Can I buy a commercial property and use it for my personal residence?

Question

It's listed as a commercial prop. I think it was a home before businesses popped up all around this growing area. It's 1000 feet from my place which is located right off a major interstate and a major route. Must it remain a place of business? If not, could I buy it and run a home-based business from it?

Answer 1

You must check the zoning and what the zoning means in your area. Go to your city or county planning department, find out what the zoning is and what the regulations will allow.

If you don't comply with the zoning restrictions, you could be facing hefty fines.

Answer 2

You should be able to run a home based business from it.
You will need to visit with the local zoning officials about living in it as a home. In my area, you could do so because the commercial status is considered "a higher use".

The taxes are likely your plans very expensive as they are likely to have commercial valuation for property tax purposes. Talk to the County Assessor about his policies if you turn it back into residential property.

Answer 3

It will depend on the local zoning ordinances. In many cases areas have zoning approval for both residences and business. You will have to consult that particular property and the zoning regulations it comes under.

Answer 4

You need to talk to the zoning board in your town/city. If it is zone commercial, then you can not usually live there. However, zoning can be changed. Go to the town/city hall to get the info and talk to them about what is legal in your area.

Chris

Answer 5

Check to see if this is under city or county jurisdiction. You need to talk to the zoning department. You should be able to go there and talk to a planner. The planner should be able to answer that question.