One my friends just got done dealing with Greenfield and a multiple lot  re-zoning and permits for new builds.

and I think there are several remedies to resolve this - and the developer and the city's business/permitting services both have liability here. 

Mike, My recommendation would be during due diligence for a potential purchase, ask for past 12 months of all utility bills, property taxes, and any other municipal requirements like rental permits, occupancy inspections etc. 

The $56-a-unit process requires landlords to be up-to-date on their property taxes and for the properties to be free of any safety or building-code violations.Since landlords are not legally permitted to collect rent from tenants of a home with an inactive license, the system is designed to serve as a check on property owners, forcing them to address safety violations and pay their taxes.But Philadelphia’s Department of Licenses and Inspections lacks the resources to hunt down property owners who flout those rules, said Karen Guss, a spokesperson for the agency.

Stay up to date on all licenses and permits that may be required. 

Please be aware that all national homebuilders, and I would assume solar developers as well, will want enough time in the contract to conduct substantial due diligence, rezone (if needed), and get all required land development permits in place before closing on the land. 

However, one of my biggest concerns when fixing homes is knowing when to use permits.

Meanwhile during the eviction period, we finalized our architectural plans and started the permitting process in the county so we didn't lose much time.

Your HAP Contract certainly won't permit the Section 8 tenant to be charged and she will complain.

The zoning and Philadelphia Historical Commission approvals have been obtained, and building permit has been approved for the building renovation/conversion now working on building permit for the rear addition.