Depends on the municipality.

Some officials have been unelected for over regulating.

Others are still in need of a pink slip.

It's CA, you have to kiss the tree-huggers, environmentalists and defenders of rare butterflies and cactus.

iT IS NOT HARD IF ONE KNOWS WHAT TO DO....NEED TO KNOW THE CODES.

Was easier in Ft. Myers than Chicago!

Andrew Mooers I don't know about residential real estate, but with commercial real estate it takes about six months. If there are special use permits or zoning changes, it could take a year or more.

We have a number of municipalities in my area.  Each has different hoops.  Sometimes variances need to be obtained.  It may be a partially political process.  Appeals to the OMB can also occur.

It isn't that difficult in my town. You take your set of plans with a site plan to Building and Codes and pay your building permit, water, sewer and gas permit fees and the Adequate Facility Fee. Individuals can build their own home without being a licensed contractor. There will be 3 building inspections and water, gas and electrical inspections. There are also sidewalk inspections.

It is easier to build 1 home than it is a subdivision. Lots ready to go can be built on in less 14 days. Lots being sub divided can take a lot longer

the process is very reasonable in our area.... follow the rules and you'll not have a problem... much of our area is town water and town sewer and that saves alot of time, money and aggravation....easy source of water and sewer...just pull permits to connect (they jab you on the fee, but it's worth it)...the rest is submit a plan that conforms to the code and will fit on the lot properly.... 

Each Twp. can be different

It's a process. Most rural land here has different zonings, protected areas, varities of soil, water protections, etc. Land needs approved perc site. Well must be installed before you get a permit. Building and development need to approve the process. Access, utilities, setbacks, height restrictions, inspections, grading, etc, etc. If lot is on public water and sewer, basically the same process, but you have to buy a water and sewer tap. In some towns now, the taps cost over $50,000.00

Its a battle with no love....

Really there is no land left so I don't worry myself about it.

I have no idea... most of the building in my area is done through the big builders.

Just pay the fees and ye shall build in Oklahoma City.

Everyone is different...it has become more of a builder restriction that is tougher than the city specs.

very easy in Arizona

Very difficult, yet the politicians claim to want to see new housing; doesn't make any sense.

The permit process is complex in our area.

Andrew Mooers - checking other answers as I am not yet there....

Building connections with the builders and hope that will help.

Depends on the city. It is not that bad in Los Angeles, but Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, etc. might stretch getting permits for years. 

Some ciities are more challenging to work with than others. 

The biggest hoop is the Coastal commission.

The city takes forever to get something done.

Getting harder and harder in our neighborhood.

Hire an ex-mayor to help make "campaign contributions" and you can get around any city ordinance you want.  We have a long standing "no buildings over two stories" ordinance and they just green lit a three story mixed use building where a long standing, iconic restaurant was.

We have a $15K+ IMPACT FEE as a starter in our county. Regulation nation . Most of the home builders I knew when I started 30+ years ago have fled the area

      In the counties surrounding Tallahassee (Leon County), it's a piece of cake. 

    In Tallahassee proper (Leon County), which is governed by a corrupt mayor, corrupt commissioners, a corrupt sheriff, and  buildings full of obstructive, overpaid bureaucrats, it is very time-consuming and very difficult.

    The builders held a tar-and-feather party yesterday.  Read about it in the far-left rag, "Tallahassee Democrat"