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

@Michael Dumler Finishing up permitting. this is ground up new construction

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

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

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.

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

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

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. 

Quote from @Galant Ant: Permit delays in NY can derail timelines and budgets for developers and flippers.