A job requires a building permit from the city. The contractor goes to the building department and signs the application for a permit. Is this allowed?

A job requires a building permit from the city. The contractor goes to the building department and signs the application for a permit. Is this allowed?

• A. No. The contractor may not sign permit applications
• B. Yes. The contractor may sign the permit application if he or she is licensed
• C. Only if the owner signs
• D. Only for minor permits

Answer: (B)

In California, the person who signs a building permit application must have authority to perform the work. A licensed contractor is allowed to sign as the applicant when they will actually perform or supervise the work. So, if the contractor holds a valid license and intends to carry out the landscaping project, they can sign the permit application at the building department on behalf of the project. This isn’t limited to owners signing or to only minor permits. The owner can sign as well, but a licensed contractor is equally authorized to sign if they will perform the work. The key point is having the legal authority to perform and supervise the project, which a licensed contractor provides.

In California, the person who signs a building permit application must have authority to perform the work. A licensed contractor is allowed to sign as the applicant when they will actually perform or supervise the work. So, if the contractor holds a valid license and intends to carry out the landscaping project, they can sign the permit application at the building department on behalf of the project.

This isn’t limited to owners signing or to only minor permits. The owner can sign as well, but a licensed contractor is equally authorized to sign if they will perform the work. The key point is having the legal authority to perform and supervise the project, which a licensed contractor provides.