Dear Homebuyer in Tarrytown,
It sounds like you have a mixed use zoned building. In this day and age of zoning in towns, it is very difficult to garner a mixed use variance. I stronly suggest that you check with the building department to find out if this house is "grandfathered in", because if it is and you change it to a full residential home, you may loose your mixed use zoning and this might significantly lower the resale value of this building. You also might be able to temporarily convert to a residential unit without changing the zoning, in that case your taxes would remain the same. Please make sure to acquire all necessary permits and C of O's. Banks and Title companies are very hesitant to give financing on structures with open permits and questionable improvements, which could affect whether or not a buyer can purchase and obtain funds.
I would ask the people in the building department for recommendations of attorneys. They work with them all the time, and they would know which attorney understands all their local laws and zoning codes.

Good Luck,
April Gasparino, ABR, CBR, e-Pro, GRI, SRES
Associate Broker
Coldwell Banker
Rye, NY
914-804-4779

Why use an attorney when the information is public. Most towns welcome the return of any commercial property to a single family home. I suggest an appraisal too to make sure you are not decreasing the value of the exhisting use. Each town is different, but I would think any tax assessor would be happy to answer any question and it is more amicable. Good luck! Kate O'Keefe of Frances Billingsley Realty

Hi, The best thing to do is call the town hall in the town where the property is located and speak to the assessors office. Most of the time you will be able to speak to an assessor. That is truly the best way to go, especially since every municipality is different. If you still need an attorney after speaking with town hall let me know I will be happy to put you in contact with one.

Sincerely,

Christopher Pagli
Associate Broker
Legends Realty Group
914.406.9023