good luck with this! actually anyone can get permits.. if you are doing something different or self building then the regulators will visit your build as you go and approve it step by step.. They could stop you in your tracks if you mess up or they are not happy with something.. but generally if you do have a good plan, that has been done elsewhere before, and you can communicate well and work with them its usually fine. A lot does come down to whether they really care or support the idea, some places are easier than others!

There is quite a lot written about it in my Earthship Biotecture Transcribed Series.. You can look for the ones that mention planning, there is some good advice in there!

https://steemit.com/ecotrain/@eco-alex/final-earthship-seminar-transcription-table-of-contents-incredible-earthship-video-to-truly-educate-and-inspire