Building Permit Fee Dispute

Summary

If youre facing high building permit fees due to a water heater upgrade in a flood zone, consider appealing the fees with the Public Works department. Verify if any county rebates apply to your situation. If unresolved, consult a real estate or construction attorney in San Jose, CA, for guidance. Websites like Avvo or the California Bar Association can help you find qualified lawyers in your area.

Full Conversation

Building permit fee problem
Hey ****! Can you share a bit more about the issue you're facing with the building permit fee? Are you being charged incorrectly or facing difficulties in obtaining the permit?
Little about my situation. My mother’s house had to replace a water heater. Contractor advise to upgrade to electric since the county is providing a rebate. After installation the water heater permit was held up by Public Works department (address in a floodzone). After several weeks of contacting, the PW review signed off as not major improvement. Permit now cost $* for PW review and penalty fee for code violations from previous owner. What steps can I take to have these absurd fees removed?
Hey ****, dealing with permit fees can be frustrating. Here are some steps you might consider:
- Appeal the Fees: Contact the Public Works department to appeal the fees, explaining the situation and any discrepancies.
- Check Rebates: Verify if the county rebate covers any of these fees.
- Seek Legal Counsel: Consider consulting a local attorney for more detailed guidance.
Have you already tried discussing this with the Public Works department or a local legal advisor?
no
Case Rating: *
Hey ****, it's great that you're looking to address these fees. Since you haven't discussed this with Public Works or a legal advisor yet, I'd recommend starting by contacting the Public Works department to appeal the fees and explaining your situation. If this doesn't resolve the issue, consulting a local attorney might be helpful.
Recommend local attorney in San Jose, ca
Case Rating: *
Hey ****, while I can't recommend specific attorneys, I suggest searching for real estate or construction attorneys in San Jose, CA. They can provide guidance on dealing with permit issues. Websites like Avvo or the California Bar Association can help you find qualified lawyers in your area.