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ast week we found out some really devastating news about a rescode reg about a minimum required distance of 5m to your neighbour for their north facing windows
Anyway, in regards to your questions. A single story house is around 200days build time.
You can apply for a modification to the regulation with the building commission. I'm guessing if this reg does come into play it will be fairly common that it will need to be modified.
You can get a building permit in hours. The surveyor just has to check the plans and paper work is in order and sign it. Its getting all the paper work to him that can take time. Drawing plans, Soil tests, titles, town planning, etc etc. If the builder has that your good to go. From memory, a building permit is vaild for 3 years, but you must start construction within 12 months. You can apply to extend a permit (only once I think).
Hope that answers your questions. Id say you will be fine though.
Milesy