Just got off the phone with a planning dude. He said that this is NOT a companion unit or any other type of "unit" because it is accessible from the primary unit via doors from the kitchen and the main downstairs hallway. He said in order to be considered a "unit" of any kind it can be attached, but must not be accessible from the primary unit - only from the exterior. So basically, this is a SFR with an illegal kitchen. He said even if they closed off the doors with full walls, they wouldn't get a permit because of the requirement of double the min. lot size, which they don't have. So, the homeowner is screwed unless they take out the kitchen.
So I can go forward and complete the appraisal subject to removal of the kitchen, which I'm sure my client will not want to do, or as-is with a cost to cure for removal of the kitchen (and since I'm not a contractor how the heck would I know?) Either way, I think the my client has a dead deal.
Here's a funny question - if this property does not technically have a second unit because of the interior access from the primary unit, then does it violate the SFR-1 zoning compliance? Answer - I guess not, since it is now simply defined as a SFR with a second illegal kitchen! Ugh! I still have a headache! But, I must say this has been very educational. Thanks to all for your help!
