permit woes

Can someone tell me if this sounds accurate. My plumber says that he cannot apply for a LAA permit because there are violations in my building. He said I will likely wait 4-5 weeks and be denied. The better alternative is to hire an architect to draw up plans for an alt2 permit which will likely be approved. My building manager said this sounds like the hard way, and he tells me the building... [more]

Can someone tell me if this sounds accurate. My plumber says that he cannot apply for a LAA permit because there are violations in my building. He said I will likely wait 4-5 weeks and be denied. The better alternative is to hire an architect to draw up plans for an alt2 permit which will likely be approved. My building manager said this sounds like the hard way, and he tells me the building plumber was recently able to get an LAA permit to replace all the gas valves in the building. Also, I talk to another couple who redid their bathroom and kitchen last year and did not get an architect. The used a design company, so it is possible that an architect was involved and they don't know it, but I doubt it. They were pretty involved. If I didn't need to get an architect, what is the incentive for this plumber to make me get one? Does he save himself some money or work somehow? He did recommend an architect. From what I know, the price I'm getting is very very reasonable. $3,000 for plans, filing fees, expeditor, asbestos, etc. Is there enough there for a kickback to the plumber? Also, what is the time frame for getting the plans approved once he starts? TIA [less]