Two steps forward 4 steps back

So we started this renovation project 2 years ago. We thought this is going to be quick and easy since we are within our property "Stepback". So we got an architect and drew the home of our dreams. Cool, love it, get the permit and let's build it. SCREEEEEEECH!!!!

We have to do the following:

1. have a neighborhood meeting and show the neighbors our plan - done
2. send notice out notice to everyone within the 10mile radius - done
3. get the plans to the sf planning department - bartering for comments

• you back portion is too well design and too nice, it's not in line with the characteristic of your neighbors (what the f*#k: we are trying to make the neighborhood look nicer!!!!! what is wrong with that?)
• your structure is too big can you cut all the corners in the back and set the top floor back (sure, we'll be Hoodini and make sure we'll build it w/o right angles in the house too)
• oh, by the way why don't you just have the family room under the kitchen with a spiral stair case going down (so can you cooking in the kitchen when your kids are playing in the family room down a spiral stair case)

4. Let get the plans in for more torture - wait, we'll need time to review it
5. Here is your 1 year permission to file for a permit, just in case your not ready to file for one now (huh, permission to file for a permit, didn't we just file for one? NO, you just got permission).

• so this is 8 months later and the economy has tanked
• our savings and stock stash has tanked
• do we still do it?
  

6. 11 months and 15 days after that permission letter and we scrap by enough money to move on with the project. Our architect went and file for the permit and....

• maybe we should file for an extension. talk to the attending head of building department person (1 hour)
• stand in line to talk to him/her, another hour
• got the permission to get an extension, another hour
• the clerk needs the code for the extension (huh, isn't it in the computer? wait this is a city computer...) , another hour
• clerk said to go back to the building department to get the code, another hour
  
• oh, btw, you have to talk to same inspector to get the code and he has left for the day.
• Day 2, waited for the inspector, an hour and got the code then another hour to pay the extension fee
• humm, 8hours at $175/hour with a licensed architect plus extension (priceless)

Now, it's another waiting game. No reply, no comments, so this is our tax dollars at work.... Can the city do better? I just don't know. Am I holding my breath? Hell, no!!!

HEY, WE JUST WANTED TO DO THE RENOVATION LEGALLY........maybe we should just do it and paid the fine instead.