@Fay Brown make sure to check with the Providence building department, not tax assessor, whether something is a legal in-law unit or not.Only the building department, not the tax assessor, determines if something is a legal use and there are many examples of people paying extra taxes on something (like a third unit) which turns out to not be a legal unit at all.Don’t go by an MLS listing description or real estate agent on this, check yourself with the city before you make the offer.If you don’t confirm it yourself, you run a serious risk that at some point in the future if a city inspector is ever there for something else and sees an illegal In-law unit, they’ll force you to rip it out (which could mean unfinishing part of the basement).The building department hates basement units, and as far as safely living there they don’t care if it’s grandma or Joe Tenant, so I do strongly recommend that you confirm with them before making an offer or purchase, that it is a “legal in-law unit”.For insurance, I would imagine you would pay a little more since it’s extra living space someone would be occupying (slightly more risk).

Agritourism is hot and the local governments usually love it.)My recommendation is to determine the permitted zonings for your business - your local zoning department can help you figure this out, and it's a good way to start getting to know the folks there.

I would do a FOIA with the local building department.

Whats is the best course of action when wanting to inquire about buying property owned by the town or school department?

You can also talj the city Engineereing department and get there opinion. 

Hi @Sam Yi Knowing NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) very well, I will ask you this: What documents were submitted and what documents do you have as proof that this application was approved?

Lastly, police department, give them a call and ask questions.

With large department stores closing,  office space being of less demand.   

Most did not understand the full gravity of the home loan and buying process and due to that I had to redo a lot of the work myself since the departments in NACA do not have efficient systems of communication.

You'll want to go to Planning and Environmental Services (or whatever department handles waterways, etc. there) and talk to them about it.