4plex Incorrectly Zoned as a Duplex...Help

[AJ Vanderhorst]

Hi all, 

I'm pretty new to real estate investing, and nearing the end of a cash-out refi process on a 4plex I've owned for a decade. My plan was to use the $$ to fund my next investment property. 

However, my lender (Quicken) has informed me that the property is zoned incorrectly and I need to get it zoned correctly before we can move forward. 

I reached out to KCMO planning and development and got this response: 

>>City record has no indication of this being anything other than a duplex. The R-1.5 zoning , would allow the use of a triplex with sufficient lot area with commercial plan review and permit for new Certificate of Occupancy. A 4-plex would be prohibited without rezoning of the property.<<

I bought the building in 2009 as a 4-plex and got it financed as a 4-plex. It has been a 4-plex for at least 50 years, under previous owners. Prior to that it was a 6-plex—the three story colonnade type that are all over downtown/midtown. So in 100 years, it's never been anything less than a 4-plex. In addition, there are multiple 4-plexes and larger apartment buildings on my block. 

I'm pretty confused at this point... How is this property zoned as a duplex? Any advice on how to move forward? It seems like this will hold up the refi indefinitely.