Published on our March 2023 Newsletter
Question: ““Sometimes I see 3 units for sale on a property zoned R-1 or R-2 when there should only be 2 permitted by code. Why is that?”
Chris’ Answer:
This is permitted if there are two separate lots involved being sold together. If they are both R-1 or R-2, buying both lots means that you can have 3 units, and even 4.
Another reason you see this is that the building codes could have changed after the units were built. After Hurricane Hugo in 1989, building codes did change, and anything built or repaired after the hurricane was built to the new codes.
Sometimes people put in another apartment without thinking about the zoning. Unless it’s a cash sale, to meet mortgage lenders’ requirements, the building would need to meet the current code as to the number of living spaces. For example, if it’s a single lot zoned R-1, and there are 3 kitchens (denoting a separate apartment), one kitchen would need to be removed for the property to qualify for financing.
See our discussion about the different zones for multi-unit listings here.
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