I bought and have been living in a duplex in Squirrel Hill for almost 2 years. It is an up/down duplex- 4 bedroom/2bath on the first 2 floors ( currently rented) and a 1 bedroom/1bath apartment on the third floor ( where I am currently living). I plan to live in one and rent the other unit for a long term investment.

My plan is to do my own renovation on the third floor apartment while I live in it, and then move into the lower apartment and do some needed updates/renovations to the bathrooms and kitchens while I reside there. ( all function fine but just need cosmetic updating). I was hoping I could pull my own permits to save some money by doing DIY updates in the unit I live in- does anyone know if that is actually possible in this situation and/or how does the permitting office respond to homeowners pulling their own permits in a multifamily rental situation?

This brings me to the more pressing question:

As I was looking into getting permits for some bathroom work to be done, I realized the current occupancy permit is for a triplex! The house used to be divided into three units, but the bottom 2 were combined at some time in the past and the occupancy permit was never updated. I noticed on the city website that a triplex requires commercial permits and the permits are more costly ( $500 vs $100). I would like to get it re-assessed for an occupancy permit for a duplex- but I am very weary of any issues that might come up with meeting code and the $$$ that could involve! Is there anyone in this forum that could speak to how the city handles code for duplexes? I chatted online briefly with someone in the city code office and he stated that they would come to inspect the property to insure there is a fire wall between the 2 units. The house is over 100 years old and the units were last updated in the 70's or 80's. The walls and ceiling are plaster and lath, but I'm almost certain no special fireproofing was done between the 2 units as they currently stand. Am I opening a can of worms by changing the occupancy permit?

I want to be a responsible and safe landlord but I am concerned about a cost prohibitive update ( fireproofing between the 2units)

Also, I would be wiling to look into a fire sprinkler system if this would be needed for proper permitting- any advice on that?

I am humbly asking for advice about how to proceed, and/or any insights or experiences with the permitting office in regards to their assessments for occupancy when done on older homes.

I am a small time land-lord who is looking to live comfortably and make ends meet and provide a safe and livable space to my tenants. Any and all comments/suggestions are appreciated. Thank you!

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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