Single Family ADU Permitting/ Zoning

[Larry Sloan]

Hello BP Community,

I am a soon to be Atlanta Investor, with my first investment property under contract (side by side- with an unfinished basement), and it appears that I've run into a bit of a snag.

If there is anyone familiar with ADU permitting and requirements that can provide some insight would be much appreciated? It appears that the city recognizes this property as a single family, even though it was listed and there are tax records indicating that it is a duplex. The property has also been operating/ occupied as a duplex, and I am in the process of collecting documentation to apply for non conforming zoning.

• Would it be possible to convert the unfinished basement into a new adu, while converting one of the two upstairs existing units into a junior ADU or semi attached?

My main concern is not being able to receive the property permits to complete the basement renovations.

• If this property has been illegally renovated, what would be my options moving forward, in order to avoid the repercussions of this negligence after purchasing the property? 

My goal is to convert the unfinished basement into a fully functioning ADU. I have talked to someone in the permitting office who explained that I could convert it into an additional unit as long as there was no stove. I am reaching out to see if there may be alternative options.