I am an architect and drew everything myself.

Didn't use an architect, used an existing plan.  

This is what I have been wanting to do for some ti.me, and I partnered with one of the best Architects in the country, who was willing to work with me because we happened to be related.

I would start by hiring either a local real estate attorney or local engineer or architect who regularly navigates these waters.

For our highest risk deal, a SFH on land zoned for 10 units, we developed a concept design with an architect and complete a pre-app meeting with the city all prior to closing.

However, after some research and a little back and forth with the architect we were able to find out that Philadelphia has some exemptions for sprinkler systems/permits.

Here in NYC, which I consider to be a pretty tough environment, the Architects we work with consistently approve deposits of 25% to 30%.

It's the most prominent domain at there and plus it's more trustworthy.

--I am a former architect, but then was a stay-at-home mom for the last 20 years (I've done a lot of small jobs on the side for myself and friends, but I only know how to hand-draft; now-a-days you need to be proficient in two or three CAD programs to get a job in an architecture firm!)

The architect should be ashamed.