Your Contractor Didn’t Pull Permits — Now What?

6 min read · April 2026

You hired a contractor, the work got done, and now you’ve discovered they never obtained building permits. Maybe a neighbor complained. Maybe you’re trying to sell. Maybe the city sent you a notice. Whatever triggered the discovery, here’s what you need to know.

The Uncomfortable Truth: You’re on the Hook

In California, building permits are technically the property owner’s responsibility. When your contractor fails to pull permits, the enforcement notice comes to you, and you’re the one who must bring the property into compliance. This feels deeply unfair — and it is — but understanding this reality is the first step to resolving it.

The Good News: You Can Recover from the Contractor

California law gives you multiple tools. Breach of contract claims (most contracts require the contractor to obtain permits). Negligence claims (a licensed contractor has a duty to know when permits are required). CSLB complaints that create public records and can result in license discipline. And if the contractor was unlicensed, BPC §7031 lets you recover every dollar you paid.

The Practical Path Forward

Start by contacting the building department about after-the-fact permits. Get cost estimates for any corrections needed. Send the contractor a formal demand letter for the full cost of compliance. If they don’t respond, escalate to a CSLB complaint or legal action. Document everything along the way.