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Information About Holds

Q.What is a HOLD and why do I need to be concerned about them?

A. Before a Building Permit is issued, many agencies review the proposal. When requirements which are enforced by an agencies must be met prior to the completion of the project, the agency places a Hold on the permit at the time that it is issued. Please note that the permit is not finaled until all Holds have been released.

Q.How can I tell if there are Holds on my permit?

A. On the lower left part of the Building Permit you will see the word, "HOLDS", written in bold. You will also see the words, 'AGENCY, REASON, CONTACT and PHONE.' These columns all refer to the Holds on your permit. You may also call the Planning Department's Building Information number at 454-2260 to check on the status of any Holds on your permit.

Q.Who can CLEAR or RELEASE the Holds on my permit?

A. Only the agency that has placed the Hold can clear it. Please do not ask or expect the Building Inspector or clerical staff to remove the Holds. Contact the agency directly at the phone number listed for each hold.

Q.What are the procedures for clearing Holds, finaling a permit and occupying my home or business?

A. As your project nears completion you will want to take the following steps:

  • Contact all agencies having Holds and begin resolving outstanding issues.
  • Call for a final building inspection when the construction is finished and ready. (The holds do NOT have to be removed before you call for the final inspection.)

When the Building Inspector and all agencies except the Fire Agency have signed off on the permit, you may ask for an electrical clearance for the permanent service. After the Fire Agency does their final inspection and removes their hold, the permit is finaled, the gas service may be connected and the building occupied.

Q.What happens if I fail to clear the Holds on my permit?

A. Your permit is not finaled, and, in many cases, you will not be allowed to connect to permanent gas and electric service until the permit is finaled. In other cases you will receive notification that your permit is about to expire, even though you may have had a final approval from the Building Inspector. Expired permits are referred to Code Enforcement for resolution. Civil penalties may be imposed.

Q.May I occupy a residence or business prior to having the Holds cleared?

A. It depends on the type of project.

  • For construction of all new buildings, all major reconstruction and any large project that requires vacating the building and the removal of utility meters, the permit must be finaled and Holds removed before occupancy
  • On minor remodeling, additions and repairs, the existing building may be continuously occupied and the utilities maintained.

Q.What happens if I occupy the building before the final approval or clearance of Holds?

A. Occupying a new residence or business prior to final approval is a violation of County Ordinances and can result in disconnection of gas and electric service by order of the County Building Official. (See the exception for continuously occupied projects, listed above.)