If we are going for an "official" stamp of approval, we do. For instance we look for houses with barns or other outbuildings in which we can build an Accessory Dwelling Unit. In order for these to be legal, we have to pull permits AND use licensed contractors to do the plumbing and electrical.

But in existing properties, we do not pull permits to do "maintenance." ;)

You don't need an occupancy permit if you already have one.

I only pull permits when they make me, unless it's an electrical panel. Tough getting around that one.

My HVAC guy pulled them for the two new units he installed last year. And yes, my property taxes on these places increased because of "structural improvements".

NE, that's why we only get them when we are doing a new space...Occupancy Permit is only given once around here.

Only if I have to.

Around here, a deck requires a permit, for example. I had a handyman build new stairs at a front door where the original stone ones had disintegrated. He decided the easiest and cheapest thing to do was to build a very small "deck" with 2 steps at the front door on top of the existing stone patio. Inspector drove by, told him he needed a permit. So he pulled one. (Seriously, 2 steps and it was making it safer!)

Siding doesn't need a permit if you are only installing on top of what is there.

I've also heard that there is no recourse against the inspectors that inspect this trivial type of stuff, so all in all, what's the point?

Ken, I had a similar experience in one of the cities near me. We did our first house and last house in that city as a result. I won't live like that.

I called anonymously to the permit office and asked the secretary what I could and couldn't do. She said I was allowed to paint!

Pattyk, unless you have some sort of weird ordinance requiring an actual occupancy permit after each tenancy, then there is no need. You may be thinking of the rental lisence or whatever other type of nonsense the local governing body conjured up?

An occupancy permit is typically issued after new construction is complete. New home or addition.

Only when I have to for new construction (sometimes not even then if they don't see it) or I get caught. Never for anything interior. I do everything better than code and the right way. A lot of times they only want their money for the permit.

I have had too many stupid interactions with the building department to want to sign up for it.

I used to only when I got caught. But now that I'm a city commissioner I have to set an example, so yes. But at least our's don't cause a tax increase unless you are adding footage.

Also we don't need permits for most stuff, even roofs unless you are replacing more than 25% of the structure.

We are going to redo our front yard with a new wall to expand our front private patio area - permit cost $20.

Permits are pulled for some electrical work, gas line work, and some plumbing work. Usually things that directly impact/rely upon the City's or Utility Company's infrastructure. I rely on my guys to pull them as needed--- it's a small town, with, like, one local plumbing outfit; and maybe your choice of three electricians, one of which is semi-retired; and probably less than a dozen regular handyguys.

Wow, Ken, that is nuts and really calls for abuse. Are they going to tell Joe Homeowner he can't pull his own toilet when needed?

I am a Licensed Building Contractor with 6 specialty class trade licenses and various related certifications. I'm also a landlord of over 100 rental units plus homes and commercial properties. In my City (Los Angeles) they require a permit for everything. But each department, supervisor and official interprets "Codes" and "Regulations" differently.

For example, lets say I get a call from one of my apartment buildings that a water main sprung a leak. I'm supposed to be able to go to the property. Shut off the water. Bypass the broken pipe and restore emergency water to the property. Then Pull a Permit and repair the leak propertly. But NO says the City, Police and City Counsel. Doesn't matter that as a Licensed Plumbing Contractor I have 3 days to pull an emergency permit, they want me to:

1) Pull a local plumbing permit in a local Building and Safety location.

2) Then Drive 2 hours in traffic to the City Hall in Downtown L.A. and fill out a 7 page report since I may need to cut into a wall with "Lead Paint".

3) If I'm going to have a water turn off I must provide emergency water, toilets and cleaning areas. Even if the water is only going to be cut off for 10 minutes.

SO instead of shutting off the water first. I run a hose from a near by fire hydrant with my pre-paid portable water meter and run a feed from the end of the property's water run and then cut off the damaged area so the water in effect never get's cut off. Otherwise I violated city "Code" and subject to hundreds in fines.

Everything with my city and permits is one big joke.

It took me two weeks to get the Utility and Electrical Permit Department to disagree to the extent I was able to do the work against both department opposite conclusions. I could never satisfy the left and right.

In the Last Year I pulled over dozens of permits, never getting more than 25% inspected and letting 75% expire even though I did the job. WHY. Because if the inspector comes on my property, HE has the DUTY to site any and all violations.

No,because a lot of the new rules are bs. Regulators are in the business of making more and more regs, whether needed or not.

For ex., for a hundred years a p trap was fine. Now, no, it has to be an s trap. With elec. outlets, we are supposed to use the new ones with the plastic covers that are supposed to prevent kids fro sticking something in. Well, they also make it d___ hard to put a plug in.

A CO between every tenant?? Wow. Do they make you do that if you SELL? Seems like total discrimination of both landlords and tenants!

For interior work that we do ourselves (electrical, plumbing), we figure that it is easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission. Exterior, we check first, but our municipality is pretty easy-going unless you are adding to the structure or creating new impervious surface.

I have pulled exactly 3 permits in 31 years.

I have pulled exactly 3 permits in 31 years.