As someone fascinated by the intersection of housing, technology, and fairness, I couldn’t ignore the Justice Department’s latest lawsuit against six of the largest landlords in the country.

It's usually best to talk with your neighbors about your plans and get their support as one of the variance tests is that the requested relief does not cause a public health issue or alter the essential character of the neighborhood.Try googling "tests for a variance in [your state]" and talk with your local zoning department.

Have you tried calling the local police department, or sheriff's department, or the Texas Rangers depending on where this theft took place.

@Joshua ChristensenI agree with you that brokers are not experts in zoning, but this broker should have told his client to go to the zoning department to verify.

Go in person to the planning department and talk to them.

I was informed by KCMO Health Department that landlords are supposed to be paying an annual fee to them and they conduct inspections of rental units in the city?

I called the zoning department and they are telling me this is a Mixed use building (N zone).

Once that’s confirmed, they’ll help you submit the required permits to the Department of Buildings (DOB) and get approval from the Department of Transportation (DOT), since it affects the sidewalk and street.After permits are approved, you’ll need a licensed contractor to do the construction.

I would guess that an employee in the zoning department could answer questions, too.  

Called our local sheriff department.