Apartment Building Codes?

[optionguru]

I know it's a bit off topic but I could really use some info.  I own a small 3 unit apartment building that used to be a large 3 floor home.  Each floor was changed into an apartment.  None of the utilities other than phone are seperated.  Apparently when it was first converted it was only two apartments so this wasn't a problem.  The part-time building inspector in my small town now tells me that to have it as three apartments it must adhere to different rules and I need to have the services all seperated (cost approx $14,000).  Since I pay for the utilities I don't see why it matters as long as each apartment has a kill swith for the furnaces in the boiler room.  

The inspector has been very nice and patient in the past so I don't want to push the issue too much but at the same time the building is only break-even with  two of three apartments rented.  Has anyone else heard of this?

Thanks,
Peter

[John_C]

That sort of thing is pretty common.  One set of reg's for a single family dwelling.  Something else for duplexes, and more reg's for a tri/quad plex.


What were the codes at the time it was converted to three units? Can you prove when it was converted?  Do the existing codes require you to retrofit within some time frame?

[optionguru]

I didn't own it when it was converted.  The inspector didn't give me a time frame he just told me I couldn't utilize the third apartment unless it was brought up to the commercial code (I forget the exact wording).

[jraabe]

You should probably hire some help - a code specialist, ex-inspector or engineer (I'd go with the former if you can find one who is a good advocate).

Especially on a conversion this will be more like negotiating a plea deal with the Bldg. Dept. than a cut a dried national code checklist.