Does It require a permit?
One of the most common questions that comes up during a home inspection tends to be is “When do I need a permit …”
There is no simple and clear answer to this question. When in doubt you should direct your client to the local municipal construction office.
Why Does my client Need a Building Permit?
Building permits are written authorizations issued by a city or county to construct a project. Permits are required for most construction or remodeling projects, in order to ensure the safety of the work and its compliance with building, construction, and zoning codes.
Who ‘pulls’ the Permit?
If your hired a contractor for their project, it is customary for the contractor to arrange for all required permits; or, in contractor lingo, “pull” the permit. This is a good idea because typically the person who pulls the permit is responsible for construction following the code. Although it is customary, it is not required. Ultimately it is the homeowner’s responsibility to apply for and receive all permit approvals.
If your clients pull the permit, they will be considered the contractor (at least in the eyes of the city) and liable if there is a construction problem.
“SECTION R105 PERMITS
R105.1 Required. Any owner or owner’s authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be performed, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.”
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Last Updated on 4 years ago
