How Does Zoning Work?
 

Hello,

This is a follow-up to an earlier thread about building multifamily units in Massachusetts.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/179808-anyone-know-about-real-estate-construction.html

You guys had lots of excellent advice and so now I have returned with yet another real estate question.

Basically, I've realized that A) Multifamily buildable lots are very expensive and B) I don't much care if my units are attached to one another or not. So my question is: If I purchase a relatively large lot zoned for single family use, say an acre of RS5 or RS7, can I put down more than one single family residence and then rent them both out?

For example, a lot zoned as RS5 is intended to have single family units requiring a minimum of 5,000 square feet per lot. So in theory, if I find a 15,000 square foot lot, why not put down three separate houses and then rent them all?

Granted, attached units would be easier to build and maintain. But detached houses would be easier to rent and generate more revenue. So I would think it roughly balances out. Any thoughts?

There is this thing called an architect, might want to hire one to do a site use study.

We have something called chapter 63 here in Ann Arbor, because if we had a 100 year rain event- downtown would be 30 feet underwater. You have to hold a 100 year event on your own site, it's a real big line item............but architects know about these and other things.

Sounds like a great plan.

A friend of mine has done well with duplexes. A bit more bang for the buck than single family, but zoning is easier than multi-family. He bought a house on five acres. Now he has a house and seven duplexes.