The double AA row has Expansion permit requirements, according to Shibuyacloth's map (Use the cove indention as a guide-3rd row up)
The row with single A's requires Explorer Permits on my gamboard & Shibuyacloths map. (Its 2nd row from the cove, plot 5)
I just expanded to A11 & it required 4 Explorer Permits. My A12 requires 6 Explorer Permits. (2nd row, 3rd plot in)