There has got to be a way to streamline Mountain View's process in terms of getting a building permit so that much-needed businesses like this don't have to move out of town anymore in order to stay open.

Was this a permit for remodeling the interior of the building? When I remodeled my kitchen earlier this year, I submitted all my architectural drawings and application and got a building permit within a day. Granted, converting a former convenience store to a restaurant is probably more involved. I wonder how much of the delay was caused by their architect or contractor.