You know I have a really good architect we use.

@Jingru Sui Hello I live in powder springs and I’m in architect.

Lennar Homes, the builder of my house in this development, made up their own rules and more or less did what they wanted when it came to following the architects plans for the house.

.#1:  Keep Learning, #2:  Surround yourself with like-minded people and resources, #3:  Build a "team" based on data, trust, and relationships (Lenders, Architects, GC's, etc

Would anyone recommend a structural engineer or architect they've worked with in the Bay Area?

I have deep knowledge of the local market, buyers needs, contacts within towns, rules, regulations, architects, and builders, contractors, suppliers. 

The building inspector wanted an architect to draw the layout of the apartment, showing window sizes and exits and then I would apply for the CO and pay the applicable fees.  

If you are in house flipping for example, this is who you should have in your circle:-Real estate agent-Wholesaler-General contractor-Sub contractors (electrician, plumber, framer, painter, roofer, etc)-Handyman-Designer-Architect-Engineers (electrical, structural, mechanical, civil)-Stager-Title company-Real estate attorney-CPA

They require everything you mentioned, and even have some additional requirements...separate water, electric, and heating systems and meters, and a structural engineer or architects "statement of condition" for all the systems in the building...not cheap. $10k total costs would be nice.

Got an architect who handles the legalizing process, and the answer I got was I can do it, since others have done it, but the breezeway that connects the house to garage is also enclosed, thus living space, does not have the proper footings, and the garage windows are not large enough to provide a second egress, and the beams that holds up the garage roof is not the required 2x6 beams.