Zoning - How Do I Know if I Can Rent a House in a Given Area

[Frank M.]

Hello all, this is first post ever..apologies if this is somewhere on the site but i cannot find it.

I need some basic info on Zoning:  where to find it, what the zoning classification means, what I have to do to get a variance or change the zoning all together (additionally what are options with variances vs. zoning classification).  It is tough to get this type of information in a broad sense because it depends on the local municipality but I need a starting point.  I don't want to put an offer in on a house only to find out I cannot rent it or it is historical or some other snafu I didn't think about or know existed.  To make things a bit tougher i live in NYC and am investing in upstate NY so I cannot simply walk to the courthouse and ask these questions.

Thanks for your help I really appreciate any feedback.

-Frank

[Chris Martin]

Welcome to BP.

You should be able to see zoning information for many counties online. For instance, you can google Onondaga County zoning to find information on city (Syracuse) or county zoning (e.g. http://www.ongov.net/planning/) (Just put in your upstate NY county...)

For existing houses, they most likely are in some type of residential zoning. The property card will in most locations identify the zoning code. If a listed property, the listing agent will also should know and disclose if there are use restrictions.