Multifamily Unit in Midtown Atlanta Zoned as only duplex?
Hey all. I'm looking to invest in a 5 unit property in midtown. The property however is zoned as r5, which technically only allows duplexes. Do you guys see this as a potential issue?

I talked to the current owner and he says 4 of the 5 units should be grandfathered in, as they were built in the early 1980s. The 5th unit was added much later. Is there a way I can obtain proof of this fact?

If I were to look into submitting an application for rezoning, how difficult would this process be
[{"id": "hwofgmj", "text": "Get it locked up and have any zoning issues cleared up before you close.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hwolsn9", "text": "More than likely the best you're going to get is a letter from the planning/zoning department stating that the deal is a legal, non-conforming land use that's grandfathered in based on the year of construction. They're unlikely to change the zoning for you as they still have an overall plan for how they want that area to be formed over the next few decades.  \n  \nWhat you really want to know is whether you will be able to rebuild the development to its current standard should it be unintentionally damaged beyond use, like if 50% of it were destroyed in a fire. What will they allow and what will they require in that situation?  \n  \nI see commercial properties that don't comply with current zoning laws all the time - its really not a big deal. Seems like almost anything built before 1980 is going to be denser and have fewer parking spaces than allowed/required by code. It's generally not a big deal. You just need to figure out the answers to those questions above and decide whether you can handle that or not in the unlikely event you're put in that position.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hwseo3n", "text": "Talk to planning and zoning and get a letter stating the use is allowed though nonconforming. Rezoning is a legal process that is both costly and likely unnecessary.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hwx4qyh", "text": "Depends on how fast and well the government works there, I sure wouldn't here in LA", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]