Columbia SC - Zonning Question

[Joshua B Williams]

There is a home for sale that is currently zoned for commercial use. I have spoken to the zoning department and they mentioned if the property has been left vacant for more than 12 months, the grandfather use does not apply. She seems to believe the property must be torn down and used for commercial use only. I aspire to renovate the property and rent out. 

Has anyone seen any issues like this? The home has a lot of upside. Can I get away with renovating and renting the unit even though its zoned for commercial?