Basically, different rules apply to different zones; something that requires a special permit in one zone may not be a problem a block away.
I have to say I disagree with a lot of the people who have already replied. The value of your home is influenced by the zone in which it lies. When someone buys (or rents) a home, they are paying for and relying on the zoning laws that pertain to the area. I don’t know anything about this specific situation, but if the minidorm rules, zoning laws, CC&Rs or whatever prohibit multiple tenants – those are the rules and they should be followed IMHO.