Just bought a duplex in Ontario CAN. City says it’s not?

[Ryan Shoemaker]

Hi BP family. This is my first post but have been following for a long time.

I have an issue that has come on my hands.

I just purchased a duplex in Kitchener Ontario Canada. The listing was a duplex and had tenants, but we bought with vacant possession in one unit with the intention of renovating.

The city has stopped by regarding an addition that was done without permits 10 years ago. The construction looks good and I will do what I need to get it to pass.

However they have now said the house isn’t a duplex even though it was sold as one and there is paperwork that the zoning is right etc.... and they want me to pull a permit for that. The house is a century home and to make it compliant could be a huge undertaking. No problem with the life safety issues, but for the construction this isn’t feasible in my budget.

Is something like this eligible to make a claim on my title insurance to have it brought up to standard?

Everything I have that's documented right to the survey suggests this has been a duplex since the 80's including all previous MLS listings.

Please help? I BRRR'd my first property for the Reno and dowmpayment on this and I won't be able to carry a huge setback like this.

Thanks all!