks like a multi-family residence. It has main floor with full kitchen, living room, 3 bedrooms, and bathroom and a garden unit with a full kitchen, living room, 3 bedrooms and bathroom. It has a staircase that leads down to the lower level with a door at the top that can be closed and it even has a separate entrance where you can enter the garden unit from the side of the house. Is there anyway to make this a multi-family residence or if it is zoned as a single family is that pretty much a done deal?

[Erica Redcross]

@ Reed Meyer. It's likely a single-family with an in-law setup.  Some towns will allow it as a multi-family but some won't.  You would need to contact the zoning department in that town.  I went to check out a similar property in a town that I am focused on for investing.  The owner was renting it out as a separate apartment but when I called the zoning department I found out that it was illegal.  I inadvertently dropped the dime on the owner.  I quickly removed that house from my list of potential investment properties, as the town would not change the zoning to list it as a multifamily.  It's worth looking into.  Good luck!