Zoning work around

[zegil77]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Chicago, IL

I'm am looking to purchase rental property (residential) and I really like unconventional living spaces. I want to take an office, manufacturing or warehouse space and convert it to rentals. The issue is these properties aren't zoned for residential. I know that getting zoning changed is difficult so I want to know if there is another way to make this work?

Example: if it is zoned for business can I incorporate as a bed and breakfast but still rent the rooms out long term?

Ideas / thoughts?

Thanks so much in advance.

 

[Zigner]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Chicago, IL

I'm am looking to purchase rental property (residential) and I really like unconventional living spaces. I want to take an office, manufacturing or warehouse space and convert it to rentals. The issue is these properties aren't zoned for residential. I know that getting zoning changed is difficult so I want to know if there is another way to make this work?

Example: if it is zoned for business can I incorporate as a bed and breakfast but still rent the rooms out long term?

Ideas / thoughts?

Thanks so much in advance.

You would need to run your plans by the local municipality.

 

[zegil77]

You would need to run your plans by the local municipality.

Do you mean architectural plans, or business plans? I know that for the construction to happen I'll need permitting and all that. It is strictly the zoning that I'm worried about. How do I work around/with it to suit what I'm trying to do?

Thanks for the reply.

 

[Zigner]

Do you mean architectural plans, or business plans? I know that for the construction to happen I'll need permitting and all that. It is strictly the zoning that I'm worried about. How do I work around/with it to suit what I'm trying to do?

Thanks for the reply.

We will not help you break the law. Speak with your local municipality about what you would like to do.

 

[zegil77]

We will not help you break the law. Speak with your local municipality about what you would like to do.

I am not trying to break the law. This is why I'm asking. I don't want to invest time and money into something that can be shut down because it is not in compliance with the law. I will talk with municipality but I guess that their response will be, yes/no or cookie cutter answers.

What I'm looking for are creative, outside the box ways to do this within the law. I'm hoping this isn't illegal, and if it is then I apologize.

 

[justalayman]

You are presuming the zoning people are dumb enough to not realize the intent of your plans. While it may be arguable, I would not rely on that to be able to slip something passed them such as this.



You are going to have to study the rules and laws in place for each possible scenario you come up with to see if you can make your plans work within the current restrictions and limitations imposed for the given use. I have no idea and no intention of hunting up Chicago law on bed and breakfast business to see if there is a limitation to how long a guest can stay or anything else that would allow you to skirt around the intent of the laws. That is something you will have to do.

 

[zegil77]

You are presuming the zoning people are dumb enough to not realize the intent of your plans. While it may be arguable, I would not rely on that to be able to slip something passed them such as this.



You are going to have to study the rules and laws in place for each possible scenario you come up with to see if you can make your plans work within the current restrictions and limitations imposed for the given use. I have no idea and no intention of hunting up Chicago law on bed and breakfast business to see if there is a limitation to how long a guest can stay or anything else that would allow you to skirt around the intent of the laws. That is something you will have to do.

I appreciate your response.

I understand and I'm not expecting you or anyone else to put forth effort to answer this for me. Whatever is said I will research thoroughly or actually hire someone to look into this.

Thanks,

 

[JennK2009]

Start by calling the alderman in the ward you are looking at. There have been tons of conversions going on, so it doesn’t appear that difficult to get zoning changed. Be prepared to explain how and why it would benefit that particular neighborhood. They like that. Maybe add some stores to the first level – they love that.

It would work in your favor if you are already a city resident. Then you could hit up your own alderman first for ideas. Be warned tho, you'll probably wind up on a committee of some sort...one hand washes the other around here.

http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/mayor/provdrs/your_ward_and_alderman/svcs/find_my_alderman.html

 

[Dave1952]

I thought most business zoning allowed dwellings above the first floor. Look at all of the B and C codes. D and DX also. Are you focused on M coding? Are you familiar Zoning Board of Appeals? Have you discussed your plans with a real estate lawyer?

 

[zegil77]

I thought most business zoning allowed dwellings above the first floor. Look at all of the B and C codes. D and DX also. Are you focused on M coding? Are you familiar Zoning Board of Appeals? Have you discussed your plans with a real estate lawyer?

Yes, B zoning allows for residential above the ground floor. But, some buildings are only 1 or 2 stories....this is my reason for wanting to figure this out. I know that people are already living in spaces that they aren't zoned properly, but they are doing it. Are they just running a risk or is something else going on?

Thanks for the response.

 

[Dave1952]

You can go before the Board of Appeals and request a variance. Is that what you are asking?