Tips and tricks for expediting build permits?

[Marcello Di Gerlando]

Hi BP, I have a small build project in mind for some single family homes in one county. Can anyone suggest ideas that can help with getting permits approved and processed in the most efficient manner? 

I'm under the impression that there a firms or individuals that work as a go between developer and permit approval authorities, with the ability to expediate requests and approvals. If such folks exist what are they called?