Baltimore: Converting from 2 units to 3 units

[Andrew M.]

I am under contract on my 2nd property in Baltimore City. It is a 2 unit building. To be honest, I am not sure of its zoning, but I believe it was originally built as 2 units, and it has 2 gas and 2 electric meters. It has been vacant for almost a year and was reportedly operated as a 2 unit rental for at least the last 10 years. 

I am purchasing the property with a streamlined 203K loan. I will live in one unit and rent the other. I will also turn my current house into a rental. I think the 2 unit building would also function well as a 3 unit building. Each floor could serve as a 1 bedroom apartment. I do not plan to set it up that way immediately. I would like to get through the 203K process and live there for a bit while I save money, but when I am ready to move on in a couple of years I think it would be great to make it a 3 unit. 

My question now is what are the requirements for a 3 unit vs a 2 unit. I assume I will have to have the property re-zoned in order to get a 3rd electric and 3rd gas meter. I know I can plan ahead by putting an hvac system for each unit, a water heater for each, separate electric, etc.. but are there other items to consider? For example - does a 3 unit building require an automatic sprinkler system? If so, I would really like to rough it in now while I'm doing work, rather than have to retrofit it.

Any other items to consider? Anyone have experience with zoning in Baltimore City?