That’s closer to it. The local permitting jurisdictions get nothing out of approving or denying applications. They get held up for two reasons: the proposal is incomplete/unapprovable by law; and political intervention from an outside entity. Maybe the mayor or a commissioner, sometimes a director of an agency or organization. That’s where any bribery or other such shenanigans would take place. Not the permitting office.
Or alternatively, companies can bribe a few local politicians to stall, then start building anyways when the deadline hits.
That’s closer to it. The local permitting jurisdictions get nothing out of approving or denying applications. They get held up for two reasons: the proposal is incomplete/unapprovable by law; and political intervention from an outside entity. Maybe the mayor or a commissioner, sometimes a director of an agency or organization. That’s where any bribery or other such shenanigans would take place. Not the permitting office.