Zoning Regulations on SFR

[Andrew Lapham]

I was listening to the newest BP Podcast (218) and the guest, Erik Stark was talking about an interesting strategy of seeing hidden value in properties that you could potentially re-zone.  He discussed re-zoning single family properties into two or three units.

The trouble was his partner in the business dealt with most of the city and rezoning issues.  He didn't really discuss the actual process.  For a newbie (no deals), in an extremely competitive market (North Denver) I would need to understand the process of rezoning myself.

Where is the best place to start in understanding the re-zoning laws?  Is it similar to getting an addition on a house permitted or totally different?

A quick example would be a picture of this house listed. It is listed for 235k on the MLS. The numbers wouldn't really work if this was a SFR. But the ability to add a legal, rezoned studio in the garage might make the deal a little more appealing.

Appreciate any thoughts and just looking for some hidden value that other might not see.

Look forward to the conversation.

Andrew

[Kenneth Garrett]

@Andrew Lapham

I have been a Building & Zoning official for over 20 years.  Check the zoning district first to see if it allows two or three units.  If there are other multiple units it is possible.  One thing is if there are no other multiple units you would then be creating spot zoning which is generally not allowed.  This is essentially a text amendment to the zoning code.  Requires public notice, public hearing, etc.

If I can be of any help let me know.