> The problem isn't necessarily the need for permission, it is excessive bureaucracy.

Certain checks just need time. A lack of qualified experts who are able to evaluation the situation for a permission is in such a case more likely than excessive bureaucracy.

> If I want to build and sell houses, I should be able to do it, but it shouldn't take going to 10 government offices, filling out 50 forms and waiting a year for someone to give me a permit. And then, once I have built it, it shouldn't take another year for someone to check I did it correctly.

That's how you end up with deathtraps who are poisoning their resident and folding down in themselves on the next earthquake or some strong wind.