Adding a unit to building

[Matthew Sidlo]

I purchased a legally zoned 2 family building, the layout is allowing me to make a 3rd unit, a studio apartment, in an empty room that has a front door and 2 windows.  It even has its own electric account.  It is between a garage and another unit.  

I have gone to the planning/zoning and they said I will need to either install sprinklers or have fire walls installed if I want to change it to a 3 unit building. 

Does anyone have any recommendations on what I should do?  Noise is a concern, so doubling up on drywall seems like a good idea either way. 

Should I just hire an inspector/specialist?

The building is in East Greenwich, RI, if that makes a difference.  

Thank you in advance, hope to hear from anyone willing 

to help!

Matt

[Cave Johnson]

They probably want at least 2 sheets of 5/8" Rock and maybe 2 separate stud walls. Ask the city building dept. They get these kind of questions all the time.