city wants copy of general contractor license

**mudflap** · 02-03-2016, 04:51 AM

I talked to the City Clerk about building permits- she says no problem- just submit a platt map with the home located on it where you want it, the home plans, and my license and proof of insurance if I want to build my own home. I saw a post a while back talking about submitting a copy of your LHBA membership card- can I fool the city with this? (Tiny little town <2800 residents, 30 minutes from everywhere, in the sticks of Alabama). I can get the liability ins. no problem, but how do you get past the "General Contractor" license?

**blane** · 02-03-2016, 05:00 AM

You should be able to get an owner builder permit which does not require a contractors liscence. At least where I built.

**dvb** · 02-03-2016, 05:02 AM

I would bet the city clerk does not know what she is talking about. They just spout what they usually get when a contractor builds a house. You are an owner builder and do not need a license. Try again and talk to someone else if at all possible. I am not aware of any place that does not allow owner builder permits. Maybe in New York City, or LA or Boulder?

**mudflap** · 02-03-2016, 05:11 AM

Is there some literature I can read to find out more about this? Thanks for the reply!

**mudflap** · 02-03-2016, 05:16 AM

Originally Posted by mudflap

Is there some literature I can read to find out more about this? Thanks for the reply!

I actually just found this: http://www.answers.com/Q/What_type_o...your_own_house , so maybe I found my own answer. But you guys always inspire me.

**mudflap** · 02-03-2016, 05:20 AM

Originally Posted by blane

You should be able to get an owner builder permit which does not require a contractors liscence. At least where I built.

I like the sound of this. I looked at your blog, too- are you all done with your home?

**blane** · 02-03-2016, 06:00 AM

Originally Posted by mudflap

I like the sound of this. I looked at your blog, too- are you all done with your home?

I am mostly done��. We still have lots to do but we moved in two years ago and have not updated our blog since. We love the home and will keep chipping away at finishing it as finances allow. Building without debt means you build slower but you build without stress. Or at least without the stress of a bank breathing down your neck for thirty years.

**mudflap** · 02-03-2016, 06:03 AM

Thanks for the info. That's encouraging.

**allen84** · 02-03-2016, 06:22 AM

In my county, an owner builder permit is actually a little cheaper because they waive one of the fees or permit requirements (can't remember which)... the catch was that you have to live in it for at least 2 years after it's built. I guess that's to keep people from going around throwing up houses without a contractors license.

**blane** · 02-03-2016, 07:39 AM

Originally Posted by allen84

In my county, an owner builder permit is actually a little cheaper because they waive one of the fees or permit requirements (can't remember which)... the catch was that you have to live in it for at least 2 years after it's built. I guess that's to keep people from going around throwing up houses without a contractors license.

Same here. I think it's so you are not trying to scam the government out of their money. Ya know they don't have enough of our blood sweat an tears.