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Duplex Conversions
Converting a “single family residence” to a “duplex” is a great investment opportunity. With the great opportunity for investment, the City of Rexburg wants to make this an enjoyable experience instead of a painful experience. This pamphlet will give you a general idea of what property would qualify and what it takes to convert a “single family residence” to a “duplex.” Topics that will be discussed will consist of what the lot requirements are and what some of the building code requirements are.
Zoning Requirements:
2 parking spaces for each dwelling behind front yard setback.
Duplexes allowed only in the following zones:
LDR 2
Per Unit : 7,260 Sq Ft.
LDR3
Per Unit : 4,356 Sq Ft
MDR1
No longer allowed
MDR2
No longer allowed
STRONGLY SUGGESTED: Prior to purchasing the property, schedule a walk through with an inspector, because a building permit is required after purchase of the household to convert property to a duplex.
Building Requirements:
Separate entrances for each dwelling unit needs to have a 36" x 6'8" door to the public way.
6'8” finishing height on the stairs is required. Stairs are required to be lit. Handrails are installed with 4 or more continuous stairs. (Finishing height is from the nose of the step to the finished ceiling.)
All life-safety must be up to date.
Egress windows in sleeping rooms need to have 5.7 square feet of openable space.
Opening of windows have a maximum sill height of 44" above the floor level.
Entrance stairs from the outside are code compliant.
Minimum hallway width is 36" and height is 6'8".
All livable space has a 7 ft. minimum ceiling height.
Building changes require that you apply for a building permit.
Electrical Requirements:
Separate meter is required for each dwelling unit.
Bathroom fan or window is provided.
Outlets are GFCI protected in bathroom, kitchen countertop and outside areas.
Electrical wiring is protected with covers installed; no cords for permanent wiring.
A licensed electrician is required, that is not the owner, to do the work when working on a rental property.
Mechanical Requirements:
Separate conditioned air ducting for each dwelling unit (separate furnace). Units cannot share air.
Gas lines must not run through Building A to service Building B. A licensed mechanical contractor is required to install gas lines.
A licensed mechanical contractor is required, that is not the owner, to do the work when working on a rental property.
Plumbing Requirements:
Separate shut-off of water supply for each dwelling unit is required.
A licensed plumber is required, that is not the owner, to do the work when working on a rental property.
Fire Requirements:
Fire separation between units.
Smoke detectors are installed and functional in halls and bedrooms to meet current code.
CO detectors are installed and functional in hallways.
In plain sight in the kitchen, a fire extinguisher (class 2A10BC minimum) is installed and functional.