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

You have to make sure you follow the STR permits laws though.

If you are doing renovations that are more than cosmetic, you should be pulling permits and those generally require contracts because permit pricing is often based on contract value.

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.

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. 

Hi Adam, we do everything in-house from the permitting & architectural to the construction itself, so that removes a few variables.

I understand they are due when the building permits are pulled. 

The snippet you provided is a bit ambiguous which may itself make it unenforceable.I think your goal should be to get a signed doc from the parties to the agreement saying an STR is permitted under the agreement.

Beyond that, terminate the tenancy based on your lease (you should have a clause in there that permits eviction for this kind of behavior).

I have a deal that was presented to me that currently has some mobile homes with permits to expand.