I just had a problem with a parking pad I had done years ago, and a permit issue with the City of Pittsburgh.

My word of advice would be to make sure all building codes and zoning laws are followed precisely, and if you're not going to pull any permits yourself, MAKE SURE to put it in the contract that the contractor will be required to pull any necessary permits that are required.

I'd also suggest calling the zoning office, or building inspectors office, and MAKE SURE that what you're doing is within the codes, and find out for certain if you do, or do not require specific permits.