Work Done Without A Permit

100.113.3 Enforcement.  If the notice of violation is not complied with promptly, the  Building Official is authorized to institute or seek the institution of the appropriate measure or process to prosecute, restrain, correct or abate such violation, or to require the removal or termination of the unlawful occupancy of the building or structure in violation of the provisions of this code or related provisions of the WCC or of the order or direction made pursuant thereto. Such enforcement may include any combination of applicable enforcement actions authorized by this code and the WCC, including without limitation prosecution as a misdemeanor. A separate offense may be charged for each day a violation is committed, continued, permitted or otherwise maintained.

 

100.113.3.1 Work commencing before permit issuance.  Any person who commences any work on a site, building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to and pay an investigative fee in addition to the required permit fees, as well as be subject to any other applicable enforcement measures provided in this code and in the WCC. An investigation fee shall be collected in advance, whether or not a permit is then or subsequently issued. The investigation fee shall be twice the amount of the permit fee as set forth in Appendix A at Table 1 through Table 9. The payment of such fee shall not exempt any person from compliance with all other provisions of this code and related provisions in the WCC nor from any penalty prescribed by law. The Building Official may also require of any person working without a building permit to be responsible for the cost of third party inspection to insure that the project is completed in accordance with the applicable code and approved plans.

 

Exception:

1. The Building Official may waive or reduce the investigative fee if the Director or authorized staff determines that a permit application has been pursued in a timely manner and in good faith, and it is in the best interest of the jurisdiction.

2. The Building Official may increase the investigative fee up to four times the amount of the permit fee as set forth in Appendix A at Table 1 through Table 9 when a licensed contractor or other licensed professional commences work before a permit is issued. The amount paid shall not exceed $4,000 for residential construction and $50,000 for all other types of construction.

How To Legalize Work Done Without A Permit