CSLB General Building (B)Planning and EstimatingHard
A contractor obtains a building permit for a room addition but is delayed by a client dispute, causing all work to stop for an extended period. Under the California Building Code, after how many consecutive days of suspended work does the permit become invalid, requiring a new permit to resume construction?
- A365 days
- B180 days
- C90 days
- D120 days
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 180 days
Under the California Building Code (based on the International Building Code), a permit expires if the work authorized is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days, or if the work is not commenced within 180 days of issuance. After that, a new permit is required to continue construction.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 365 days is too long and not the code-specified limit.
- C. 90 days is not the standard threshold used in the code.
- D. 120 days is not the correct expiration period under the code.
Permit Expiration Rule
A building permit becomes invalid if construction is not started within 180 days of issuance, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 consecutive days.
- Applies under the California Building Code (based on IBC Section 105.5)
- New permit application required after expiration
- Extensions may sometimes be granted before expiration if requested
Memory trick: Stop work past 180 and start the paperwork again.