CSLB General Building (B)Planning and EstimatingEasy
A homeowner hires a licensed contractor to build a new detached garage. Before any construction begins, who is responsible for obtaining the building permit from the local building department?
- AThe homeowner, since it is their property
- BThe contractor performing the work
- CThe building inspector assigned to the project
- DThe architect who prepared the plans
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The contractor performing the work
Under standard practice and CSLB expectations, the licensed contractor performing the work is responsible for obtaining permits unless a specific owner-builder exemption applies. The contractor ensures the work is authorized and inspected properly.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Homeowners only pull permits themselves under an owner-builder exemption, not when hiring a licensed contractor.
- C. Inspectors review and approve work; they do not obtain permits.
- D. Architects prepare plans but are not responsible for permit acquisition.
Permit Responsibility
The party legally obligated to secure building permits before construction begins, typically the contractor performing the licensed work.
- Contractors normally pull permits for work under their license
- Owner-builder exemptions allow homeowners to pull permits themselves
- Unpermitted work can result in fines and stop-work orders
Memory trick: The one swinging the hammer gets the paper first.