The unpermitted work was the concrete deck the last owner illegally put in, and the city's code calls for 40% landscaped areas in residential lots and he was at around 75%.The other houses that did it did without permits. 

The idea is that people building new cabins in the area need to secure small chunks of water rights in order to be get a permit for a well which they need before they can get a building permit.

He built a whole second floor, it was not permitted.

I would not suggest building a spec home, as prices of permits, labor, and materials are such that you can hardly build a new house for much  less than you can just buy one for....

@Kenton C.Here, on an annual lease, the tenant must give 3-months notice if they are not going to renew and the law permits the landlord to show the property during the last month of tenancy with 24-hrs notice.   

Before buying check city website for liens and also county website for liens or open permits .i will call the city to the zoning or planning department to check for open, expired permits .

Maybe there were no permits for the addition?

Since then I've liquidated, but have been looking forward to getting re-engage when life/career would permit.

Setting up Permits for the Postcards (Approx. $2000+) I wanted to mail these post cards myself as mailing these via mailing service would be very expensive.

I'm looking forward to hearing from many of you and I'll be active as time permits in the forums.