The permit services here are like John's. They don't get past the counter but there are a number of counters you have to stand in front of if you are getting all the permits for a building so it is enough to justify a business. They also know all the rules so they are sure you have everything they need in the package before they go downtown. These days when money is tight and people are not that busy I bet more GCs run their own permits. The trade permits for replacements and repairs can all be done with the automated system.
My county seems to be operating under the theory that they will make it easy enough to get a permit so people don't really have a good excuse not to.
