Buying commercial property for personal/residential use
Hello all, apologies if this is the wrong place to post this I just can’t find answers anywhere else. 

Basically, I was thinking of buying an auto mechanic shop and building a studio apartment into it and living there. I understand that a repair shop is zoned as commercial and I can’t live without having it reasoned as residential or residential/commercial. My questions were

1. Is there a way I can be sure I can get it rezoned appropriately before I buy a property?

2. If I can’t get it rezoned, can I buy a commercial property and just have it for personal use or do I have to set up a business there?

I understand that this is in large part determined by local county/city laws, but a general frame of reference would be appreciated, as well as advice where I can find this information for my locality. 

Thanks in advance!
[{"id": "irkxqle", "text": "What will you do if the next door business is open 24 7 and you can't sleep because of noise ?", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "irkzi0v", "text": "Need to talk with the zoning department of your city before purchase", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "irlj9nz", "text": "Some commercial zoning allows \"dwelling\".", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "irlu3l3", "text": "There are \"mixed\" use properties which consist of a mix of residential and commercial. You need to check with zoning and planning before purchasing the property....as they will tell you the zoning and whether or not it could be rezoned if necessary (this can be very expensive). \n\nYou are not required to operate a business out of a commercial property you acquire. I have a number of clients who buy buildings to store their own stuff, vehicles, etc in them.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "irn1q7w", "text": "I\u2019ve seen auto shops with apartments above them zoning is definitely key. Check zoning map and ordinance to see how it is zoned and what is allowed then call the municipality and ask to speak to the zoning officer if it isn\u2019t allowed under the current zoning.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "irnbphx", "text": "I\u2019ve seen older industrial or commercial properties like junkyards or warehouses that have grandfathered \u201cwatchman\u2019s quarters\u201d or a caretaker suite that allow residential occupancy.\n\nFailing that, depending on the location and layout, access and use of adjacent properties, many places have break rooms and facilities with washrooms, showers, kitchens\u2026 ;)", "replies": [{"id": "irnnboj", "text": "Our county allows 1 (one) watchman/security apt per commercial complex. Here you can buy a commercial property and use it for personal purposes such as storage, hobby etc.  All automotive use, past, present, future, requires extra due diligence especially relating toxic and hazardous waste, storage of chemicals, fluid leaks etc., and even if you plan to use it for personal purposes, if you are going to paint, or have other chemicals. be prepared to have remediation issues when the time comes to sell or lease.  I should add that that commercial property that is legal for automotive use is the hardest kind to find and usually commands some kind of premium price.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "itdt6qe", "text": "You could try getting a real job. \n\nOr\u2026\n\nMaybe drinking some whiskey might help you sleep if it\u2019s too noisy.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]