Downzoning (commercial to residential) in Colorado Springs?

[Robert Wright]

Bigger pockets team,

Taking a twist here from my typical SFH & duplex buy & hold rental strategy. I recently found a commercial property that I want to convert to a residential rental--it is an old downtown Victorian originally built as residential and converted many years ago. Before I get started, am looking for advice on any pitfalls to consider before I engage in a zoning discussion with Regional Building. The numbers are pretty good in terms of acquisition cost, rehab and rental income...I assume working with RB is an expensive and exhaustive necessary evil? Property next door is a Victorian residential rental as well...

[Robert Wright]

BP Team,

  Turns out the county website had the property listed only as commercial (rezoned in 1984), so I hurried down to the Regional Building Zoning office, and they showed me it is actually zoned "OR", for "Office/Residential".  Looks like zoning is not an issue (I can go full residential or combo office/residential), but they did recommend I come in with my architect plans/drawings--no problem there...in fact, I was a bit surprised at how helpful they were!  Their only caution was if I planned to add an addition onto the house (I don't), or add a second structure, i.e., garage or cottage ( I don't).  I contacted local utilities as well--no issue in transferring that either.  Each of your posts/responses were spot on...many thanks for your help.  Go Broncos!