I am planning on visiting the P&Z department in Douglas Co. to get a walkthrough of how to obtain a building permit this week. 

How would you pull permits if you can't do so yourself?  

We also have a pretty good relationship with all the neighbors which I'm sure helps.The reason for me not getting a permit once obtaining this property is very simple -- I was given this house from my father, and the town that I'm located in, you're not able to get a rental permit unless the house is owner-occupied.

I am all for it though in tourist recreation areas for sure .. 

Plus, depending on where you build, they can often be hard to permit.

This takes us about 2-6 months for permitting and another 6-8 months for construction (depending on the municipality).

Sometimes they get away with it, sometimes not.I think building a whole suite in the basement will be much more noticeable than just a bedroom and they will probably call you on it if it is not permitted.

Hi Scott, I requested to join the group via link you provided. look forward to attending if my schedule permits.  

Never trust zoning and permitting assumptions.5. 

Obviously you will still need to research if you need permits and if it is allowed.