Work Done Without Required Permits

FAILURE TO OBTAIN A BUILDING PERMIT IS A VIOLATION OF CONTRACTORS LICENSE LAW, CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODES AND CITY OF MADERA’S MUNICIPAL CODE AND ORDINANCES

City Of Madera

Failure to get proper building permits may lead to building safety issues and lead to code enforcement action that may result in fines and penalties.  The City of Madera’s adopted Master Fee Schedule includes provisions to assess a fee of 4 X the Normal permit fees.

Contractors State License Board

Failure to obtain a building permit is a violation of Contractors License Law. Further, construction performed without a permit can expose a homeowner to additional liability and costs. When a contractor performs improvement work without a local building permit, it is a violation of Business and Professions (B&P) Code sections 7110 and 7090. Contractors who violate the law are subject to disciplinary action by CSLB, including civil penalty assessments of up to $5,000 per violation, an order of correction that requires payment of permit fees and any assessed penalties imposed by the local building department, and suspension or revocation of the license.

2025 CRC, R108.6 Work commencing before permit issuance

Any person who commences work requiring a permit on a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to a fee established by the applicable governing authority that shall be in addition to the required permit fees.

2025 CBC, 109.4 Work commencing before permit issuance

Any person who commences any work before obtaining the necessary

permits shall be subject to a fee established by the building official that shall be in addition to the required permit fees.

2025 CBC, 109.5 Related fees

The payment of the fee for the construction, alteration, removal or demolition for work done in connection to or concurrently with the work authorized by a building permit shall not relieve the applicant or holder of the permit from the payment of other fees that are prescribed by law.

Work done without required permits

City ordinances and state statutes require building permits. If you do not get a building permit when it is required, the city can legally fine you for the violation. The permit and accompanying inspections are to ensure you that the work is up to code and safe. Projects not done according to code can affect your home's insurability and potential future sale. Prospective buyers can check the city's building records. Check for issued or applied permits.

Work that was done without obtaining required permits is a violation of the State Building Code and is considered illegally constructed work. There are no statutes of limitation on illegal construction. If any work has been done illegally in the past or if change of ownership has occurred this does not make the non-permitted work legal.

In order to legalize the work, you must comply to the current codes regardless when the construction was done.

A homeowner, their agent, and/or contractors licensed by the State of California can obtain building permits. It is recommended that a licensed contractor conduct work on your project. You can research information on any contractor by logging onto the Contractors Licensing Board's Website or you may contact them at (800) 321-CSLB (2752).

Policy on work done without required building permits

This policy describes the steps for obtaining approval of the City of Madera for work that has started without the benefit of a Building Permit. Policy