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